Nettle
Botanical Description & Habitat
Urtica dioica
Family
Urticaceae
Common names
| Devil's leaf | Devil's plaything |
| Great stinging nettle | Stinging nettle |
Habitat
Found in the northern temperate regions throughout the world. It is a perennial plant which flourishes in waste places, damp woods, and grassy areas.
Description
Has a creeping, fibrous root which produces a dull green, bristly stem growing from two to seven feet in height. The leaves are opposite, petiolate, cordate, and deeply serrate, with a dark green upper surface and paler underside. The flowers are yellowish-green and grow from the leaf axils from July to September.
Medicinal parts
Whole plant collected in May and June just before flowering.
Historical Properties & Uses
Nettle is used medicinally all over the world. Its astringent and diuretic properties are universally recognized, whereas most of its other uses are restricted to single locales; for instance, the herb's use as a galactagogue originated in southern Europe, and occurs elsewhere only as a result of emmigration.
Research has substantiated its diuretic action and demonstrated its stimulatory effect on the kidneys, thereby partially validating nettle's common folklore use as a urinary tract tonic. The common European use of nettle as an antidiabetic has received some experimental support in studies where it lowered blood sugar levels. Some mild astringent activity would be expected from its concentration of tannin.
Care should be exercised in handling the fresh plant; its tiny hairs inject extremely irritating substances into the skin upon contact.
This herb (Stinging nettle herb, leaf and root) has approval status by the German Commission E.
Stinging nettle herb and leaf are used internally for urinary disorders and externally for rheumatic ailments.
Stinging nettle root is used for urination difficulties in BPH.
There has also been some success for allergic rhinitis.
References:
Blumenthal, M (Ed.): The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. American Botanical Council. Austin, TX. 1998.
Method of Action
Nettle has hypoglycemic (and hyperglycemic) activity
In alimentary and suprarenin-induced hyperglycemica in rabbits, nettle extract demonstrated marked hypoglycemic activity. Likewise, oral and parenteral administrations of nettle preparations have lowered blood sugar level by 20 to 30 gm per cent in normal rabbits. Nettle contains a large supply of vitamin B1. It was once felt that the herb's hypoglycemic activity was due to this vitamin, but the component has since been shown to have no effect. The active principle has been identified as urticin. Nettle also contains an unidentified hyperglycemic principle, whose activity seems to be overridden by the hypoglycemic principle.
Nettle is diuretic
The diuretic effect of a decoction of nettle, administered orally, has been confirmed. No toxicity was observed.
Nettle stimulates uric acid secretion
An injection of an extract of nettle lowers the uric acid content of the blood in ducks and geese. This is evidence that stimulation of uric acid excretion by the kidney, and should have consequent clinical benefits.
Nettle has little or no antibiotic property
Nettle has given negative antibiotic tests in vitro, except for some effect against mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Miscellaneous properties of nettle
Nettle stimulates on digestion, kidney function, bladder function, and blood circulation. It is reported to have some clinical value in metrorrhiza, epistaxis, and haematemesis.
Drug Interactions & Precautions
Known Interactions
Insofar as nettle's diuretic action increases the renal excretion of sodium and chloride, the herb may potentiate the hyperglycemic and hyperuricemic effects of glucose-elevating agents.
It should be noted diuretics may potentiate the action of antihypertensive, ganglionic or peripheral adrenergic blocking drugs, tubocurarine and, to a lesser degree, norepinephrine.
Possible Interactions
The diuretic action of nettle may reduce renal clearance of lithium. In conjunction with corticotropin (ACTH) or corticosteroids, this diuretic herb is more prone to produce hypokalemia. It should further be noted use of diuretics may require dosage adjustments of antidiabetic drugs.
Topical application of nettle, in conjunction with the acne product Tretinoin (retinoic acid, vitamin A acid), may adversely affect the skin. The tannin in nettle may potentiate the antibiotic activity of echinacea. The tannin in nettle tea may be inactivated by the addition of milk or cream.
Comments
Prolonged use of this diuretic herb may affect certain laboratory test results such as electrolytes, especially potassium and sodium, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), uric acid, glucose, and protein bound iodine (PBI).
The antidiabetic ability of nettle may be decreased by the concomitant use of acetazolamide, oral contraceptives, corticosteroids, dextrothyroxine, epinephrine, ethanol, glucagon, and marijuana.
The antidiabetic effects of the herb may also be decreased when used in conjunction with phenothiazines, rifampin, thiazide diuretics, and thyroid hormones.
Conversely, the antidiabetic action of nettle may be enhanced when used with allopurinol, anabolic steroids, chloramphenicol, clofibrate, fenfluramine, guanethidine, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI's), phenylbutazone, probenecid, and phenyramidol.
The antidiabetic action of the herb may also enhanced when used in conjunction with salicylates, sulfinpyrazone, sulfonamides, and tetracyclines.
Safety Factors & Toxicity
The irritation produced by local contact with nettle is well known. These effects (irritation, weals, pain) are produced by a combined effect of acetylcholine, histamine, 5-hydroxytryptamine and formic acid, the latter playing a relatively minor role. Injections and alcohol extract of the fresh plant also produce local irritation, weals, and pain, and may also cause severe toxic effects, even death. Isolated frog heart is paralyzed and intestinal and uterine smooth muscle are stimulated by fresh nettle plant extract.
Toxic effects from ingestion of the fresh or dried plant are rarely reported. In rabbits, orally-administered toxic doses produced no reaction other than diarrhea. There is one report in literature of toxicity from swallowing a decoction of fresh nettle. The person experienced gastric irritation, a burning sensation over the whole surface of the skin, edema, and suppression of urine. The effects were transitory, and complete recovery was observed within a short time. Fresh young nettle leaves are commonly used as salad greens, with no reported incidence of toxicity.
The young leaves may be eaten as a pot vegetable, before thier stinging cells form.
Stinging nettles (herb, leaf and root) have approval status by the German Commission E.
References:
Blumenthal, M (Ed.): The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. American Botanical Council. Austin, TX. 1998.
Preparation & Administration
Three times a day
Dried herb
2-4 grams
Tea
made from 1 tsp of dried herb
Fluid extract
1:1 in 25% alcohol, 2-4 ml
Tincture
1:5 in 45% alcohol, 3-6 ml
This herb has approval status by the German Commission E.
Recommended daily dosages in Germany are as follows:
8 - 12 g of the herb (herb and leaf).
4 - 6 g of the root.
References:
Blumenthal, M (Ed.): The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. American Botanical Council. Austin, TX. 1998.
Note: This Herbal Preparation information is a summary of data from books and articles by various authors. It is not intended to replace the advice or attention of health care professionals.
References
Am Hospital Formulary Service. Am Soc of Hosp Pharm. Wash, D.C.
Arky, R.A., et.al. 1968. Irreversible hypoglycemia, a complication of alcohol and insulin. J of the Am Med Assoc, 206. p. 575.
Arneson, G. 1964. Phenothiazine derivatives and glucose metabolism. Journal of Neuropsychiatry, 5. p. 181.
Beaudry, C. & L. Laplante. 1973. Treatment of renal failure from diabetic nephropathy with cadaveric homograft. Canadian Medical Assoc Journal, 108. p. 887.
Bergman, H. 1965. Hypoglycemic coma during sulfonylurea therapy. Acto Med Scand, 177. p. 287.
Blumenthal, M (Ed.): The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. American Botanical Council. Austin, TX. 1998.
Bressler, R., M.D. Bogdonoff & G.J. Subak-Sharpe. 1981. The Physicians Drug Manual. Doubleday & Co, Inc. Garden City, NY. 1213 pp.
Chambers, G., R.J. Kerry & G. Owen. 1977. Lithium used with a diuretic. British Medical Journal, 2. pp. 805-806.
Chesher, G.B. et. al. Journal Of Physiology, 130, 41, 1955.
Chiles, V.K. 1968. Drug interactions and the pharmacist. Canadian Pharaceutical Journal, 101(7). pp. 241-247.
Collier, H.O.J., et. al. British J Of Pharm, 11, 186, 1956.
Committee on Pharmocopaeia of the Am Institute of Homeopathy, The Homeopathic Pharmacopaeia of the United States. 8th ed., Vol 1. Otis Clapp and Son, Agents, Boston, l981.
Council on Drugs: Evaluation of a hypocholesterolemic agent. 1969. Destrothyroxine sodium (Choloxin). J of the Am Med Assoc, 208 pp. 1014.
De Martinis, M., et.al. Milk thistle (silybum marianum) derivatives in the therapy of chronic hepatopathies. Clin. Ter., 94(3). pp. 283-315. 1980.
Drug package insert (FDA approved official brochure) and other labeling based on sponsored clinical investigations and New Drug Application data.
Emmelin, N., et. al. Journal Of Physiology, 106, 440, 1947; and New Phytol., 48, 143, 1949.
Facts and Comparisons. The Lawrence Review of Natural Products. Apr, 1997.
Flueck, H. Nos Plantes Medicinales. Ed. Ott, T., 1942, p. 24.
Gessner, O. Die Gift-und Arzneipflanzen Von Mitteleuropa. Heidelberg, Karl Winters Pubs, 1931.
Goldner, M.G., H. Zarowitz & S. Akgun. 1960. Hyperglycemia and glycosuria due to thiazide derivatives administered in diabetes mellitus. New England Journal of Medicine, 262(Feb 2). pp. 403-405.
Goodman, L.S. & A. Gilman. 1975. Pharm Basis of Thera. MacMillan, NY.
Gottshakll, R.Y., et. al. J Of Clinical Invest, 28, 920, 1949.
Gruenwald, J: Most frequently prescribed herbal monopreparations in Germany, listed according to active ingredient and sales. HerbalGram, 1997, 39:68.
Hansten, P.D. 1968. Antidiabetic drug interactions. Hospital Form. Management, 4(2). pp. 30-32.
Hansten, P.D. 1979. Drug Interactions, 4th ed. Lea & Febiger, Phila.
Haznagy, A. Ber. Ungar. Pharm. Ges., 19, 247, 1943; and Chem Zbl., II, 1977/8, 1943.
Hiatt, N. & G. Bonorris. 1970. Insulin response in pancreatectomized dogs treated with oxytetracycline. Diabetes, 19. p. 307.
Hurtig, H.I. & W.L. Dyson. 1974. Lithium toxicity enhanced by diuresis. New England J of Med, 290(Mar 28). pp. 748-749.
Hyde, F.F. British Herbal Pharmacopoeia. British Herbal Medicine Assoc: West Yorks, England, 1983
Karel, L. & E.S. Roach. A Dictionary Of Antibiosis. New York, Columbia University Press, 1951.
Kaegi, A., et.al. 1974. Arteriovenous-shunt thrombosis. Prevention by sulfinpyrazone. New England Journal of Medicine. pp. 290, 304.
Kastrup, E.K., ed. 1981. Drug Facts and Comparisons, 1982 edition. Facts and Comparisions Division, J.P. Lippincott Co, Phila(St. Louis).
Keeser, E. Deutsche Medizinische Wochenschrift, 66, 849, 1940; and Chem Abstracts, 35, 197, 1941.
Kurz, M. 1968. Diamox und manifestierung von diabetes millitus. Wein Medizinische Wochenschrift. pp. 118, 239.
Landon, J., et.al. 1963. The effect of anabolic steroids on blood sugar and plasma insulin levels in man. Metabolism, 12. p.924.
List, P. & L. Hoerhammer. 1969-1976. Hagers Hanbuch der Pharmazeutischen Praxis, vols. 2-5. Springer-Verlag, Berlin.
Lockhart, J.G. 1970. Effects of `speed' and `pot' on the juvenile diabetic (questions and answers). J of the Am Med Assoc, 214. p. 2065.
Lutz, E.G. 1975. Lithium toxicity precipitated by diuretics. Journal of the Medical Society of New Jersey, 72(5). pp. 439-440.
Malims, J.M. 1968. Diuretics in diabetes millitus. Practitioner, 201. p. 529.
Martin, E.W. 1978. Drug Interactions Index, 1978/79. J.B. Lippincott Company, Philadelphia.
Marx, A.V. & Adler, E. Ueber die blutzuckerherbasetzende wirkung von herba, urticae dioicae. Naunyn-schmied. Arch. Parmakol., 112, 29-38, 56, 1926.
Middleton, E. & S.R. Finke. 1968. Metabolic response to epinephrine in bronchial asthma. Journal of Allergy, 42. p. 288.
Miller, R.D., et.al. 1976. Enhancement of d-tubocurarine neuromuscular blockage by diuretics in man. Anesth, 45. p.442.
Miller, L. & R. Lindeman. Red Blood Cell and Serum Selenium Concentration as Influenced by Age and Selected Diseases. Journal Of Am College Nutrition, 2. 1983.
Mittman, P: Planta medica, 1990, 56(1):44-47.
Mowrey, Daniel B., Ph.D. Exper. Psych., Brigham Young University. Director of Nebo Institute of Herbal Sciences. Director of Behavior Change Agent Training Institute. Director of Research, Nova Corp.
Nord, H.J., et.al. 1970. Treatment of congestive heart failure with glucagon. Annals of Internal Medicine, 72. p. 649.
Peaston, M.J.T. & P. Finnegan. 1968. A case of combined poisoning with chlorpropamide, acetylsalicylic acid and paracetamol. British Journal of Clin Practice, 22. p. 30.
Petersdorf, R.G. & R.D. Adams. 1983. Harrison's Principles Of Internal Medicine. 10th ed. McGraw Hill Pub Co., New York. 2212 pp.
Reddy, C.C. & E.J. Massaro. Biochemistry of Selenium - A Brief Overview. Fundamental Applied Toxicology, 3. 1983.
Refetoff, S. 1975. Thyroid hormone therapy. Medical Clinics of North America, 59. p. 1147.
Scientific Committee, British Herbal Pharmocopaeia, British Herbal Med Assoc, Lane House, Cowling, Na Keighley, West Yorks, Bd Bd220lx, l983
Starkenstein, B., et.al. Arch Exp Path. Pharmak. 172, 48, 137, 1933.
Thorn, G.W. 1966. Clin considerations in the use of corticosteroids. New England J of Medicine, 274(Apr 7). pp. 775-781.
Turtle, J.R. & J.A. Burgess. 1973. Hypoglycemic action of fenfluramine in diabetes meillitus. Diabetes. 22. p. 858.
Tuttle, C.B. 1969. Drug interactions. Canadian Journal of Hospital Pharmacy, 22(5-6). pp. 2-15.
Vincent, D. & G. Segonzac. 1953. Comptes Rendus des Seances de la Societe de Biologie et de ses Filiales, 147. pp. 1776-1779.
Von Haler, A. Kraeuter--Heilkraefte der natur. Krakenpflege, 29(3), 96-97, 1975.
Wantoch, H. Rev. Ther. Alcaloides, 5(29), 16, 1936; and Deutsche Medizinische Wochenscrift, 61, 508, 1935.
Zilly, W., et.al. 1976. Induction of drug metabolism in man after rifampicin treatment measured by increased hexobarbital and tolbutamide clearance. European J of Clin Pharm, 9. p. 439.
Multimedia
Urtica dioica
© Southwest School of Botanical Medicine
| Signup Free Applied Health Journal |
||||
|
FREE Sample Issue Your email address is all we need to start you on a better path to health. We respect your privacy.
|
