Stinging Nettle Interactions Overview

Check For Interactions With Stinging Nettle

Stinging Nettle

Also known as
  • Urtica dioica
  • Urtica urens
  • Bichu
  • Common Nettle
  • Great Stinging Nettle
  • Nettle
  • Nettle Leaf
  • Nettle Seed
  • Nettle Worth
  • Nettles
  • Ortie
  • Ortiga
  • Small Nettle
  • Stinging Nettles
  • Urtica
Stinging Nettle Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) is a perennial flowering plant that belongs to the Urticaceae family. It is native to Europe, Asia, and North America, and is characterized by its green leaves and small, greenish-white flowers. Stinging nettle has small, stinging hairs on its leaves and stems, which can cause a painful rash when touched. The leaves and the roots of stinging nettle have been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of conditions such as joint pain, diabetes, enlarged prostate, anemia, and urinary tract infections. It is also used as a diuretic and to help with allergies as it contains the compound quercetin. The leaves and stems of the plant are edible and can be consumed as a vegetable, usually after boiling or steaming to remove the stinging hairs, as the plant is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
There are 162 drugs known to interact with Stinging Nettle

Additional Details

Is Stinging Nettle Safe? Are There Any Warnings?

Stinging nettle is generally safe when used orally or topically in appropriate amounts. However, pregnant women should avoid oral use of stinging nettle due to its potential to stimulate the uterus. There is limited information available about the safety of stinging nettle during lactation, so it is advisable to avoid use in this period as well.

How Is Stinging Nettle Thought To Work? What Is the Mechanism of Action?

Stinging nettle contains various compounds in its above-ground parts and root that contribute to its potential health benefits. The root of stinging nettle contains polysaccharides and fatty acids, while the leaves are rich in nutrients such as carotene, vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Additionally, stinging nettle leaf contains substances like beta-sitosterol, flavonoids (such as quercetin, rutin, and kaempferol), and lectins, including agglutinin. The stinging nettle hairs contain histamine, acetylcholine, and serotonin.

Stinging nettle has been studied for its effects on allergies, pain relief, cancer, fungal infections, and inflammation. It is believed that the quercetin content in stinging nettle leaf may have anti-inflammatory and mast cell stabilizing effects, reducing the release of histamine from basophils and mast cells. Stinging nettle root extract has shown potential anticancer effects by inhibiting the binding of epidermal growth factor to its receptor. Polysaccharides from stinging nettle root extract can also modulate the immune system and reduce inflammation by stimulating T-lymphocyte proliferation and influencing the release of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha).

Pharmacokinetics

There is limited information available about the pharmacokinetics of stinging nettle. More research is needed to understand the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of its compounds in the body.

Interaction Overview (See Below For Full List)

Stinging nettle may interact with certain medications and supplements. It is advisable to exercise caution and consult with a healthcare professional before combining stinging nettle supplementation with other drugs or supplements to ensure safety and avoid potential interactions.

Common Side Effects To Watch For

Stinging nettle is generally well tolerated, but some individuals may experience constipation or diarrhea when taken orally. When applied topically, contact with the raw plant may cause itching, rash, or stinging sensations on the skin.

Are Supplements Standardized?

There is limited information available about the standardization of stinging nettle supplements. The composition and concentration of active compounds in stinging nettle supplements may vary between products and manufacturers. It is recommended to choose reputable brands and check product labels for information on standardization, if provided.

Common Uses of Stinging Nettle in Dietary Supplementation

  • Allergic rhinitis (hay fever): Stinging nettle may be used to alleviate symptoms of hay fever, such as sneezing, runny nose, and congestion. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory and mast-cell stabilizing effects.
  • Diabetes: Stinging nettle may help improve glycemic control in individuals with diabetes. It has shown potential in regulating blood glucose levels.
  • Anemia: Stinging nettle is sometimes used for its potential benefits in managing anemia, although more research is needed to confirm its efficacy.
  • Asthma: Some individuals use stinging nettle to manage symptoms of asthma, although further research is required to determine its effectiveness in this regard.
  • Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH): Stinging nettle may be used as a complementary approach to support the management of BPH, although its effectiveness is not yet well-established.
  • Gout: Stinging nettle is sometimes utilized for its potential anti-inflammatory properties to manage gout symptoms, although more evidence is needed to support its efficacy.
  • Osteoarthritis: Topical application of stinging nettle has shown promise in relieving pain associated with osteoarthritis. However, further research is required to confirm its effectiveness.
  • Urinary tract infections (UTIs): Stinging nettle may be used to support urinary tract health, although more research is needed to determine its effectiveness in managing UTIs.
  • Allergic reactions (topical use): Stinging nettle can cause a localized reaction on the skin when directly touched, which may be utilized to stimulate localized blood flow or as a counterirritant for certain conditions.

Drugs that interact with Stinging Nettle

Return to the main herbal interaction checker page

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC