OtherHerbalSupplementProstate support

Stinging Nettle Root (Urtica dioica)

Also known as Urtica dioica root · Nettle root · Brennnesselwurzel

Written by enwyReviewed 5 Aug 20262 sources0 comments

Stinging nettle root extract is used in 'test-booster' stacks on the theory that it binds sex-hormone-binding globulin and inhibits 5-alpha-reductase and aromatase, freeing testosterone. Its stronger, better-evidenced use is actually for benign prostatic hyperplasia symptoms. Direct human evidence for raising free testosterone is weak.

01 Overview

Lignans and other constituents in nettle root can bind SHBG in vitro and the extract shows mild 5-alpha-reductase and aromatase inhibition, giving a plausible rationale for a small free-testosterone effect. In practice the best clinical evidence is for modest relief of lower-urinary-tract symptoms in benign prostatic hyperplasia, where it is used alone or with saw palmetto; robust trials showing raised free testosterone in healthy men are lacking.

Users add nettle root to hormone-support stacks and for prostate/urinary health. It is well tolerated, with occasional mild GI upset. Note nettle root differs from nettle leaf (used for allergies), and it may interact with diuretics, antihypertensives and antidiabetic drugs.

02 Mechanism

Root extract whose lignans bind SHBG in vitro and mildly inhibit 5-alpha-reductase and aromatase, with additional anti-inflammatory effects on prostate tissue.

03 Dosing

Tier	Dose	Route	Notes
Standardised root extract	300–600 mg/day	Oral	Common stack dose; BPH trials often use ~120 mg extract two-three times daily.
Higher supplemental use	600–1200 mg/day	Oral	Upper anecdotal range in hormone-support products.

04 Effects

Effect	Magnitude	Evidence
Relief of BPH urinary symptomsIts best-supported benefit: improved lower-urinary-tract symptoms in benign prostatic hyperplasia.	modest	Clinical
Possible SHBG binding / free-T effectIn-vitro SHBG binding and mild enzyme inhibition suggest a small free-testosterone effect not confirmed clinically.	small / unproven in humans	Preclinical

05 Side effects

Effect	Severity	Frequency	Evidence	Countermeasures
Mild GI upsetOccasional nausea, diarrhoea or stomach discomfort.	Mild	Uncommon	Observational
Drug interactions (diuretic/BP/glucose)May add to diuretics and lower blood pressure or blood glucose.	Moderate	Interaction	Observational

06 Legal status

United States

Dietary supplement

as of Jan 2026

United Kingdom

Food supplement

as of Jan 2026

07 References

Urtica dioica for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia: a randomized double-blind studyJ Herb Pharmacother, 2005

Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) and its effects on sex-hormone-binding globulinPlanta Med (in-vitro study)

08 Discussion0 comments

Create account

Discussion is moderated. No sourcing, vendor names or price talk — those comments are removed, and repeat posts are banned.

This page is reference information, not medical advice. Doses and protocols are documented as they appear in the clinical literature and in practice — describing them is not a recommendation to use them. Countermeasures listed here are not a substitute for a physician. Legal status varies by jurisdiction and changes.