# Urtica dioica (Stinging Nettle)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/urtica-dioica
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-19
**Evidence Score:** 6 / 10
**Category:** European
**Also Known As:** Urtica dioica, Common Nettle, European Nettle, Greater Nettle, Stinging Nettle Leaf, Nettle Root, Brennnessel, Ortiga

## Overview

Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) contains bioactive compounds including histamine, [acetylcholine](/ingredients/condition/cognitive), and flavonoids that inhibit [inflammatory pathway](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s. Research demonstrates anti-inflammatory effects through NF-κB pathway suppression and [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) activity against antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

## Health Benefits

• [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects demonstrated in vitro through NF-κB pathway inhibition in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages (preliminary evidence only)
• [Antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) activity shown against Bacillus subtilis, MRSA, and Vibrio parahaemolyticus in laboratory studies (MIC values 0.13-16.33 mg/mL)
• Antioxidant properties through reduction of [lipid peroxidation](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) (in vitro evidence)
• Traditional nutritive support providing iron, vitamin C, and pro-vitamin A (historical use, no clinical trials)
• Potential metabolic support for protein and lipid [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) (traditional use only, lacks human studies)

## Mechanism of Action

Stinging nettle's anti-inflammatory effects occur through inhibition of the NF-κB signaling pathway in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages, reducing [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) production. The plant's [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) compounds disrupt bacterial cell membranes and metabolic processes, showing efficacy against gram-positive bacteria like MRSA and gram-negative species like Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Bioactive constituents including lectins, polyphenols, and organic acids contribute to these therapeutic mechanisms.

## Clinical Summary

Current evidence for stinging nettle consists primarily of in vitro laboratory studies rather than human clinical trials. [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) research has been conducted using cell culture models with lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages, demonstrating NF-κB pathway inhibition. [Antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) studies show minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) ranging from 0.13-16.33 mg/mL against various bacterial strains including MRSA, Bacillus subtilis, and Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Human clinical data remains limited, requiring larger randomized controlled trials to validate therapeutic benefits.

## Nutritional Profile

Per 100 g of blanched/cooked leaves (approximate values): Energy 42 kcal; Protein 2.4–6.9 g (notably high for a leafy green, contains all essential amino acids); Fat 0.1–0.7 g; Carbohydrates 3.0–7.1 g; Dietary fiber 2.2–6.1 g. MINERALS: Iron 1.6–7.8 mg (non-heme; bioavailability enhanced by co-occurring vitamin C), Calcium 428–481 mg (moderate bioavailability, partially limited by oxalate content ~4.5 g/100 g dry weight), Magnesium 57–71 mg, Potassium 334–508 mg, Phosphorus 63–71 mg, Manganese 0.7–0.9 mg, Zinc 0.34–0.46 mg, Silica (silicon dioxide) 1.0–4.0% dry weight (notable accumulator), Boron ~4.3 mg/kg dry weight, Selenium trace amounts. VITAMINS: Vitamin C 12–76 mg (varies greatly with preparation; heat-sensitive), Vitamin A (as β-carotene) 2,011–5,920 µg RAE equivalent per 100 g dry weight, Vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) ~498 µg per 100 g fresh, Folate ~14–30 µg, Riboflavin (B2) ~0.16 mg, Thiamine (B1) ~0.008 mg. BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS: Phenolic acids including chlorogenic acid (5-caffeoylquinic acid, 0.3–1.8% dry weight), caffeic acid, and caffeoylmalic acid; Flavonoids including quercetin-3-O-rutinoside (rutin, 0.02–1.6% dry weight), kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside, and isorhamnetin glycosides; Scopoletin (coumarin, trace–0.08%); Lignans including secoisolariciresinol and neoolivil; Lectins (Urtica dioica agglutinin/UDA, ~0.1% dry root); Polysaccharides (glucans, rhamnogalacturonans) in root ~5–10% dry weight; Phytosterols including β-sitosterol (~0.03–0.06% dry root) and its 3-O-β-D-glucoside, stigmasterol, campesterol; Root-specific compounds: scopoletin, lignan glycosides, and 3,4-divanillyltetrahydrofuran; Stinging trichome contents (fresh leaf): histamine (~0.1–1%), [serotonin](/ingredients/condition/mood) (5-hydroxytryptamine), [acetylcholine](/ingredients/condition/cognitive), formic acid, and leukotrienes B4 and C4 (destroyed by cooking/drying); Fatty acids in seeds: linoleic acid (~79% of oil), α-linolenic acid (~4%), oleic acid (~8%), tocopherols (~38 mg/100 g oil); Chlorophyll content high in fresh leaves (~0.5–1.5% dry weight), contributing to significant [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) capacity. BIOAVAILABILITY NOTES: Cooking, steaming, or blanching denatures stinging trichome irritants and reduces oxalate content by 30–50%, substantially improving calcium and mineral bioavailability; drying preserves most phenolic and flavonoid content; iron absorption is moderate due to simultaneous presence of vitamin C (enhancer) and oxalates/fiber (inhibitors); fat-soluble carotenoids and vitamin K are best absorbed when consumed with dietary fat; UDA lectin in raw preparations is partially resistant to gastric [digestion](/ingredients/condition/gut-health) but is largely inactivated by heat processing.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosage ranges for human use have been established in the available research. Standardization details for extracts (such as percentage of flavonoids or phenolic acids) are not specified in current studies. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Stinging nettle may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, particularly skin irritation from fresh plant contact. The herb can interact with anticoagulant medications like warfarin due to its vitamin K content, potentially affecting blood clotting. Diuretic effects may enhance the action of water pills and [blood pressure](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) medications, requiring monitoring. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid stinging nettle supplements due to insufficient safety data and potential uterine stimulation.

## Scientific Research

No human clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, or meta-analyses were found in the research dossier. Current evidence is limited to in vitro studies showing [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects through NF-κB inhibition in murine macrophages and [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) activity against various bacterial strains.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Stinging nettle has been used for centuries in global traditional medicine as both a nutritive food and herbal remedy, with young leaves consumed cooked or used in herbal therapy. Historical use spans European, Asian, and other traditional systems, where it was valued for its high mineral content and as a medicinal dish.

## Synergistic Combinations

Quercetin, Vitamin C, Iron, Bromelain, Turmeric

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the effective dosage of stinging nettle for inflammation?

Laboratory studies show anti-inflammatory effects at concentrations that inhibit NF-κB pathway activation, but standardized human dosages have not been established through clinical trials. Most supplement manufacturers recommend 300-600mg of dried leaf extract daily, though this lacks clinical validation.

### Can stinging nettle treat antibiotic-resistant infections?

Laboratory studies demonstrate antimicrobial activity against MRSA with MIC values of 0.13-16.33 mg/mL, but this does not translate to clinical treatment recommendations. Stinging nettle should not replace prescribed antibiotics for serious infections without medical supervision.

### How long does stinging nettle take to show anti-inflammatory effects?

In vitro studies show NF-κB pathway inhibition occurs within hours of exposure to nettle compounds. However, human studies are lacking, making it impossible to determine onset time for anti-inflammatory benefits in clinical use.

### Does stinging nettle interact with blood pressure medications?

Stinging nettle has natural diuretic properties that may enhance the effects of ACE inhibitors and diuretics, potentially causing excessive blood pressure reduction. Patients taking antihypertensive medications should consult healthcare providers before using nettle supplements.

### What compounds in stinging nettle provide antimicrobial effects?

The antimicrobial activity appears to result from multiple bioactive compounds including lectins, polyphenolic compounds, and organic acids that disrupt bacterial cell membranes. Specific MIC values against MRSA, Bacillus subtilis, and Vibrio parahaemolyticus range from 0.13-16.33 mg/mL depending on the bacterial strain.

### Is stinging nettle safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

While stinging nettle has a long history of traditional use during pregnancy in European folk medicine, clinical safety data in pregnant and breastfeeding women is limited. Pregnant or nursing individuals should consult a healthcare provider before use, as some herbal remedies can affect hormone levels or pass into breast milk. The traditional use does not constitute definitive modern safety evidence for these populations.

### What is the difference between stinging nettle leaf extract and nettle root extract?

Stinging nettle leaf and root contain different phytochemical profiles and are traditionally used for different purposes. Nettle leaf is primarily used for anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, while nettle root has been traditionally used for urinary and prostate health. Most clinical research on anti-inflammatory effects has focused on leaf extracts, making leaf form the better-studied option for inflammation support.

### How strong is the clinical evidence for stinging nettle's health benefits compared to animal studies?

Most evidence for stinging nettle's anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects comes from in vitro (laboratory) and animal studies, with limited high-quality human clinical trials. The antimicrobial activity demonstrated against MRSA and other pathogens in laboratory conditions has not been extensively validated in human infections. While traditional use spans centuries, modern clinical research is still in early stages, and consumers should view current evidence as preliminary rather than conclusive.

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