title: The effect of extracts of the roots of the stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) on the interaction of SHBG with its receptor on human prostatic membranes.
abstract: Extracts from the roots of the stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) are used in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. The mechanisms underlying this treatment have not been elucidated. We set out to determine whether specific extracts from U. dioica had the ability to modulate the binding of sex hormone-binding globulin to its receptor on human prostatic membranes. Four substances contained in U. dioica were examined: an aqueous extract; an alcoholic extract; U. dioica agglutinin, and stigmasta-4-en-3-one. Of these, only the aqueous extract was active. It inhibited the binding of 125I-SHBG to its receptor. The inhibition was dose related, starting at about 0.6 mg/ml and completely inhibited binding at 10 mg/ml.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, St. Luke's/Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, N.Y. 10019.
authors.forename: D J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Hryb
authors.forename: M S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Khan
authors.forename: N A
authors.initials: NA
authors.lastname: Romas
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Rosner
mesh_terms: D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008297:Male; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011467:Prostate / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D012738:Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D010936:Plant Extracts; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface; D012738:Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin; C063572:sex hormone-binding globulin receptor