3,4-Divanillyltetrahydrofuran
Snapshot
3,4-Divanillyltetrahydrofuran comes from stinging nettle root; may support urinary flow, frequency, and prostate comfort. Evidence for raising free testosterone is limited in human studies.
What It Is
3,4-Divanillyltetrahydrofuran (DVT) is a plant lignan (polyphenolic compound) found in the roots of Urtica dioica (stinging nettle). It’s been studied primarily for interactions with sex hormone–binding globulin (SHBG), the carrier protein for testosterone and estradiol.
Where It Comes From
DVT occurs naturally in stinging nettle root (and in smaller amounts in other lignan-rich plants). Commercial supplements often derive it from nettle root extracts, sometimes labeled or marketed as “Divanil.”
Key Nutrients & Compounds
As an isolated lignan, DVT is the featured bioactive. Nettle root also contains other lignans (e.g., neoolivil, secoisolariciresinol, isolariciresinol, dehydrodiconiferyl alcohol) that may contribute to its overall activity in whole-root extracts.
Health Benefits
Hormone/SHBG: In vitro work suggests DVT can bind SHBG; later characterization indicates lower affinity than endogenous steroids. Evidence that isolated DVT increases free testosterone in humans is lacking; most “testosterone” claims come from mechanistic or animal/cell data, not clinical trials.
Prostate/Urinary: Clinical studies of nettle root extract (not isolated DVT) show symptom improvements in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)/lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Benefits likely reflect multi-target actions of the whole extract (e.g., SHBG interaction, anti-inflammatory effects), rather than DVT alone.
Recommended Dosage
There is no established clinical dose for isolated DVT. Human trials use nettle root extract typically in the 300–600 mg/day range (sometimes higher) over 8–12 weeks or longer for BPH/LUTS. Follow product directions and discuss dosing with a clinician.
How To Use It
If choosing an isolated DVT product, take with a meal (fat aids absorption). For prostate/LUTS goals, consider standardized nettle root extract used consistently for at least 8–12 weeks. Avoid stacking with prescription hormone or prostate medications without medical guidance.
Who Should Use It
Men exploring adjunctive support for mild BPH/LUTS under clinician supervision may consider nettle root extract. Athletes seeking “free testosterone” should know that human evidence for isolated DVT is insufficient; focus on sleep, nutrition, resistance training, and clinically supported options.
Possible Interactions or Cautions
Because DVT/nettle root modulates hormone pathways, use caution with hormone-sensitive conditions or therapies (e.g., 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors, anti-androgens). Nettle may have diuretic effects and can interact with antihypertensive or antidiabetic medications; monitor if used together. Avoid in pregnancy/breastfeeding due to limited safety data. Stop if rash or GI upset occurs.
Final Thoughts
Treat isolated DVT as mechanistic/experimental: interesting SHBG data, but no robust human trials showing testosterone increases. For urinary symptoms, the evidence base supports whole nettle root extracts, not purified DVT.
Scientific Studies
Schöttner M, et al. Nettle root lignans (including DVT) bind human SHBG in vitro; early report. http://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9434605/
Round P, et al. Detailed SHBG binding study: DVT shows relatively low affinity versus steroids. http://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31852737/
Tekin V, et al. DVT shows differential cytotoxicity in androgen-sensitive vs insensitive prostate cancer cell lines (in vitro). http://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32453606/
Ghorbanibirgani A, et al. RCT: stinging nettle improved BPH symptoms (nettle root extract, not isolated DVT). http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3589769/
Safarinejad MR. Clinical trial: Urtica dioica improved symptomatic BPH; further trials advised. http://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16635963/
Karami AA, et al. 12-week nettle root extract improved IPSS and oxidative stress markers in BPH patients. http://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32981268/
Men C, et al. Meta-analysis: nettle is effective and safe for LUTS associated with BPH. http://www.bioline.org.br/pdf?tc16040=