Effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Urtica dioica root on canine prostatic dimensions using ultrasonography method

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the most common prostatic abnormality in intact male dogs and is estimated to occur in 100% of old، intact dogs. The pharmacologic use of plant and herbs for the treatment of BPH has been growing steadily. Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) is an herb that has a long history of medical use، especially for urinary tract problems. In this study، five intact male old dogs with natural benign prostatic hypertrophy orally received 2 mg/kg hydroalcoholic extract of Urtica dioica root daily for 3 months. Prostatic length، width، height and volume of each dogs measured using transabdominal ultrasonography every two weeks. Prostatic length، width، height and volume of dogs were decreased 14. 02، 9. 31. 9. 02 and 19. 41% of initial values، respectively، at the end of study. Urtica dioica extract was significantly effective in reducing prostatic dimensions and volume. No untoward side effect was observed in any dogs. Urtica dioica root extract in our study appeared to be safe and well tolerated. The evidence suggests that Urtica dioica root extract provides mild to moderate reduction in prostatic dimensions and volume. Available data indicate that urtica dioica is a useful alternative to castration in the treatment of BPH in dogs. The long term effectiveness، safety and ability to prevent BPH complications are not known. However، the significance and magnitude of the effect remains to be further confirmatory studies before Urtica dioica treatment may be accepted in the guidelines for BPH treatment.