Divanillyltetrahydofuran

PhytochemicalLignanBest with a meal

What is it

Divanillyltetrahydrofuran is a lignan found in stinging nettle root extract. It is included in some men's health supplements for its proposed binding to sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG).

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

BPH symptoms (via nettle root extract)

Limited Evidence

Nettle root extracts have shown modest benefits for BPH urinary symptoms in some trials. Whether the lignan content drives this effect is unclear.

How it works

In vitro studies show divanillyltetrahydrofuran binds to SHBG, the protein that carries testosterone in blood. The theoretical effect is to displace testosterone from SHBG, increasing the free (active) fraction. Whether this binding produces meaningful clinical effects at oral supplement doses is unclear. Nettle root extracts containing this lignan are also used for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) symptoms, where clinical evidence is more developed for the whole extract than for the isolated lignan.

Dosage

Standardized nettle root extracts have been used at 300 to 600 mg/day in BPH studies. Pure divanillyltetrahydrofuran is rarely supplemented in isolation; it appears as a marker compound in stinging nettle root products.

When and how to take it

Nettle root products are typically taken once or twice daily with meals.

1 commercial form

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Component of stinging nettle root extract

Most products use standardized nettle root rather than isolated lignan.

Lignan absorption is modest.

Safety

Nettle root extracts have a long safety record at typical doses. Mild GI upset is the most common report.

Who should be cautious

Avoid in pregnancy and lactation. Men with prostate cancer or other hormone-sensitive conditions should consult a clinician.

Interactions

Theoretical interactions with hormone-related medications and BPH drugs (alpha-blockers, 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors). Clinical relevance is uncertain.

Frequently asked questions

Does divanillyltetrahydrofuran raise testosterone?⌄

Lab studies show SHBG binding. There is no convincing human evidence of significant testosterone elevation.

Should I take pure divanillyltetrahydrofuran?⌄

It is rarely sold in isolation. Nettle root extract is the practical way to get it.

References

Divanillyltetrahydofuran on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Divanillyltetrahydofuran (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.