What is Stinging Nettle Root?
Named for the feeling you get when you grab this plant by the leaves, the root of stinging nettle is typically served as a tea. You may also find it alongside of a few other herbal remedies within supplement blends for prostate and urinary tract health.
Stinging nettle root is said to be packed with a variety of benefits that may improve your overall health but is one of those benefits a boost in testosterone levels?
What are the Benefits of Stinging Nettle Root?
Before we discuss the benefits as they relate to testosterone, let’s take a look at other things that stinging nettle root may have a positive influence on.
May Alleviate Seasonal Allergies
If you’re one of the millions of people who suffer each year when the pollen rolls in, stinging nettle may be just the thing you need. Studies suggest that stinging nettle root may be an effective seasonal allergy and hay fever fighter. By releasing a substantial amount of histamine, it may fight against the symptoms that accompany allergies. (1-2)
May Improve Prostate Health
For older guys, stinging nettle root may come in handy as a way to support your prostate health. At the very least, it has been shown to alleviate symptoms related to Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. At its best, stinging nettle root may fight back against prostate cancer. (3-4)
May Help with Joint Pain
Stinging nettle root has been shown to be an effective way to alleviate the symptoms related to joint and connective tissue pain. Studies suggest that it possesses anti-inflammatory properties, which in turn may help reduce the soreness and pain related to rheumatoid arthritis. (5)
Does Stinging Nettle Root Increase Testosterone?
It Does Boost Testosterone… But There’s a Catch
Stinging nettle root has been shown to prevent the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which will significantly increase the amount of free testosterone in your body… if you’re a rat.
All of the studies floating around the internet right now that claim stinging nettle root is a potent testosterone booster have all been conducted on rats, not humans. (6)
Great for Health, Not for Testosterone Levels
The one human study focusing on testosterone that has been conducted did show promising signs for stinging nettle root but not where you want them.
Stinging nettle root has been shown to positively treat men suffering with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
As for testosterone, this human-based study showed no difference in testosterone levels before, during, or after supplementation. (7)
The Bottom Line
This tasty tea is great for allergies, joint pain, and promoting overall well-being. For guys, it’s a natural way to promote prostate health. Unfortunately, if you want more testosterone, you’ll have to look elsewhere.
Stinging nettle root may not support maximum testosterone levels but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t make it a part of your daily routine as its benefits can be helpful for chasing after fitness, wellbeing, and physique goals.
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References
- Zimmermann I, Ulmer WT. Effect of intravenous histamine, allergen (Ascaris suum Extract) and compound 48/80 and inhaled allergen-aerosol on bronchoconstriction and histamine release. Respiration. 1981;42(1):30-42. – Link
- Roschek B Jr, Fink RC, McMichael M, Alberte RS. Nettle extract (Urtica dioica) affects key receptors and enzymes associated with allergic rhinitis. Phytother Res. 2009 Jul;23(7):920-6. doi: 10.1002/ptr.2763. – Link
- Konrad L, Müller HH, Lenz C, Laubinger H, Aumüller G, Lichius JJ. Antiproliferative effect on human prostate cancer cells by a stinging nettle root (Urtica dioica) extract. Planta Med. 2000 Feb;66(1):44-7. – Link
- Ghorbanibirgani A, Khalili A, Zamani L. The Efficacy of Stinging Nettle (Urtica Dioica) in Patients with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: A Randomized Double-Blind Study in 100 Patients. Iranian Red Crescent Medical Journal. 2013;15(1):9-10. doi:10.5812/ircmj.2386. – Link
- Klingelhoefer S, Obertreis B, Quast S, Behnke B. Antirheumatic effect of IDS 23, a stinging nettle leaf extract, on in vitro expression of T helper cytokines. J Rheumatol. 1999 Dec;26(12):2517-22. – Link
- Moradi HR, Erfani Majd N, Esmaeilzadeh S, Fatemi Tabatabaei SR. The histological and histometrical effects of Urtica dioica extract on rat’s prostate hyperplasia . Veterinary Research Forum. 2015;6(1):23-29. – Link
- Lopatkin N, Sivkov A, Medvedev A, et al. [Combined extract of Sabal palm and nettle in the treatment of patients with lower urinary tract symptoms in double blind, placebo-controlled trial]. Urologiia. 2006;(2):12, 14-19. – Link
