Nettle root extract is widely used in Europe to treat Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia or enlarged prostate gland. It is recommended by Commission E in Germany and by ESCOP (European Scientific Cooperative of Phytotherapy) specifically to relieve urinary problems associated with an enlarged prostate.

¤ Development of BPH depends on a number of factors:

• conversion of testosterone into DHT (dihydrotestosterone), a form which actively binds to sites of prostate cells regulating its growth;
• the age-related imbalance between levels of testosterone and oestrogen, the latter stimulating prostate growth. Aromatisation converts androgens into oestrogens adding to those already circulating in the blood.

¤ Research shows that nettle root extract counteracts the development of BPH via various mechanisms:

• by inhibiting conversion of testosterone into DHT;
• by interfering with free androgen concentration by acting on the serum proteins to which they are bound. Some of its constituents are able to bind strongly to these proteins;
• by inhibiting the aromatase activity which allows testosterone to be converted into oestrogens;
• by a direct anti-proliferation action.

Over 15000 men enrolled in clinical studies have benefited from the effects of nettle root extract leading to significant improvements in prostate size, frequency of urination, nocturnal micturition and post-micturition residue.

Nettle root extract is often used in combination with saw palmetto with which it has a synergistic effect. Their efficacy has been compared to that of finasteride, a drug treatment. Nettle root extract combined with saw palmetto achieves similar results to finasteride but without the latter’s side-effects (reduction in libido, sexual dysfunction – in some cases, impotence). One observational study involving 419 urologists monitoring 2030 patients over 12 weeks showed beneficial effects, with 85% of patients reporting improvements.