Does Extract From Nettle Roots Increase Liver Enzymes?

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Nettle extract consumption can increase the level of liver peroxysomal acyl oxidase 1 (ACOX), a transcriptional factor in the liver. Despite its widespread use, there have been no reported reports of serum enzyme elevations or clinically apparent liver injury attributable to nettle extract. Stinging nettle is a nutritious plant popular in Western herbal medicine, known for its potential to reduce inflammation, hay fever symptoms, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels. It is most commonly used for diabetes and osteoarthritis, and may also be used for urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney stones, and enlarged blood vessels. Stinging nettle may interact with drugs metabolized by cytochrome P450 enzymes, including Warfarin. It has antiproliferative, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, analgesic, anti-infectious, hypotensive, and anti-ulcer characteristics. Stinging nettle has been used for centuries to treat painful muscles and joints, eczema, arthritis, gout, and anemia. Nettle, a plant with a long history as an herbal remedy and nutritional supplement, has been shown to decrease enzyme levels in rats fed a high-fat diet.

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Stinging Nettle – LiverToxDespite the widespread use of the drug in question, there have been no published reports of serum enzyme elevations or clinically apparent liver injury attributable to…www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
6 Benefits of Stinging Nettle (Plus Side Effects)Stinging nettle is a nutritious plant that is widely used in Western herbal medicine. It has been demonstrated to possess anti-inflammatory, antihistamine, hypotensive, and hypoglycemic properties.www.healthline.com
STINGING NETTLE – Uses, Side Effects, and MoreThe stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) is a plant characterized by pointed leaves and white to yellowish flowers. The root and above-ground parts are employed in the treatment of diabetes.www.webmd.com

📹 5 Benefits of Stinging Nettle Root

This is one of my favorite natural remedies for arthritis, and it has many other benefits as well. Check it out. Timestamps 0:00 …


What is the best herb for liver repair?

What herbs can help improve liver health? Milk thistle, turmeric, and burdock are three supplements often used to improve liver health. Of the three, milk thistle has the most evidence to support it can benefit liver health.

Many proponents of herbal medicine suggest using herbs to enhance the health of your liver, an organ responsible for clearing toxins from your body. Indeed, some research shows that certain herbs may help fight liver disorders like cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) or infections like hepatitis B and hepatitis C (causes of liver inflammation).

Here’s a look at several herbs that show promise as a natural means of boosting liver health.

Milk Thistle. Milk thistle may benefit people with cirrhosis of the liver, according to a report published in 2001.   Analyzing five clinical trials (with a total of 602 cirrhosis patients), researchers determined that treatment with milk thistle could lead to a significant reduction in liver-related mortality.

What are the side effects of nettle root extract?
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What are the side effects of nettle root extract?

Stinging nettle is generally considered safe when used as directed. Occasional side effects include mild stomach upset, fluid retention, sweating, diarrhea, and hives or rash (mainly from topical use). It is important to be careful when handling the nettle plant because touching it can cause an allergic rash. Stinging nettle should never be applied to an open wound.

Because nettle can alter the menstrual cycle and may contribute to miscarriage, pregnant women should not use nettle.

DO NOT self treat with nettle for BPH. See your doctor to receive a diagnosis and to rule out prostate cancer.

How much nettle root extract per day?
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How much nettle root extract per day?

Stinging nettle has historically been used for joint pain and has been shown to be safe and effective for relieving the pain of osteoarthritis.

Has historically been used for joint pain. Topical application with the intent of causing stings to relieve joint pain has been assessed in preliminary and double-blind trials. The results found intentional nettle stings to be safe and effective for relieving the pain of osteoarthritis. The only reported adverse effect is a sometimes painful or numbing rash that lasts 6 to 24 hours.

Stinging nettle enriches and increases the flow of breast milk and restores the mother’s energy following childbirth.

Does nettle leaf reduce creatinine?
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Does nettle leaf reduce creatinine?

  • Fruits: Antioxidant-rich options like cranberries, kiwi, apples and blueberries aid in lowering creatinine levels.
  • Vegetables: Including a variety of vegetables like bitter gourd, eggplant, carrot, cauliflower, red bell pepper, cucumber and onions helps regulate creatinine levels.
  • Spices: Cinnamon, known for its kidney-friendly properties, can be added to the diet to help manage creatinine levels.
  • Nettle Leaf Tea: Consuming 1-2 cups a day can serve as a powerful kidney tonic, potentially improving kidney function and reducing serum creatinine levels.
  • Plant-Based Proteins: Consider substituting some or all of your animal protein sources with plant-based options like beans, lentils, and tofu.

The nutrition expert revealed, “These foods not only provide valuable plant-based protein but are also recommended as part of a kidney-friendly diet to manage creatinine levels and promote overall kidney health. Research has indicated that high-quality protein sources like beans, lentils, and tofu can enhance kidney function and decrease the risk of kidney disease. Additionally, these options are low in potassium, which is crucial for individuals with kidney disease who need to monitor their potassium intake.”

How long can you safely take nettle?
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How long can you safely take nettle?

When taken by mouth: Stinging nettle is possibly safe when used for up to 1 year. It might cause diarrhea, constipation, and upset stomach in some people. When applied to the skin: Stinging nettle is possibly safe. Touching the stinging nettle plant can cause skin irritation.

Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) is a plant with pointed leaves and white to yellowish flowers. The root and above ground parts are used for diabetes.

The stinging nettle plant is typically 2-4 meters tall. It contains ingredients that might decrease swelling and increase urination. The leaves are sometimes eaten as a cooked vegetable.

Stinging nettle is most commonly used for diabetes and osteoarthritis. It is also sometimes used for urinary tract infections ( UTIs ), kidney stones, enlarged prostate, hay fever, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

What supplements can cause elevated liver enzymes?
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What supplements can cause elevated liver enzymes?

Herbal supplements and vitamin supplements, like chaparral, comfrey tea, iron and vitamin A.

What does it mean to have elevated liver enzymes?. If you have high levels of liver enzymes in your blood, you have elevated liver enzymes. High liver enzyme levels may be temporary, or they may be a sign of a medical condition like hepatitis or liver disease. Certain medications can also cause elevated liver enzymes.

What are liver enzymes?. Liver enzymes are proteins that speed up chemical reactions in your body. These chemical reactions include producing bile and substances that help your blood clot, breaking down food and toxins, and fighting infection. Common liver enzymes include:

  • Alkaline phosphatase (ALP).
  • Alanine transaminase (ALT).
  • Aspartate transaminase (AST).
  • Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT).
Is nettle hard on the kidneys?
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Is nettle hard on the kidneys?

  • Nettle tea benefits the kidneys by increasing urine output and uric acid removal. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it improves kidney function and urinary flow.
  • Nettle tea is a natural diuretic that promotes proper fluid flow in the kidneys and bladder, preventing kidney stones from forming.
  • According to research, nettle tea can help flush toxins from the urinary tract as well as support the medications used to treat urinary tract infections.
  • Few studies report that nettle can slow the multiplication of prostate cells in the same way that finasteride (a medication used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia ) does. This herb has been approved for the treatment of symptoms such as decreased flow rate, painful urination, and so on. It can inhibit the prostatic conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone), thereby aiding in the reduction of prostate size in hypertrophy.

Nettle tea can help with indigestion, nausea, excess gas, colitis, and celiac disease. It also prevents diarrhea by killing parasites and worms in the intestine.;

  • Herbalists recommend nettle tea for hair growth, claiming that the silica in nettles strengthens hair and nails, and its other properties improve circulation and decrease shedding.
  • Nettle tea may help in skin conditions such as eczema and rashes.
  • According to some studies, nettle tea can help treat hives and urticaria. While the nettle leaf hair contains histamine and frequently causes hives, the extract of the leaves may contain compounds that can soothe hives by turning off the inflammatory response.
What herbs can cause elevated liver enzymes?
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What herbs can cause elevated liver enzymes?

Herbal supplements. How could something natural be bad for your liver? In fact, some common herbs could cause toxic liver disease. Watch out for supplements that contain aloe vera, black cohosh, cascara, chaparral, comfrey, ephedra, or kava.

Chemicals and solvents. Some workplace chemicals can harm your liver. Some examples are vinyl chloride, which is used to make plastics; a dry cleaning solution called carbon tetrachloride; the weed killer paraquat; and polychlorinated biphenyls.

You may be more likely to get toxic liver disease if:

Is nettle root good for liver?
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Is nettle root good for liver?

This study aimed to evaluate the interaction between nettle (Urtica dioica L.) water extract consumption and regulators of peroxysomal lipid oxidation, histone deacetylase, and markers of oxidative stress in the liver and blood lipid levels in male and female C57Bl6 mice. The mice were treated with nettle extract in a dose of 40 mg of total polyphenols per kg mice body weight and applied daily along with normal diet for 15 days. The serum triglycerides, cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and liver PPAR-α, PPAR-γ, PGC-1-α, ACOX1, SIRT1, MDA, SOD, CAT, and GSH were compared between exposed and unexposed (control) animals.

In males, the PPAR-α, PGC1-α, and ACOX1 levels together with systemic HDL cholesterol were significantly increased while the LDL cholesterol decreased. In females, no changes in PPAR-α and PGC1-α or serum lipids were noted, but the ACOX1 content in the liver was significantly increased. The SIRT1 activity increased only in females. In both sexes, the PPAR-γ levels were not significantly affected in either sex.

The results indicate that nettle plant extract has the potential to modulate selected transcriptional factors and histone deacetylase in vivo, with certain sex differences. Further studies in similar models are needed to understand the potential benefits of nettle consumption in managing cholesterol, dyslipidemia, and oxidative stress.

Who should not take nettle?
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Who should not take nettle?

Risks. Avoid stinging nettle if you’re allergic or sensitive to nettle or plants in the same family.

Avoid if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding because there isn’t enough information on its safety.

Use with caution if you’re elderly because of the potential of causing low blood pressure.

And use stinging nettle with caution if you have diabetes because of the potential that it may lower or raise blood sugar levels.

Interactions. Stinging nettle may interact with some medications, so use with caution if you’re taking:

Can dandelion root cause elevated liver enzymes?
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Can dandelion root cause elevated liver enzymes?

Dandelion root extract has been found to have protective effects against alcohol-induced liver damage in ICR mice and HepG2/2E1 cell lines without any cytotoxic effects. The extract significantly reduced serum AST, ALT, ALP, lactate dehydrogenase, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and increased hepatic antioxidant enzymes. This reduction in lipid peroxidation and increase in antioxidant enzymes were caused by the dandelion hot water extract.

Dandelion leaf extract has also been confirmed to have hepatoprotective effects against sodium dichromate-induced liver injury in rats. Oral daily administration of dandelion leaf hot water extract (500 mg/kg) for 30 days decreased total cholesterol, triglycerides, AST, ALT, lactate dehydrogenase, MDA, and chromium concentrations in rat’s blood and liver. Thyroid-stimulating hormone levels reached normal levels in sodium dichromate treated animals after pretreatment with dandelion leaf extract, which was associated with an increase in antioxidant enzyme activities and reduction in DNA fragmentation.

Dandelion is used in combination with other herbal extracts as hepato-protective agents, commonly used in combination with Silybum marianum (S. marianum). The protective effect of oral dandelion extract (100 mg/kg/day) and its combination with S. marianum extract (100 mg/kg/day) was evaluated in CCL 4 treated female Wistar albino rats. The combination of dandelion and S. marianum extracts in CCl 4 treated animals decreased serum ALP and GGT enzyme activities and MDA level in the kidney tissue, and increased the GSH level and GST enzyme activities.

The hepatoprotective effects of dandelion are confirmed in animal studies, but there is no clinical study on its efficacy. It would be worthwhile to know the chemical compounds responsible for its hepatoprotective effects and choose these compounds as standard for clinical trials.

Among different parts of dandelion extracts, aqueous extracts of dandelion roots and leaves have been used as hepatoprotective agents. The main components of dandelion leaf extract include total phenolics, flavonoids, tannins, polysaccharides, and ascorbic acids.


📹 The Amazing Health Benefits Of Stinging Nettle Leaf | The Frugal Chef

Health benefits of stinging nettle leaf. Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) is a plant that has been traditionally used for its medicinal …


Does Extract From Nettle Roots Increase Liver Enzymes?
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Elle Pierson

Hi, I’m Elle Pierson, RN, MBA—a passionate Healthcare Consultant dedicated to empowering individuals and organizations to achieve better health outcomes. As a TEDx Speaker, Author, and Mentor, I bring my expertise in medicine and healthcare management to help others navigate complex systems with confidence. My mission is to inspire change and create meaningful solutions in the world of healthcare. Thank you for joining me on this journey!

Education: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Executive MBA from Texas Woman’s University.
Email: [email protected]

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16 comments

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  • It raised my free levels of testosterone after taking it for 4-6 months and I continue to take it. My endocrinologist wanted to prescribe a chemical aromotase inhibitor but I went with the nettle root instead and my bloodwork proved the positive outcome. I also use grapeseed extract, which is another natural aromatase inhibitor. Thanks for undrscoring the other benefits as well dr. Berg.

  • I don’t know if you will ever read this but if you do thank you so much for the above. I’m a 68 female who has spent the last 30 years in pain with RA/secondary sjogrens syndrome – could no longer work, fly on a plane or do anything. I listened to your article and got myself some nettle capsules (the roots) and tincture (the leaves) and also rub my hands every few days with a couple of leaves and for the first time in 30 years I am actually free from pain no pain in hands, feet (so bad that could not get off the kerb) shoulders (could hardly get dressed) back of neck. My ESR is totally normally for the first time since first test those 30 years ago and I’m nearly off the opiod painkillers that I’ve been taking for the past 30 years. Needless to say the NHS doctors are saying that perhaps I did not have RA in the first place – although my hands say differently – tried to tell them about this but they are not interested. Anyway thank you hopefully the few years that I have left will be pain free. Whenever I meet anyone with arthritis in general I will always pass them on to your website. Love Liz and her seven cats. Oops forgot to mention now growing my own nettles and picking wild ones and learning how to make a good tincture.

  • You can eat or drink stinging nettles in so many ways. Loads grow in my garden and in all the hedges. All year round fresh free organic green food. You can keep cutting them all winter,heavy frost might knock them back for a while. Scissors and a colander cut off the tops of the stinging nettles that way fresh shoots keep growing very quickly,snip them small,wash bring to the boil in saucepan turn off heat,that is enough to cook out the sting leave for several hours,drain squeeze out the leaves, boils down to very little,I shape mine into a mini burger and put on top of a beefburger with some garlic cook in George Foreman. Good broken up into an omelette, or start an omelette with raw nettles cut small cooked in butter shrinks down like spinach, then add bacon mushrooms and egg. The liquid makes a nice refreshing drink kept in the fridge, or could go in a smoothie or base for soup. They can still sting through your gardening gloves.

  • Funny story: my mum was cutting stinging nettle leaves in our local park and was stopped by the police. They asked her whaaatttt she was doing and she explained how she makes pies with it. They were so confused, and a German woman walking her dog joined in and said how they do this in Germany too! 🤣

  • Wow!!! Thank you SO much, Eric Berg, I love great info like this, especially about anything I can grow myself. Well, nettles grow themselves, really! We have nettle pop up each year in late Winter/very early Spring. I’ve added the tops to casseroles & soups, but next year I’ll harvest & dry some roots, too. Fantastic stuff! 👍 🌱 😀

  • Happy Monday January 2nd everyone including Dr Berg. I rent acquaint bungalow in San Diego overlooking Chula Vista. Nice view. Stinging nettle is the ground cover on the property. I walked barefoot in it just for the sheer Joy and the tingling sensation. Love your website liked it subscribed it shared it. I am currently devouring a huge portion of stinging nettle with butter beans a little bacon grease and bacon and it’s absolutely off the chain delicious and boosting my energy levels off the chain.

  • Do you know why when I took this tea, immediately the pain in my arm way unbearable 😫 smh, due to inflammation build up from the tea. I know this tea is amazing because I was trying to take it because I have fibroids, but that’s the side affects I got from it, and that is one of the side affects I read, but I did hear this tea is amazing.

  • Hi Dr. Berg…I will definitely try Stinging Nettle root. I do have a question about resveratrol: Is it safe and worth taking? I just recently purchased a bottle but now I am listening to YouTube articles by other vloggers saying its actually more harmful than good on the cells. I have followed you for a while now and I totally trust you. Can you help me?

  • i swear by nettles for my torturous hay fever problem . . i would normally take about 6/8 tablets per day even the likes of zirtene prescribed to me to be taken only 1 tablet per day . but 1glass of nettle /mint and small bit of sage brew first thing in morning 1 glass around 3pm and 1 before i go to bed so that i would not wake up sneezing in middle of night does its magic .

  • Dr, I’ve recently come across stinging nettle, and bought a bunch of nettle tea bags. However, I now realise my tea is actually from the nettle leaves, not the root . I’m 54 yrs old, and have noticed a slowing in my urine flow. Will the nettle leaf tea I’m now taking still have prostate benefits for me ? If not, are there any other benefits for men that warrant taking the nettle leaves in a tea ?

  • Thank you so much Dr Berg for helping us in are health. I am a missionary in Africa. I have come across stinging Nettle. I grow it now. I have a question. I am drying it and making a pill out of it. Is it good for me and my Husband to take a stinging Nettle pill every day ? I brought your books with me here in Zimbabwe to help the people as well in there health. They are so much healthy from your help. I enjoy your teachings . I have learned a lot.

  • I literally cut down a 20 stem stinging nettle plant and started a tea/infusion with the leaves and composted the stems. I sprayed the lower leaves with acv, they were getting white mildew. Could I have dried the stems to make a tea too ? I wont pull the plant up yet, I know it will sprout a few 100 more stems and leaves soon.

  • Make your own. Ingredients: Dried nettle root, 80-100 proof vodka or another high-proof alcohol. Instructions: Fill a glass jar about 1/3 full with dried nettle root. Pour alcohol over the roots, filling the jar to the top. Seal the jar tightly and store it in a cool, dark place for 4-6 weeks. Shake the jar occasionally. After 4-6 weeks, strain the liquid through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a clean bottle. Use a dropper to take 1-2 ml of tincture 2-3 times a day.

  • Hello. I was wondering if you could advise please advise me. I am suffering from chronic urticaria for 10 years. I have just returned back to the UK after living in Japan for 13 years. The Dr in Japan was prescribing me an antihistamine called cetirizine hydrochloride which was mangaging my symptoms well. The Dr in UK prescribed me an antihistamine called fexofenadine hydrochloride which does not work at all. I have tried all the antihistamines bought with very little effect. I am suffering badly every day. I am antihistamine resistant and need help. I have asked the Dr to refer me to a dermatologist on the HHS to help me as I am recently unemployed due to the coronavirus. I have no idea how long this will take and am suffering everyday with no medication. Do you think Stinging Nettle can help and could you also please suggest any other alternatives ? Thank you so much. I have been following your articles for quite some time and am for ever grateful for all the knowledge i have learnt from you.

  • I was drinking it for a month due to my fingers osteoarthritis, not only had the pain gone. Before, I was sleeping mostly 1-2 hours and needed to urinate most of the night, waking up 5-6 times per night. After drinking nettle tea daily, I slept deeper for 4-5 hours per night and the need to urinate has gone down to 2 times, what an amazing healing remedy.

  • I really had huge pain in my upper part because of spondyloarthritis. This lasted for few months. Because I have also Chrons, medication pills really worsened condition. So I quit with medication. I was drinking lots of nette tee every day for the last week and my pain is by now around 80 % lower. I will continue. I can only say it does wonders.q

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