Evidence for antirheumatic effectiveness of Herba Urticae dioicae in acute arthritis: A pilot study

Forty individuals suffering from an acute arthritis took part in an open randomized study comparing the effects of 50 mg diclofenac plus stewed Herba Urticae dioicae (stinging nettles) with 200 mg diclofenac. Thirty-seven patients completed the study. Assessment was based on the decrease of the elevated acute phase protein CRP and the clinical signs of acute arthritis (physical impairment, subjective pain and pressure pain (patient assessment) and stiffness (physician assessment). All assessments were done on a verbal rating scale from 0 to 4. In both groups median scores improved by about 70% relative to the initial value. Only minor adverse effects occurred during treatment. The authors conclude, that stewed Herba Urticae dioicae may enhance the NSAID antirheumatic effectiveness.