Nettles, or stinging nettles, are a perennial plant growing worldwide in wasteland areas. It grows 2-7 feet high with pointed leaves and flowers of white to yellowish panicles. Nettles have a reputation for their savage sting from the hairs and bristles present on the leaves and stems. The stinging sensation from contact with the hairs is caused by the presence of formic acid, amines (histamine, serotonin and choline).

Many remarkable healing properties have been attributed to nettles, including prevention of baldness, allergic rhinitis and rheumatic pain. However, the nettle root is recommended as a diuretic and, relatively recently for relief of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). In Germany, nettle root has been used as a treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlargement of the prostate gland) for decades. A metabolite of testosterone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT) stimulates prostate growth, leading to enlargement. Nettle root inhibits the binding of DHT to attachment sites on the prostate membrane. Nettle extracts also inhibit enzymes such as 5 alpha reductase that cause testosterone to convert to DHT. It is the DHT metabolite of testosterone that is known to cause benign prostate enlargement, excess facial hair and hair loss at the top of the head.

There are several clinical studies documenting the efficacy of nettle root for BPH. Dr. Varro E. Tyler reported on a paper from the 1995 Congress on Medicinal Plant Research that J.J. Lichius and colleagues showed a reduction in prostatic growth potential in mice with the administration of a high dosage of nettle root extract. Another study using saw palmetto berries and nettle root extracts to treat patients with BPH showed an inhibition of the testosterone metabolites dihydrotestosterone and estrogen, thus proving to be an effective treatment.

Some of the more resent research on BPH and Nettles show that Nettles can interfere or block a chemical process in the body that has been linked to prostate disorders. As men age, free-floating testosterone becomes bound to albumin in a process called human sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), removing its bioavailability to the body. This chemical process is now believed to be linked to prostate disorders. In several clinical studies, nettles has demonstrated the ability to block this process which may well explain its documented effectiveness in the treatment of many prostate conditions. Since testosterone is a natural aphrodisiac, and nettles makes more testosterone bio-available for the body's use by blocking SHBG, this may also explain why nettles has recently been regarded with aphrodisiac properties.

Nettles

Clinical studies have confirmed stinging nettle's benefit to men in reducing symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (a non cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland). A concentrated root extract of nettle is sometimes combined with saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) and the bark of the pygeum evergreen tree (Pygeum africanum) to treat the early stages of the disease. The herbal combination helps to increase the urinary volume and maximize the rate of urine flow. German research suggests that active ingredients in the nettle root may reduce prostate swelling. Again, since androgenetic alopecia is caused by the same factors (DHT) as prostatic hyperplasia. Therefore this combination of ingredients is also extremely effective in warding off hair loss.