Nettle and Prostate Health

The leaves of nettle (Urtica dioica L. and / or Urtica urens L.) are used in folk medicine for their purifying, anti-inflammatory and remineralizing properties.

In modern phytotherapy, however, the root plays a leading role in the symptomatic treatment of benign prostatic hypertrophy.

is a perennial herbaceous plant, native to western Asia, now widespread in all temperate regions of the globe, including Italy. The plant drug of urological interest consists of rhizomes and dried roots, which are characterized by the presence of phytosterols (β -sitosterol, daucosterol and related glucosides) and scopoletin; the presence of tannins, lecithins, mineral salts, phenylpropanes and lignans is also discreet.

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The mechanisms of action proposed to explain the positive effects in the treatment of benign prostatic hypertrophy are different. In vitro, a methanolic extract of nettle root inhibited the binding of SHBG (sex hormone-carrying proteins) to solubilized receptors in prostate tissue. This action, ascribed to the lignans present in the drug, would be of particular benefit to limit the growth of prostate tissue induced by androgens and in particular by dihydrotestosterone. In another in vitro study, an ethanolic extract of nettle root inhibited prostate aromatase activity; this effect, increased by the addition of an extract of Serenoa repens, decreases the conversion of testosterone into estrogen, rebalancing the androgen / estrogen ratio (for the establishment of benign prostatic hypertrophy the presence of androgens is required, even if they are not necessarily the direct cause of the disease). The polysaccharide fraction showed anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating activity, with inhibition of lipoxygenases and cyclooxygenases (involved in the production of inflammatory cytokines). The "methanolic extract, on the other hand, inhibited cell proliferation in cultured prostate tissue. from patients with benign prostatic hypertrophy. A lectin fraction of Urtica dioica agglutinin inhibited the binding of epidermal growth factor (EGF) to EGF receptors in a cell culture of human prostate tissue.

). Quality of life and uroflowmetry parameters (Qmax, residual volume after micturition) were the same with nettle extract and placebo.

The therapeutic efficacy of the combination of serenoa and nettle extracts (PRO 160/120) was compared with that of finasteride. This multicentre, randomized, double-blind study involved 543 patients with early stage BPH; after 24 weeks of treatment the benefits obtained in terms of improved IPSS and maximum urinary flow did not show statistically significant differences, while the incidence of adverse effects was higher in the group treated with finasteride.

Schneider T, Rübben H. Extract of stinging nettle roots (Bazoton®-uno) in long-term treatment of benign prostatic syndrome (BPS). Results of a randomized, double-blind, placebocontrolled multicenter study after 12 month. Urologe [A] 2004; 43: 302-6.

Sökeland J. Combined sabal and urtica extract compared with finasteride in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia: analysis of prostate volume and therapeutic outcome. BJU Int 2000; 86: 439-442.

* IPSS is a test used internationally to classify the many different symptoms that accompany an enlarged prostate.

and / or the African pigeo.

, episodes of skin allergic reactions and gastrointestinal disturbances of negligible and transient severity, such as nausea, diarrhea and stomach pain.

Considering the possible interference on the metabolism of androgens and estrogens, the use of the extracts is contraindicated in pregnancy, lactation and in children under the age of 12. Possible interference with hormonal therapies, and by summation of action, should also be noted. with finasteride and dutasteride (drugs widely used in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia and prostatic hypertrophy). In any case, prior to taking nettle root extracts, a prescription and medical supervision is required.

Other articles on "Nettle and Prostate Health"

1. Serenoa repens, prostate and hair
2. Prostatic hypertrophy
3. Drugs for the treatment of Prostatic Hypertrophy
4. Diet for benign prostatic hypertrophy
5. Prostatic hypertrophy - Herbal medicine
6. Pumpkin seeds and prostate health
7. African pigeo

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