Stinging nettle root (Urtica dioica rhizome) contains a small-molecular-weight lectin (Urtica dioica agglutinin) purified from the root, which is capable of modulating aspects of the immune system. The lectin in Urtica dioica might beneficially modulate an overactive immune system by reducing tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-1 beta. The lectin in Urtica root (UDA) is a T-cell mitogen, with the ability to discriminate a particular population of CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells which results in an increase in immune tolerance. Probably due to its ability to alter the production of anti-self antibodies, the lectin in Urtica root has been shown to protect the kidneys and cardiovascular system from the progression of experimentally induced autoimmune damage in mice. Use of this lectin should be avoided in blood types AB or B as there are reports that the lectin agglutinates red blood cells carrying the B antigen.
PETER J. D'ADAMO
Copyright 2000-2009
I use it myself and it's also good for blood type O and A Candida and prostate sufferers. The herb is used in a lot of hair tonics. Can get it at any health food store in capsules and it's Stinging Nettle root, not the leaf variety.