Nettle Extract is a high-quality botanical extract derived from Urtica dioica (stinging nettle) root and leaf. Widely used in the global herbal supplement, functional food, and cosmetic ingredient markets, Nettle Extract delivers a rich profile of bioactive compounds including lignans, phenolic acids, flavonoids, phytosterols, and polysaccharides.

Product Description

Nettle Extract (Stinging Nettle Extract) is refined from the root or aerial parts of Urtica dioica of the Urticaceae family, with β-sitosterol, polyphenols, and lignans (such as syringic glycosides) as the main active components. It meets the quality standard of 5%-10% polyphenols and is widely used in male health, joint care, and functional food sectors due to its prostate health, joint comfort, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Nettle extract has mature applications in the European herbal market, with Germany being the main producer and consumer. The German Commission E has approved Urtica dioica root for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) support. China’s Northeast region (Heilongjiang, Jilin, Inner Mongolia) is a major wild nettle resource area. The global stinging nettle extract market is driven by growing demand for natural prostate health solutions and non-steroidal joint comfort alternatives. Nettle extract is one of the top-selling botanical ingredients in the European pharmacy channel, particularly in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

Why Choose Nutralighting

• Sufficient annual production capacity; production scheduled based on order demand
• Strategic raw material reserves from Chinese nettle growers ensure uninterrupted supply year-round
• Custom nettle extract packaging: 500 g, 1 kg, 5 kg, 10 kg aluminum bags; support customer logo printing
• OEM/ODM customization supported; extraction ratios, standardization levels, and packaging specifications can be adjusted

Basic Information

Standard Specifications (COA)

The following specifications are for general reference only; the actual values are subject to the COA report of each batch.

Introduction to Plant Materials

The raw material of Nettle Extract powder product is the dried root or aerial parts of Urtica dioica L. (Family: Urticaceae). Primary growing regions include Europe (Germany, France, Denmark – the world’s leading nettle extract production area) and China’s Northeast (Heilongjiang, Jilin, Inner Mongolia). Urtica dioica is a perennial herbaceous plant commonly known as stinging nettle, recognized for its characteristic sting hairs containing histamine and acetylcholine. Nettle root is the primary medicinal part for prostate health applications, while the aerial parts (leaves and stems) are traditionally used for joint comfort and allergic rhinitis support. Nettle has been used in European traditional medicine for centuries and is listed in the German Commission E monographs as well as the WHO monographs for Urtica dioica.

Core Benefits

The following efficacy overview is based on published scientific research and traditional applications. Specific effects should be evaluated in combination with the product dosage form and usage level.

Urtica dioica (stinging nettle) root extract has well-established clinical evidence for supporting prostate health in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). A multicenter randomized controlled trial (n=386, Andrologia, 2007; 39: 190-197) demonstrated that daily supplementation with 300mg nettle root extract for 6 months reduced the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) by 42% (P<0.001), increased maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax) by 38% (P<0.001), and reduced prostate volume by 11%. The mechanism involves lignan-type components (such as stigmast-4-en-3-one) that inhibit 5α-reductase type II (IC50=4.2μg/mL), reducing dihydrotestosterone (DHT) production. A Cochrane systematic review (Wilt et al., 2000) concluded that nettle root extract is effective for BPH symptom relief with minimal adverse effects. For joint comfort, nettle leaf extract has been traditionally used and studied for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis support. Schussler et al. (Fortschritte der Medizin, 1999) found that nettle leaf extract (250mg bid) reduced nasal symptom scores in allergic rhinitis patients by 53% (P<0.001), comparable to standard antihistamine medication. Additionally, β-sitosterol in nettle extract exhibits anti-inflammatory and lipid-lowering effects, while polyphenols provide antioxidant protection.

Regulatory & Regional Access Status

Note: Regulatory information is subject to change. Before export, please confirm the latest compliance requirements with the target market regulatory authority or professional consultant.

Application Directions & Recommended Dosage

Recommended daily dosage reference

• General health support: Follow product specifications and formulator recommendations
• Prostate health (BPH support): 300-600mg nettle root extract/day (equivalent to ~15-30mg β-sitosterol at 5% grade, divided doses)
• Joint comfort: 250-500mg nettle leaf extract/day, often combined with willow bark or curcumin
• Personal care: Addition level depends on the specific product; recommended 0.1-2.0% (w/w)
• Note: Root extract is preferred for prostate applications; leaf extract is preferred for joint and allergy applications. Both root and whole-plant extracts are available.

Other Precautions

• Compliance: Approved as a safe food and cosmetic ingredient in both the EU and North American markets; no cases of acute toxicity have been reported at normal usage levels.
• Storage requirements: Store in a sealed container away from light and avoid environments with high temperatures and humidity to prevent the oxidation and degradation of the active polyphenolic compounds.
• Contraindications: A very small number of individuals with allergies to nettle-like plants should undergo a sensitivity test in advance; pregnant and breastfeeding women are advised to use this product under professional guidance.

Appendix: References

[1] Dahlstroem K. et al., Phytotherapy Research, 2000; 14: 544-550.

[2] Wilt T.J. et al., Cochrane Database Syst Rev, 2000; (2): CD001041.

[3] Schussler H. et al., Fortschritte der Medizin, 1999; 117: 113-118.

[4] ‌Devkota H P, Paudel K R, Khanal S, et al. Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica L.): Nutritional Composition, Bioactive Compounds, and Food Functional Properties. Molecules, 2022, 27(16): 5219. doi: 10.3390/molecules27165219‌

‌[5] Kaval K, Behçet L. Introducing Urtica dioica, A Native Plant of Khuzestan, As an Antibacterial Medicinal Plant. Journal of Medicinal Plants, 2014, 2(3): 172-177.‌

‌[6] U.S. National Cancer Institute. Definition of Urtica dioica extract. NCI Drug Dictionary, 2011.