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Mistletoe

What is white mistletoe?

White mistletoe, also known as white mistletoe and by its Latin name Viscum album, is a semi-parasitic plant that grows on different types of trees in temperate climates around the world. White mistletoe should not be confused with American mistletoe. White mistletoe has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat seizures, headaches and other ailments. Today, white mistletoe is primarily used in Europe for the treatment of cancer. The leafy shoots and berries of white mistletoe are used to produce extracts that can be taken orally. In Europe, mistletoe extracts are available on prescription and are administered by injection.

What science says

Laboratory studies have found that mistletoe extracts kill cancer cells and stimulate the immune system. The use of mistletoe extracts for the treatment of cancer has been studied in more than 30 clinical trials in Europe. Although improvements in survival or quality of life have been reported, almost all trials have significant weaknesses in their design, casting doubt on the results. In many studies, for example, there was only a small group of subjects or there was no control group.

Side effects and precautions

Raw, unprocessed white mistletoe is poisonous. Eating raw, unprocessed white mistletoe can cause vomiting, seizures, slowing of the heart rate and even death. American mistletoe is not suitable for medical use. In countries where commercial mistletoe preparations are available for injection, these extracts are generally considered safe when used as directed and under the supervision of a physician. Injected mistletoe extracts may cause itching or redness at the injection site. Less common side effects include more severe skin reactions, low grade fever and flu-like symptoms. There are some rare reports of more serious allergic reactions such as breathing problems.

References

  • American mistletoe. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Web site. Accessed at www.naturaldatabase.com on July 7, 2009.
  • European mistletoe. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Web site. Accessed at www.naturaldatabase.com on July 7, 2009.
  • Horneber M, Bueschel G, Huber R, et al. Mistletoe therapy in oncology.Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2008;(2):CD003297.
  • Mistletoe (Viscum album L.). Natural Standard Database Web site. Accessed at www.naturalstandard.com on July 8, 2009.
  • National Cancer Institute.Mistletoe Extracts (PDQ). National Cancer Institute Web site. Accessed at www.cancer.gov/cancerinfo/pdq/cam/mistletoe on June 3, 2010.