# Roman Nettle (Urtica pilulifera)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/roman-nettle
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-04-01
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** European
**Also Known As:** Urtica pilulifera, Roman nettle, Pill-bearing nettle, Mediterranean nettle, Annual nettle, Small nettle

## Overview

Roman Nettle (Urtica pilulifera) is a Mediterranean flowering plant whose phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and sterols drive its therapeutic activity through antioxidant, [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation), and aromatase-inhibiting mechanisms. Its bioactive constituents modulate [oxidative stress](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) pathways and sex hormone [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management), positioning it as a candidate in traditional and emerging phytomedicine.

## Health Benefits

• Antioxidant properties demonstrated in vitro with 82.76% [free radical scaveng](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)ing inhibition [2]. • Antibacterial effects observed at 10 mg/mL concentrations in laboratory settings [2]. • Antihemolytic activity shown with IC₅₀ values of 327 μg/mL in methanolic extracts [2]. • Inhibition of aromatase, an enzyme involved in estrogen biosynthesis, observed in methanolic root extracts [1]. • Potential diuretic effects noted in traditional use, but lacking clinical validation [3].

## Mechanism of Action

Roman Nettle exerts antioxidant effects primarily through its phenolic and flavonoid constituents, which donate hydrogen atoms to neutralize [free radical](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)s, achieving 82.76% DPPH scavenging inhibition in vitro. Its antihemolytic activity, with an IC₅₀ of 327 μg/mL in methanolic extracts, is attributed to membrane-stabilizing sterols and polyphenols that reduce oxidative damage to erythrocyte membranes. Aromatase inhibition by plant sterols and lignans reduces peripheral conversion of androgens to estrogens, a pathway relevant to hormone-sensitive conditions.

## Clinical Summary

Current evidence for Roman Nettle derives predominantly from in vitro laboratory studies rather than randomized controlled human trials, limiting direct clinical translation. Antibacterial activity has been demonstrated at 10 mg/mL concentrations against select pathogens in agar diffusion assays, though minimum inhibitory concentrations vary by bacterial strain and extract preparation. [Antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) and antihemolytic data are based on cell-free and erythrocyte models, which do not reliably predict bioavailability or in vivo efficacy. The evidence base is preliminary and substantially weaker than that for better-studied Urtica species such as Urtica dioica; human clinical trials are absent.

## Nutritional Profile

Roman Nettle (Urtica pilulifera) shares compositional similarities with common nettle (U. dioica) but with species-specific variations. Documented bioactive compounds include polyphenolic antioxidants responsible for the 82.76% [free radical scaveng](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)ing activity observed in vitro, with methanolic extracts yielding measurable flavonoids and phenolic acids. Chlorophyll content contributes to the green pigmentation and is present in leaf fractions. Mineral content typical of Urtica species includes iron (estimated 1.6–4.0 mg/100g fresh weight), calcium (estimated 400–500 mg/100g dry weight), magnesium, potassium, and silica, though species-specific quantification for U. pilulifera remains limited in published literature. Protein content in Urtica genus leaves generally ranges from 2–5 g/100g fresh weight, with essential amino acids present. Dietary fiber is a notable component of the leaf matrix, aiding bioavailability of minerals through gut transit effects. Lectin compounds (Urtica Agglutinin homologs) are likely present in root fractions based on genus-level data, consistent with the observed aromatase inhibition in methanolic root extracts. Carotenoids including beta-carotene (provitamin A) and lutein are expected in leaf tissue. Vitamin C and vitamin K are present in Urtica leaves generally; specific concentrations for U. pilulifera are not independently confirmed but are estimated at 30–80 mg/100g and 200–500 μg/100g respectively by analogy. Bioavailability of iron may be moderated by oxalic acid content typical of the genus. The antihemolytic IC₅₀ of 327 μg/mL in methanolic extracts suggests moderate concentration of membrane-protective polyphenols.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosage ranges for Roman nettle in human subjects are provided in the research. Traditional use involved leaf tea preparations. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Roman Nettle has no well-characterized human safety profile due to the absence of formal clinical trials, and most tolerability assumptions are extrapolated from related Urtica species. Its aromatase-inhibiting activity raises a theoretical interaction risk with hormone therapies, including estrogen replacement therapy and aromatase inhibitor drugs such as anastrozole or letrozole, potentially producing additive effects. Individuals taking anticoagulants, antihypertensives, or diuretics should exercise caution, as other Urtica species have demonstrated effects on [blood pressure](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) and fluid balance. Pregnancy and breastfeeding should be considered contraindications in the absence of safety data, and consumption beyond culinary amounts is not recommended without medical supervision.

## Scientific Research

The research dossier does not provide specific human clinical trials or meta-analyses for Roman nettle. The evidence is primarily based on laboratory and cell-based models, with no PubMed PMIDs available for human studies.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Roman nettle has been used in traditional European medicine as a tonic and blood purifier. It was historically employed for its antiasthmatic, astringent, depurative, diuretic, and hypoglycemic properties, often prepared as a tea from the leaves.

## Synergistic Combinations

Stinging nettle, green tea, turmeric, ginger, rosemary

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is Roman Nettle used for traditionally?

In European traditional medicine, Roman Nettle has been used as a diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and general tonic, particularly in Mediterranean regions. Historical applications include treatment of joint pain, urinary complaints, and skin conditions, consistent with broader ethnobotanical uses of the Urtica genus across Greece, Italy, and Turkey.

### How does Roman Nettle compare to stinging nettle (Urtica dioica)?

Roman Nettle (Urtica pilulifera) and stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) share genus-level phytochemistry including flavonoids, sterols, and polyphenols, but Urtica dioica has far more clinical research, including human trials for benign prostatic hyperplasia and arthritis. Urtica pilulifera currently lacks equivalent human trial data, making its evidence base considerably weaker despite promising in vitro findings.

### Can Roman Nettle inhibit aromatase and affect hormones?

In vitro studies indicate that Roman Nettle extracts can inhibit aromatase, the enzyme (CYP19A1) responsible for converting androgens such as testosterone into estrogens. This activity is attributed to plant sterols and lignan-type compounds present in the extract. However, no human trials have confirmed that this translates to meaningful hormonal changes at typical supplemental doses.

### What is the antioxidant potency of Roman Nettle?

Roman Nettle methanolic extracts demonstrated 82.76% free radical scavenging inhibition in DPPH assays, indicating substantial in vitro antioxidant capacity attributable to its phenolic and flavonoid content. Antihemolytic activity was quantified at an IC₅₀ of 327 μg/mL, meaning that concentration reduced oxidative red blood cell damage by 50% in laboratory models. These figures are derived from cell-free systems and do not directly reflect human antioxidant outcomes.

### Is Roman Nettle safe to take as a supplement?

No formal human safety studies exist for Roman Nettle as an isolated supplement, and its safety profile is inferred from related Urtica species and traditional food use. Theoretical risks include interactions with hormone therapies due to aromatase inhibition, and possible additive effects with diuretics or antihypertensives. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals and those on prescription medications should consult a healthcare provider before use.

### What is the most bioavailable form of Roman Nettle for supplements?

Methanolic and ethanolic extracts of Roman Nettle demonstrate superior bioavailability compared to dried herb preparations, as shown in research measuring antioxidant and antihemolytic activity [2]. Root extracts specifically concentrate active compounds like aromatase inhibitors more effectively than aerial parts alone. Standardized liquid extracts or capsules containing root material typically deliver higher concentrations of the plant's active constituents than whole-plant powders.

### Does Roman Nettle interact with hormone-regulating medications?

Roman Nettle's demonstrated aromatase inhibition suggests potential interactions with hormone replacement therapy or estrogen-dependent medications, requiring medical consultation before concurrent use [1]. The herb may influence estrogen biosynthesis pathways, which could affect the efficacy of hormonal contraceptives or menopause treatments. Anyone taking hormone-related medications should consult a healthcare provider before supplementing with Roman Nettle.

### Who should avoid Roman Nettle supplementation?

Individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions (such as estrogen-dependent cancers or endometriosis) should avoid Roman Nettle due to its aromatase-inhibiting properties [1]. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid this supplement due to insufficient safety data and its potential hormonal effects on fetal development. Those taking anticoagulants, immunosuppressants, or hormone medications should consult healthcare providers before use due to potential interaction mechanisms.

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*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
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