Nettle

Results obtained from clinical trials support the use of stinging nettle root extracts for the symptomatic treatment of urinary symptoms secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia stages I and II. Patients should be instructed to obtain a diagnosis of BPH and rule out prostate cancer prior to self-medicating with nettle root extract. The rec- ommended daily dosage is 4–6 g of the crude drug or equivalent preparations as an infusion, or 600–1200 mg of a dried extract preparation (5:1, 20% methanol). Treat- ment for 1 to 3 months may be required before the full therapeutic effects are appar- ent. There are no drug interactions reported. Adverse reactions, such as nausea, vomiting, headaches and dizziness, have been reported in clinical trials. Nettle root should not be administered to patients with an allergy to stinging nettle or to plants of the Urticaceae. Due to the effects of nettle on androgen and estrogen metabolism, administration of nettle root is contraindicated during pregnancy and nursing, and in children under the age of 18 years old.