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Nettle

Nettle leaf is an herb that has a long tradition of use to benefit joint function. The leaves are coarsely-toothed, with numerous, small bristly stinging hairs over much of their surface. The undersides of the nettle leaves and stems have small needle-like structures. Stinging nettle is a native species throughout Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and the Andes Mountains in South America, as well as in North America. Nettle leaf extract has recently been found to contain a variety of active compounds, such as cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase inhibitors. These two compounds cause pain and inflammation and reducing them has proven joint benefits. Internally, urtica dioica has been traditionally used as a diuretic, to build blood, and for treating arthritis and rheumatism, diabetes, urinary disorders, respiratory problems, and dermatological problems. Externally, urtica dioica has been used as a remedy to cure dandruff and oily hair and to improve the appearance of hair. The nettle plant is more precisely referred to as Urtica (Stinging Nettle) and consists of the dried aerial parts of Urtica dioica L. (Fam. Urticaceae) which is gathered during the flowering period. Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) has been used in the herbal treatment of BPH and prostate cancer. Stinging nettle produces a lectin that to binds to SHBG thereby preventing SHBG from binding to its receptors on various sex glands, including the prostate and testes. In the absence of the SHBG ligand, hormone up-take is prevented by glandular cells thereby effectively reducing plasma levels of testosterone.

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