Nettle (Urtica dioica) and Hair Loss

Nettle (Urtica dioica), also known as common nettle, stinging nettle and big string nettle, are a common weed native to Europe, Asia, North America and North Africa.  Nettles grow to a height of 2 to 4 meters and have pointed leaves and white to yellowish flowers. Nettles can deliver a powerful sting when the skin touches the hairs and bristles on the leaves and stems. They have been used as a folk treatment for centuries. Both the leaves and the root are incorporated in various remedies.

Nettles and hair growth

The root is often used in herbal medicines to relieve the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It is therefore assumed that it could prevent the conversion of testosterone to DHT, but clinical studies have not yet been carried out to back this up. Applying an extract of nettles to the scalp is said to stimulate hair growth. A number of studies using cell cultures and animals have demonstrated that extracts of nettle root partially blocked the action of two enzymes (5-alpha-reductase and aromatase) involved in the body’s production of DHT and estrogen. However, nettle root extract was effective only at high concentrations. Although it remains uncertain as to whether or not nettles are really effective against baldness in man, nettles are frequently used as one of the active ingredients in many commercial hair loss remedies. It can be taken in pill or capsule form at doses of 50-100 mg per day. It is reputed to be more effective when combined with pygeum and saw palmetto.

See also: Are Herbal Hair Loss Remedies a Scam?

Types of nettle product

Nettle root, nettle leaf and whole herb (leaf, stem and root) products in tablets, capsules and tinctures are widely available at most health food stores at very reasonable prices. The root is more effective for treating BPH and hair loss, while the leaf is better for inflammation (including prostatitis), allergies and as a natural diuretic that can reduce hypertension.  Nettle is now an ingredient in many herbal formulas for prostate health and hair loss.

Nettle dosage

Both the root and the leaves are traditionally prepared as infusions. In herbal medicine, as a preventative of prostate problems or to maintain prostate health, half a cup of a root infusion taken 2-3 times weekly is recommended. 2-3 ml of a root tincture or 2-3 g of powdered root in capsules or tablets can be substituted if preferred. The traditional remedy for BPH is one-half cup of a root infusion taken 2-3 times daily for 30-90 days. 2-3 ml of a root tincture or 2-3 g in capsules or tablets 2-3 times daily can be substituted if desired. For allergies, inflammation, and hypertension one cup of a leaf infusion is taken twice daily. 3-4 g of leaf tablets/capsules twice daily can be taken as an alternative.

Side effects of nettle

Nettle has been demonstrated in animal studies to lower blood pressure and heart rate. Individuals with heart conditions should seek medical advice before taking nettle. Nettle has also been reported to have diuretic effects. Extended use of this plant may be contraindicated in various medical conditions where diuretics are not advised. Long-term use of any diuretic can cause electrolyte and mineral imbalances. Consult your medical practitioner if intending to use nettle for longer than 30 days.

Drug interactions with nettle

Nettle could magnify the effects of heart medications and diuretic drugs.

Health benefits of nettle

In herbal medicine nettles have been used as a diuretic, to fortify the blood, and to treat arthritis and rheumatism. Externally nettles are used to improve the condition of the hair, and are believed to be a remedy for oily hair and dandruff.

Nettles have been widely used by herbalists around the world for centuries. Bandages soaked in a leaf and stem infusion were used in early American medicine to stop the bleeding of wounds. In Brazilian herbal medicine the entire plant is used to treat excessive menstrual bleeding, diarrhea, diabetes, urinary disorders and respiratory problems including allergies. Topically, an infusion is used as a remedy for skin problems. In Peru nettle is used alleviate a variety of health problems such as muscular and arthritis pain, eczema, ulcers, asthma, diabetes, intestinal inflammation, nosebleeds and rheumatism. Externally it is used for inflammations, sciatica, wounds and head lice.

In Germany nettles are sold as an herbal treatment for prostate diseases and as a diuretic. In the United States the leaf is used as a diuretic, for arthritis, prostatitis, rheumatism, rheumatoid arthritis, high blood pressure and allergic rhinitis. The root is recommended as a diuretic, for relief of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and other prostate problems, and as a natural remedy to treat or prevent baldness.

Compounds found in nettle

The compounds in nettle include: acetophenone, acetylcholine, agglutinins, alkaloids, astragalin, butyric acid, caffeic acids, carbonic acid, chlorogenic acid, chlorophyll, choline, coumaric acid, folacin, formic acid, friedelins, histamine, kaempherols, koproporphyrin, lectins, lecithin, lignans, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, neoolivil, palmitic acid, pantothenic acid, quercetin, quinic acid, scopoletin, secoisolariciresinol, serotonin, sitosterols, stigmasterol, succinic acid, terpenes, violaxanthin, and xanthophylls.

The stinging property of the nettle hairs is due to several plant chemicals including formic acid, histamine, serotonin and choline. In addition, nettle leaf is rich in minerals, chlorophyll, amino acids, lecithin, carotenoids, flavonoids, sterols, tannins and vitamins. Nettle root contains other chemicals such as scopoletin, sterols, fatty acids, polysaccharides and isolectins.

Several of nettle’s lectin compounds have demonstrated antiviral actions (against HIV and several common upper respiratory viruses). Other compounds (flavonoids in the leaves and a lectin in the root) have been documented with immune stimulant actions.

Research on nettles

Nettle’s long-standing use as an anti-inflammatory remedy for rheumatism and arthritis has been supported with clinical research. In several clinical studies nettle leaf extracts were reported to have anti-inflammatory actions as well as to be beneficial in relieving arthritis pain and inflammation. Research suggests that nettle’s anti-inflammatory properties are due to its ability to inhibit the production and actions of inflammation-producing immune cells in the body (cytokines, prostaglandins and leukotreines).

Another clinical study confirmed use of nettle in the treatment of allergies and rhinitis (a common inflammatory disorder causing sneezing, nasal congestion and discharge, and itchy skin).

Other studies on animals have found that water extracts of nettle lowered blood pressure, reduced heart rate, and had notable diuretic actions. More recently, research has focused on the use of nettle in the treatment of prostate inflammation (prostatitis) and benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). In more than 20 clinical studies nettle root (and nettle combined with other herbs) has demonstrated an improvement in clinical symptoms.

Some of the more recent research on BPH and nettles indicates that nettle can inhibit a number of hormone-related chemical processes in the body that are implicated in the development of BPH. In clinical research, nettle has demonstrated the ability to stop the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (by inhibiting an enzyme required for the conversion).

Androgen hormones can have powerful effects on scalp and body hair in both men and women. Hair loss has been linked to excessive dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels. While no clinical studies have been conducted yet on the use of nettle in treating DHT-related hair loss and male pattern balding, research does indicate that nettle root can prevent the conversion of testosterone to DHT.