Nettle Leaf

Botanicaltraditional herbLimited dose evidence

Also known as: Urtica dioica leaf, stinging nettle leaf, Urticae folium

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Nettle leaf is the dried aerial part of Urtica dioica, a nutrient-dense green used in traditional European herbalism and in modern seasonal and immune formulas. Its constituents differ from the root and include flavonoids, minerals, and chlorophyll. Leaf preparations appear in allergy-season blends alongside quercetin and in greens powders. Human trials are limited and mostly small; a meta-analysis has pooled studies in adults with type 2 diabetes, and evidence for other uses is preliminary.

Research summary

Flavonoids and other constituents studied for effects on inflammatory signaling; mechanisms in humans are not well established.

Dosage

Daily amounts, of extract.

Lowest studiedTypical rangeHighest studiedUpper limit
300 mg300–600 mg

Taken as capsules or in a greens powder once or twice daily. Trial doses vary widely; 300 to 600 mg of leaf extract reflects common retail use rather than a validated range.

Standardization: Leaf extract (commonly 4:1) or milled leaf

Source material: leaf extract or leaf powder

Forms of Nettle

FormTypical doseElement %FormatsPrice
Nettle Leaf300–600 mgCapsule, Powder, Tabletlow
Nettle Root300–600 mgCapsule, Powder, Tabletlow

Format suitability

  • Capsule
  • Powder
  • Tablet
  • Softgel
  • Gummy
  • Liquid

Grassy flavor; suits greens powders.

Formulation notes

Frequently combined with quercetin and bromelain in seasonal formulas.

Sources

  1. Effects of Urtica dioica on Metabolic Profiles in Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Clinical Trials. (Tabrizi R 2022)PubMed

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