Nettle extract |

Last updated: 25/08/2025
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(Also known as: Urtica spp.; nettle aqueous extract; nettle leaf extract) |
The following alerts are based on the data in the tables below. An absence of an alert does not imply the substance has no implications for human health, biodiversity or the environment but just that we do not have the data to form a judgement. These hazard alerts do not take account of usage patterns or exposure, thus do not represent risk.
Environmental fate |
Ecotoxicity |
Human health |
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A complex aqueous extract of flavonoids, phenols, sapogenins and otherr plant derived chemicals obtained from the leaves of nettles which demonstrates insecticidal and fungicidal activity |
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Various aphids including Peach-potato aphid, Woolly aphid, blackbean aphid, walnut aphid; Diamondback moth; Fleabeetle; Codling moth; Spider mite; Alternaria; Powdery mildew; Leaf spot; Blight |
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Fruit trees; French beans; Potatoes, Brassicas, Lettuce, Ornamentals, Rapeseed, Radish, Grapevines |
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Class: Magnoliopsida; Order: Rosales; Family: Urticaceae |
EC Regulation 1107/2009 (repealing 91/414) |
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Approved |
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EFSA |
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Open ended |
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No |
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Yes |
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ATAustria |
BEBelgium |
BGBulgaria |
CYCyprus |
CZCzech Republic |
DEGermany |
DKDenmark |
EEEstonia |
ELGreece |
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ESSpain |
FIFinland |
FRFrance |
HRCroatia |
HUHungary |
IEIreland |
ITItaly |
LTLithuania |
LULuxembourg |
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✓ |
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LVLatvia |
MTMalta |
NLNetherlands |
PLPoland |
PTPortugal |
RORomania |
SESweden |
SISlovenia |
SKSlovakia |
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ISIceland |
NONorway |
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Nettle extract is a complex mixture, not a single compound. However, it contains various bioactive substances like flavonoids, phenols, and sapogenins, which may individually have isomeric forms. |
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No |
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Insecticide; Fungicide |
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Plant-derived substance |
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Natural; Complex mixture |
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Extracted from stinging nettle plants (Urtica dioica and/or Urtica urens) |
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Crop protection |
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Various aphids including Peach-potato aphid, Woolly aphid, Black bean aphid, walnut aphid; Diamond back moth; Fleabeetle; Codling moth; Spider mite; Alternaria; Powdery mildew; Leaf spot; Blight |
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Fruit trees; French beans; Potatoes, Brassicas, Lettuce, Ornamentals |
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84012-40-8 |
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90131-83-2 |
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nettle extract |
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UK Basic commodity substance implemented under the UK's Plant Protection Products Regulations 2011; EU Basic substance under Article 28 of Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009); USEPA minimum risk pesticide |
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Not applicable |
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Not applicable |
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None |
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None |
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Green viscous liquid comprised of a variable and complex chemical mixture which includes flavenoids, phenolic acids, sugars and volatiles. |
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Current |
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- SPAA
- The Botanical Extract Company
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- Kugel Urtica
- Nettle Root Complex
- NettleMax
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Often formulated as a concentrated liquid |
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Commercial production of nettle extract begins with the careful harvesting of nettle plants, either the leaves or roots depending on the desired extract, typically during spring or early autumn when bioactive compounds are most concentrated. The harvested material is then thoroughly washed and dried. Once dried, the plant matter is ground into a fine powder to increase surface area for extraction. The powdered nettle is then subjected to solvent extraction, often using water, ethanol, or a combination, under controlled temperatures to draw out beneficial compounds such as flavonoids, polyphenols, and minerals. The resulting extract is filtered, concentrated, and sometimes standardised to ensure consistent potency before being packaged for use. |
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Precise figures for the GHG emissions from producing nettle extract are not available. However, they are expected to be relatively low compared to many synthetic products. Generally, plant oil production processes have been estimated to emit at between 1.0 and 4.0 kg CO₂e per kg of oil. Whilst this data is not a good fit for nettle extract it is likely to be of the correct order. |
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As this parameter is not normally measured directly, a surrogate measure is used: ‘Photochemical oxidative DT₅₀’. Where data is available, this can be found in the Fate Indices section below. |
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Soil adsorption and mobility |
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None
Terrestrial ecotoxicology |
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HUMAN HEALTH AND PROTECTION |
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Carcinogen |
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Endocrine disruptor |
XNo, known not to cause a problem |
A0 A = Chromosome aberration (EFSA database) 0 = No data ; B0 B = DNA damage/repair (EFSA database) 0 = No data ; C0 C = Gene mutation (EFSA database) 0 = No data ; D0 D = Genome mutation (EFSA database) 0 = No data ; E0 E = Unspecified genotoxicity type (miscellaneous data source) 0 = No data |
XNo, known not to cause a problem |
Reproduction / development effects |
Acetyl cholinesterase inhibitor |
Neurotoxicant |
No data found |
No data found |
XNo, known not to cause a problem |
Respiratory tract irritant |
Skin irritant |
Skin sensitiser |
No data found |
XNo, known not to cause a problem |
XNo, known not to cause a problem |
Eye irritant |
Phototoxicant |
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XNo, known not to cause a problem |
XNo, known not to cause a problem |
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No information available |
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IMDG Transport Hazard Class 3 |
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Not listed (Not listed) |
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UN1197 |
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nettle extract |
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Record last updated: |
25/08/2025 |
Contact: |
aeru@herts.ac.uk |
Please cite as: |
Lewis, K.A., Tzilivakis, J., Warner, D. and Green, A. (2016) An international database for pesticide risk assessments and management. Human and Ecological Risk Assessment: An International Journal, 22(4), 1050-1064. DOI: 10.1080/10807039.2015.1133242 |