stinging nettle
Urtica dioica
Urtica dioica, commonly known as nettle, is a traditional plant with roots in various herbal practices. It has been used for centuries in folk medicine and natural health systems but lacks specific documented traditional uses. Scientific evidence suggests that nettle extract may have moderate α-amylase inhibitory activity and can enhance immune responses in fish, potentially improving survival rates after viral challenges. In vitro studies also indicate that Urtica dioica extracts show moderate inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 viral entry and significant immunomodulatory effects. Growth conditions such as fertilization and row spacing significantly impact its yield and nitrogen use efficiency under Mediterranean conditions. No major safety concerns or drug interactions have been recorded, but further research is needed to fully understand its potential benefits and applications.
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
What the science says
- Modified atmosphere packaging without moisture absorbers preserved higher levels of specific metabolites in stinging nettle leaves.
- Nettle extract showed moderate α-amylase inhibitory activity in vitro.
- Urtica dioica extract showed moderate inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 viral entry and significant immunomodulatory effects.
- Supplementation with nettle (Urtica dioica) at 100 mg/kg feed significantly enhanced immune responses in gilthead seabream, improving survival rate after bacterial challenge.
- Fertilization and row spacing significantly impacted Urtica dioica's growth, yield, and nitrogen use efficiency under Mediterranean conditions.
- Urtica dioica is among the 110 Anatolian medicinal plants evaluated for potential use in managing respiratory conditions, alongside other key species.
Frequently asked questions
What is stinging nettle?
stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What does the scientific evidence say about stinging nettle?
6 sourced findings are recorded for stinging nettle; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Modified atmosphere packaging without moisture absorbers preserved higher levels of specific metabolites in stinging nettle leaves.
How strong is the evidence for stinging nettle?
The strongest finding for stinging nettle carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is stinging nettle safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for stinging nettle in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does stinging nettle interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for stinging nettle in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of stinging nettle?
stinging nettle is also known as: крапива, Ortie dioïque.
Is stinging nettle a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T2 Optimizing Gas Composition and Moisture Content for Preservation of Specific Metabolites of Cultivated Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica L.) Leaves. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Effect of Fertilization and Row Spacing on the Performance of Nettle (Urtica dioica L.) Under Mediterranean Conditions. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Integrated Evaluation of Urtica dioica Extract Assessing Physiochemical Analysis with Antioxidant, Antiviral, and Immunomodulatory Effects Against SARS-CoV-2. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Evaluation of Urtica dioica and Phillyrea latifolia extracts as feed additives for enhancing innate immunity in gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata L.). literature abstract metadata
- T2 Traditional Respiratory Remedies From Anatolia: Ethnobotanical Insights and Bioactive Properties. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Natural α-Amylase Inhibitors from Medicinal Herbs: In Vitro Evaluation of Extracts Prepared with Food-Compatible Solvents. literature abstract metadata