Nettle.Stinging nettle,Nettle leaf,Nettle root,Common Stinging Nettle?Therapeutics and Pharmacology,Historical or traditional use of Nettle.

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Precautions and Possible Interactions.

Nettle Extract INCI Name Urtica Dioica Extract EINECS ELINCS No 281-685-5 CAS 84012-40-8 Urticae radix Extracts Nettle Root Extract photo picture image The use of herbs is a time-honored approach to strengthening the body and treating disease. Herbs, however, contain active substances that can trigger side effects and interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. For these reasons, herbs should be taken with care, under the supervision of a practitioner knowledgeable in the field of botanical medicine.

 Stinging nettle is generally considered safe when used as directed. Occasional side effects include mild stomach upset, fluid retention, and hives (mainly from topical use). It is important to exercise care when handling the nettle plant as contact with skin can cause result in an allergic rash, such as contact dermatitis or hives.

 Because nettle can alter the menstrual cycle and may contribute to miscarriage, pregnant women should not use nettle, and lactating women should avoid excessive use of this herb.

 The leaves and stems of nettle are covered in short, stiff hairs that release irritating chemicals when they are touched. The resulting itchy or burning sensation may last for several hours after contact with the plant. Care should be taken not to let unprotected skin touch nettles.

 Although nettle's aerial parts have been used in the past to increase the production of breast milk by new mothers, very little is known about the possible effects of nettle aerial parts on a developing fetus. Therefore, it should be avoided during pregnancy. It should only be used while breast-feeding if such use is supervised by a medical professional.

 When should I be careful taking it?

 A tightening effect that nettle aerial parts may have on the muscles of the uterus may cause a miscarriage. Therefore nettle's aerial parts should not be taken by pregnant women.

 Individuals who have swelling or fluid retention caused by heart failure or who have kidney conditions should not use nettle's aerial parts -especially with excessive amounts of water -- because both those conditions may be worsened.

 Because the aerial parts of nettle may raise or lower blood sugar levels unpredictably, individuals with diabetes should avoid their use. Nettle may lower blood pressure and heart rate. Avoid chronic use due to its diuretic effects. Do not take if pregnant or breast-feeding. Do not take if diabetic.

 Possible Side Effects:

 Few side effects have been associated with the oral use of nettle's aerial parts. They have been known to cause mild diarrhea and stomach upset, however.

 Adverse Effects/Post Market Surveillance:

 General: Nettle therapy was generally well-tolerated for up to two years in available human trials.

 Cardiovascular: May cause hypotension (theoretical). An aqueous extract of aerial parts of nettle administered to male rats induced an acute hypotensive action indicating a direct effect on the cardiovascular system.

 Dermatologic: Penetration of the hairs of the nettle plant into the skin or light application of the leaf or steam causes short-lived whealing with burning and itching and a prolonged tingling sensation, which may persist for 12 hours or more. Twenty-three of 27 patients using the juice of a freshly cut nettle leaf to treat osteoarthritic pain experienced localized rash and slight itching after application. Fourteen of 18 patients using nettle for pain relief experienced the stinging sensation as not painful, while two described intense pain soon replaced by warmth, and three reported an area of numbness.

 Endocrine: May increase blood glucose (theoretical). In a study conducted on streptozotocin-diabetic mice, oral ingestion of nettle resulted in aggravation of the diabetic condition. An aqueous extract of nettle leaves administered to healthy rabbits with temporarily induced hyperglycemia caused a slight increase in glycemia (not statistically significant).

 Gastrointestinal: Continual pain in the gastrointestinal tract and hyperperistalsis was reported in one patient in an equivalence trail of 134 patients when two capsules were administered daily for eight weeks. Seven patients taking a freeze-dried preparation of Urtica dioica for the treatment of allergic rhinitis in a randomized, controlled trial reported mild gastric discomfort when the medication was taken on an empty stomach. Three of 10 patients in a case series treated with two Prostatin R capsules three times daily complained of gastrointestinal side effects that prompted withdrawal from the study. Four of 25 patients treated with Bazoton capsules in a randomized controlled trial withdrew from the study due to side effects such as constipation, diarrhea and gastric disorder.

 Genitourinary: May cause uterine contractions (theoretical). In a study conducted in mice, nettle caused uterine contractions.

 Hematologic: May decrease coagulation and cause hemorrhage (theoretical). The nettle plant contains a substance that is a coumarin derivative. In a chronic toxicity study, nettle infusion was administered to Wistar rats via an intra-gastric probe. The rats exhibited nasal, oral and orbital bleeding. Upon autopsy, pulmonary edema and blood at the intestinal lumen were found. Coagulation time was delayed for seven days in the rats and was also determined to be the cause of death.

 Renal: May cause diuresis (theoretical). An aqueous extract of aerial parts administered to male rats demonstrated diuretic and natriuretic effects, suggesting an action on renal function.

 Precautions/Warnings/Contraindications:

 Use cautiously in patients with diabetes mellitus due to potential increased glycemia. Monitor blood glucose levels.
 Use cautiously in patients taking anticoagulants due to a decrease in coagulation. Monitor coagulation time (PT/INR).
 Use cautiously in patients taking diuretics and/or other antihypertensive agents due to the potential hypotensive actions of nettle. Monitor blood pressure.
 Use with caution in patients taking anti-inflammatory agents.
 Use with caution in patients with hyponatremia as nettle has a synergistic diuretic effect. Monitor sodium levels.
 Nettle should not be administered to children as it has not been studied.
 Use cautiously in elderly persons due to an increased risk of a hypotensive crisis.

 Pregnancy Lactation:

 Not recommended due to lack of sufficient data.
 Avoid in pregnant patients due to the potential of nettle to induce uterine stimulation.

 Contraindications:

 Nettle has been documented in animal studies to lower blood pressure and heart rate. Those with heart conditions should seek the advice and supervision of a health practitioner to determine if nettle is suitable for their condition and to monitor its effects. known hypersensitive.

 Nettle has been documented to have diuretic effects. Chronic use of this plant may be contraindicated in various medical conditions where diuretics are not advised. Chronic long-term use of any diuretic can cause electrolyte and mineral imbalances. Consult your doctor if you choose to use this plant chronically for longer than 30 days concerning possible side effects of long term diuretic use.
 Nettle Extract INCI Name Urtica Dioica Extract EINECS ELINCS No 281-685-5 CAS 84012-40-8 Urticae radix Extracts Nettle Root Extract photo picture image

 Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs):

 In a scientific study of patients with acute arthritis, stewed stinging nettle leaves enhanced the anti-inflammatory effect of diclofenac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID). Although the combination of stinging nettle and NSAIDs may be beneficial for the treatment of arthritic conditions, a knowledgeable healthcare provider should be consulted before adding this herb to an existing medication regimen.

 The aerial parts of nettle may increase the anticoagulant or antiplatelet effects of drugs, aspirin, and certain herbal products. They may also increase the effectiveness of drugs and herbals that lower blood pressure, as well as the effectiveness of insulin and other agents that lower blood sugar.

 In addition, nettle aerial parts may increase the sedation associated with certain prescription drugs, non-prescription drugs, other herbal supplements, and alcohol. It should be avoided or used carefully while drugs or herbals for anxiety, colds and coughs, epilepsy, or insomnia are being taken. Many other prescription and non-prescription medications and herbs cause drowsiness, so a doctor or pharmacist should review all the medications being used before products that contain nettle aerial parts are started.

 Interaction with Prescription Drugs:

 In case reports, the aerial parts of nettle have been shown to increase the time blood needs to clot. When it is taken with antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs, the effect of the drug may be increased, resulting in uncontrolled bleeding.

 Antiplatelets include Plavix and Ticlid;Anticoagulants include heparin and warfarin

 When the aerial parts of nettle are used with prescription drugs that promote sleepiness, the effects of the drug may be exaggerated, resulting in sedation or mental impairment. Prescription drugs that may cause sleepiness include:

 Anticonvulsants such as carbamazepine, phenytoin and valproic acid;Barbiturates such as phenobarbital;Benzodiazepines such as alprazolam and diazepam;Drugs for insomnia such as zaleplon and zolpidem;Tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline, amoxapine, doxepin and nortriptyline

 Due to their possible ability to lower blood pressure, the aerial parts of nettle may increase the effects of drugs that also lower blood pressure. Some blood pressure-lowering drugs are:

 ACE inhibitors such as captopril, enalapril, lisinopril, and Monopril

 Alpha-1 adrenergic blockers: Prazosin, doxazosin and terazosin have been associated with a "first-dose" effect. Marked hypotension, especially postural hypotension, and syncope with sudden loss of consciousness, can occur with the first few doses. An aqueous extract of aerial parts of the nettle plant administered to male rats demonstrated an acute hypotensive action (5). Co-administration of nettle and an alpha-1 blocker may theoretically have an additive hypotensive effect. Alpha-1 adrenergic blockers are also used in the treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia. Co-administration of alpha-1 blockers and nettle may result in additive effects of hypotensive crisis (8; 9; 10; 12; 14; 15; 18; 19; 20; 32; 33; 34).

 Anticoagulant drugs: Nettle root contains a coumarin constituent; therefore administration of nettle root may theoretically potentiate the effects of anticoagulants. As nettle leaves contain vitamin K, high doses may theoretically alter response to warfarin.

 Antihypertensive drugs: An aqueous extract of aerial parts of the nettle plant administered to male rats demonstrated an acute hypotensive action. Administration of nettle may theoretically have an additive effect with antihypertensive agents.

 Anti-inflammatory drugs: In a clinical trial, stewed nettle leaves plus diclofenac 50mg was as effective in the treatment of acute arthritis as diclofenac 200mg. Nettle leaves may theoretically have an additive effect with other anti-inflammatory agents.
 Beta blockers such as atenolol, metoprolol, and propranolol
 Calcium channel blockers such as nifedipine, Norvasc, and verapamil

 Diuretic drugs: such as Dyazide, furosemide, and hydrochlorothiazide,An aqueous extract of aerial parts administered to male rats demonstrated diuretic and natriuretic effects. Administration of nettle may theoretically have an additive effect on diuretics, resulting in dehydration and hypokalemia.

 Because of a small possibility that they may raise or lower blood sugar levels, the aerial parts of nettle may interfere with the effects of insulin and oral drugs for diabetes, such as:
 Actos,Avandia,glimepiride (Amaryl),glipizide (Glucotrol XL),glyburide (Glynase),Glyset,metformin (Glucophage),Prandin,Precose

 Finasteride: Finasteride, a 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor, is used in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Co-administration of finasteride and nettle may have additive effects as both inhibit the enzyme.

 Hypoglycemic drugs: In a study conducted on streptozotocin diabetic mice, oral ingestion of nettle resulted in aggravation of the diabetic condition. An aqueous extract of nettle leaves administered to healthy rabbits with temporarily induced hyperglycemia caused a slight increase in glycemia (not statistically significant) (24). The efficacy of hypoglycemic agents may theoretically be reduced when co-administered with nettle.

 Interaction with Non-prescription Drugs

 Nettle's aerial parts can affect the ability of blood to clot after an injury. Aspirin can also delay clotting, so the aerial parts of nettle should not be taken at the same time as aspirin.

 The sleep-producing effects of over-the-counter products containing diphenhydramine can be enhanced by taking nettle's aerial parts at the same time. Diphenhydramine is contained in many non-prescription sleeping pills as well as in some cough and cold products, therefore caution should be used when taking these medications with the aerial parts of nettle because excessive drowsiness may result.

 Interaction with herbal Products:Nettle/Herb/Supplement Interactions:

 Theoretically, if nettle's aerial parts are used with other herbs that affect blood clotting, bleeding may occur. Some of the most common herbal products that might inhibit blood clotting are:
 Danshen;Devil's Claw;Eleuthero;Garlic;Ginger (in high amounts);Ginkgo;Horse Chestnut;Panax Ginseng;Papain;Red Clover;Saw Palmetto
 The aerial parts of nettle may cause excessive sedation if they are taken with other potentially sedating herbs such as:
 Catnip;Hops;Kava-kava;St. John's wort;Valerian

 Because nettle's aerial parts may decrease blood sugar levels, taking it with other blood sugar-lowering herbal products may result in hypoglycemia -- blood sugar that is too low. Herbals that may reduce blood sugar include:
 Eleuthero;Fenugreek;Ginger (in high amounts);Kudzu;Panax ginseng

 Anticoagulant/anti-platelet herbs: Theoretically, nettle may increase risk of bleeding.
 Anti-inflammatory herbs: Nettle leaves may theoretically have an additive effect with other anti-inflammatory agents.
 Diuretic herbs: Theoretically, nettle may cause diuresis.
 Dong Quai: Both nettle and dong quai contain natural coumarin derivatives. Co-administration may increase risk of bleeding.
 Horse chestnut: Horse chestnut has exhibited additive anti-thrombotic activity with warfarin. Since nettle contains a coumarin derivative, combined use may increase risk of bleeding.
 Hypoglycemic/hyperglycemic herbs: Theoretically, nettle may increase blood glucose levels.
 Hypotensive/hypertensive herbs: Theoretically, nettle may lower blood pressure levels.
 Kava: Kava has exhibited additive anti-thrombotic activity with warfarin. Since nettle contains a coumarin derivative, combined use may increase risk of bleeding.

 Niacin: Niacin has been associated with small but significant increase in prothrombin time (mean increase 4%). Combined use with nettle may cause further increases in prothrombin time (theoretical).
 Pygeum: Pygeum is used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia and may have additive therapeutic effects with nettle.
 Saw palmetto: Saw palmetto is used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia and may have additive therapeutic effects with nettle.
 Soy isoflavones: Soy isoflavones appear to inhibit type II 5 alpha-reductase and may have additive effects with nettle (anecdotal).

 Interaction with Foods:No interactions between nettle's aerial parts and foods have been reported, but drinking alcohol at the same time as taking nettle's aerial parts by mouth may result in increased drowsiness.

 Nettle/Lab Interactions:

 Blood pressure: Theoretically, nettle may lower blood pressure levels.
 Glucose: Due to potential hyperglycemic effects, serum glucose concentration may be increased by nettle.
 Prothrombin time/INR (International Normalized Ratio): In theory, nettle may alter coagulation.
 Sodium: Nettle has a synergistic diuretic effect and may lower sodium levels.

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Reference:

citations1.Nettle.Stinging nettle,Nettle leaf,Nettle root,Common Stinging Nettle?Therapeutics and Pharmacology,Historical or traditional use of Nettle.

last edit date:22th,May.2009.