Evidence supporting the use of: Dwarf Nettle
For the body system: Prostate

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Dwarf Nettle (Urtica urens) and its close relative, Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica), have been traditionally used in Europe for urinary and prostate health. Most scientific research, however, focuses on Urtica dioica rather than Urtica urens. Extracts from the roots of Stinging Nettle have been shown in several clinical trials to modestly improve symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)—a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland common in older men. These effects include decreased urinary frequency, improved urine flow, and reduced post-void residual urine. The mechanism is not fully understood but may involve inhibition of sex hormone binding globulin and anti-inflammatory effects.

While Urtica urens (Dwarf Nettle) is less studied, it is sometimes used interchangeably in herbal medicine with Urtica dioica. There is some traditional and regional use of Dwarf Nettle for urinary and prostate complaints, but direct scientific evidence for Urtica urens specifically is limited. Most of the scientific validation for prostate support comes from studies on Urtica dioica root.

Given the botanical similarities and traditional uses, Dwarf Nettle is sometimes included in prostate support formulas, but the strength of evidence is moderate at best and largely extrapolated from its more studied relative.

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