HealthWise KnowledgeBase
Mistletoe
Uses
Parts Used & Where Grown
Mistletoe grows as a partial parasite on a variety of trees—particularly pine, apple, plum, poplar, and spruce—across northern Europe and Asia. The young leafy twigs with flowers are used. Mistletoe’s white berries are potentially toxic and should be avoided. American mistletoe, various species of Phoradendron, are similar but have not been widely studied. They should not be substituted for European mistletoe until more information is available.
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Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.
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3 Stars Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
2 Stars Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
1 Star For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.
This supplement has been used in connection with the following health conditions:
| Used for | Why |
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1 Star
Breast Cancer
Refer to label instructions
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In one trial, women with breast cancer (all treated with chemotherapy) who received mistletoe injections experienced improved immunity and quality of life.
Special extracts of Reference European mistletoe(Viscum album) injected under the skin has been studied in several positive and negative double-blind trials with cancer patients.4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 A double-blind trial of women with breast cancer (all treated with chemotherapy) found that those who received mistletoe injections had improved immunity and quality of life compared with those who took placebo.9 The use of oral mistletoe preparations has not been studied in breast cancer patients. Mistletoe injections (usually of a product called Iscador) are available only through physicians and are not readily available in the United States. It is unknown if American mistletoe (Phoradendron leucarpum) would provide the same effect as European mistletoe.
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1 Star
HIV and AIDS Support
Refer to label instructions
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Mistletoe injections into the skin have shown beneficial effects in people with HIV.
Preliminary human clinical trials of European Reference mistletoe injections into the skin have shown beneficial effects.10 , 11 Oral mistletoe is very unlikely to have the same effects as injected mistletoe. Injectable mistletoe should only be used under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. |
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1 Star
Hypertension
Refer to label instructions
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European mistletoe has reduced headaches and dizziness associated with high blood pressure, according to preliminary research, and has a small blood pressure-lowering effect.
Reference European mistletoe (Viscum album) has reduced headaches and dizziness associated with high blood pressure, according to preliminary research.12 Mistletoe may be taken as 0.5 ml tincture three times per day.13 The blood pressure-lowering effect of mistletoe is small and may take weeks to become evident. Due to possible serious side effects, European mistletoe should only be taken under the careful supervision of a physician trained in its use. |
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1 Star
Type 1 Diabetes
Refer to label instructions
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Mistletoe extract has been shown to stimulate insulin release from pancreas cells, and it may reduce diabetes symptoms.
Mistletoe extract has been shown to stimulate insulin release from pancreas cells,14 and animal research found that it reduces symptoms of diabetes.15 No research in humans has yet been published; however, given mistletoe’s worldwide reputation as a traditional remedy for diabetes, clinical trials are warranted to validate these promising preliminary findings. Traditionally, mistletoe is prepared by soaking 2 to 4 teaspoons (5 to 12 grams) of chopped mistletoe in 2 cups (500 ml) of water overnight. The mixture is drunk first thing in the morning and sweetened with honey if desired. Another batch may be left to steep during the day and drunk at bedtime.
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1 Star
Type 2 Diabetes
Refer to label instructions
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Mistletoe extract has been shown to stimulate insulin release from pancreas cells, and it may reduce diabetes symptoms.
Mistletoe extract has been shown to stimulate insulin release from pancreas cells,16 and animal research found that it reduces symptoms of diabetes.17 No research in humans has yet been published; however, given mistletoe’s worldwide reputation as a traditional remedy for diabetes, clinical trials are warranted to validate these promising preliminary findings. Traditionally, mistletoe is prepared by soaking 2 to 4 teaspoons (5 to 12 grams) of chopped mistletoe in 2 cups (500 ml) of water overnight. The mixture is drunk first thing in the morning and sweetened with honey if desired. Another batch may be left to steep during the day and drunk at bedtime.
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Traditional Use (May Not Be Supported by Scientific Studies)
The ancient Druids of northern Europe and other pagan groups revered mistletoe, particularly when it infected oak trees (a rare occurrence). Over time, this reverence of mistletoe was translated into the Christian ritual of hanging mistletoe over doorways at Christmas. The custom of kissing under the mistletoe may be a remnant of pagan orgies held before mistletoe altars.1
The name mistletoe is said to derive from the Celtic word for “all-heal.” This correlates with its historical use for everything from nervous complaints to bleeding to tumors.2 It is difficult to categorize all of the uses of mistletoe, particularly when one looks at the vast number of uses for this herb in traditional Chinese and Korean medicine. In the early 20th century, Rudolf Steiner created what is known as anthroposophical medicine. This mystical system used a variety of unusual remedies, including special extracts of mistletoe for injection. Steiner helped bring mistletoe into the modern era of scientific research, particularly as a potential treatment for cancer.3
How It Works
How It Works
Several constituents have been shown to contribute to the medicinal action of mistletoe. Most notable are mistletoe lectins (also called viscotoxins), choline derivatives, alkaloids, polypeptides, and polysaccharides. Human pharmacological studies have found that mistletoe extract given by injection stimulates Reference immune system function.18 , 19 , 20 Some test tube and animal studies suggest that certain mistletoe constituents, including the alkaloids, can also kill cancer cells.21 , 22 Numerous clinical trials have found that subcutaneous injections of mistletoe extracts can help people with cancer of various organs, though some have also failed to show any benefit.23 , 24 There is no evidence that people with cancer would benefit from receiving mistletoe orally.
Mistletoe’s other uses have been less rigorously studied. Preliminary trials carried out using oral mistletoe have found it can reduce the symptoms of Reference high blood pressure, particularly headaches and dizziness.25 , 26 However, mistletoe has a small (if any) effect on actually lowering blood pressure.27
Test tube and animal studies suggest that mistletoe extracts can stimulate Reference insulin secretion from pancreas cells and may improve blood sugar levels in people with Reference diabetes.28 , 29 Given both mistletoe’s tradition around the world for helping people with diabetes and these promising preclinical results, human clinical trials are needed to establish mistletoe’s potential for this condition.
How to Use It
Traditionally a cold water extract (cold infusion) is made by soaking 2–4 teaspoons (10–20 grams) of chopped mistletoe in two cups (500 ml) of water overnight.30 This is taken first thing in the morning and can be sweetened with honey. Another batch is left to steep during the day and drunk at bedtime. Alternately a hot tea can be made by infusing 1 teaspoon (5 grams) of leaves in a cup (250 ml) of just-boiled water for 5–10 minutes. Two cups (500 ml) are consumed per day.31 A tincture, approximately 1/8 teaspoon (1/2 ml) three times per day, can also be used.
At least three standardized, injectable extracts have been studied in Europe: Iscador, Helixor, and Eurixor. These products are not designed for self-treatment and are not commercially available in the United States. Iscador is the only fermented extract of the three, and each is standardized in a different way, making comparisons between the extracts difficult. In addition, there are different forms of each extract taken from mistletoe growing on different host trees. Typically, one weekly injection providing 1 mg of mistletoe lectin I per kilogram of body weight is given. People interested in subcutaneous or other injectable forms of mistletoe should consult with a physician.
Interactions
Interactions with Supplements, Foods, & Other Compounds
Interactions with Medicines
Side Effects
In the recommended oral amounts, mistletoe is rarely associated with side effects.32 Two reports, however, have confirmed the danger of ingesting mistletoe leaves and berries in large quantities, particularly when children accidentally eat the berries at Christmas.33 , 34 Many of these exposures involved American mistletoe and not European mistletoe. European mistletoe is less toxic than the American species. If six to twenty berries or four to five leaves are eaten, then activated charcoal or ipecac can be used at home to induce vomiting. Emergency room care is only indicated if more than 20 berries or five leaves are ingested or if symptoms develop at lower levels of exposure. Possible symptoms of overdose are nausea, vomiting, low blood pressure, or dizziness.
Injectable forms of mistletoe may cause local redness and pain but otherwise have rarely been associated with serious side effects. There is one case report of a severe allergic reaction to an injected mistletoe preparation.35 Mistletoe is not recommended for use in children, or for women during Reference pregnancy or Reference breast-feeding.
Related Information
References
1. Walker BG. The Woman’s Encyclopedia of Myths and Secrets. San Francisco: Harper & Row, 1983, 661–3.
2. Duke JA. CRC Handbook of Medicinal Herbs. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 1985, 512–3.
3. Urech K. Mistletoe constituents and cancer therapy. J Anthroposophical Med 1993;10:54–63.
4. Kleijnen J, Knipschild P. Mistletoe treatment for cancer. Review of controlled trials in humans. Phytomedicine 1994;1:255–60 [review].
5. Dold U, Edler L, Mäurer HC, et al. Supplemental Cancer Therapy for Advanced Non-Small Cell Bronchial Carcinoma. Stuttgart: Georg Thieme Verlag, 1991.
6. Douwes FR, Kalden M, Frank G, Holzhauer P. Treatment of advanced colorectal carcinomas. Deutsch Z Onkol 1988;21:63–7 [in German].
7. Kjaer M. Mistletoe (Iscador) therapy in stage IV renal adenocarcinoma. Acta Oncol 1988;28:489–94.
8. Steuer-Vogt MK, Bonkowsky V, Ambrosch P, et al. The effect of an adjuvant mistletoe treatment programme in resected head and neck cancer patients: a randomised controlled clinical trial. Eur J Cancer 2001;37:23–31.
9. Heiny BM. Adjuvant treatment with standardized mistletoe extract reduces leukopenia and improves the quality of life of patients with advanced carcinoma of the breast receiving palliative chemotherapy (VEC regimen). Krebsmedizin 1991:12:3–14 [in German].
10. Gorter R, Khwaja T, Linder M. Anti-HIV and immunomodulating activities of Viscum album (mistletoe). Int Conf AIDS 1992;8:84 [abstract no. PuB 7214].
11. Gorter R, Stoss M, el Arif N, et al. Immune modulating and anti-HIV activities of Viscum album (Iscador). Int Conf AIDS 1993;9:496 [abstract no. PO-B28–2167].
12. Bowman IA. The everlasting mistletoe and the cardiovascular system. Texas Heart Inst J 1990;17(4):310–4 [review].
13. British Herbal Medicine Association. British Herbal Pharmacopoeia. West Yorks, UK: BHMA, 1983.
14. Gray AM, Flatt PR. Insulin-secreting activity of the traditional antidiabetic plant Viscum album (mistletoe). J Endocrinol 1999;160:409–14.
15. Swanson-Flatt SK, Day C, Bailey CJ, Flatt PR. Evaluation of traditional plant treatments for diabetes: Studies in streptozotocin-diabetic mice. Acta Diabetologica Latina 1989;26:51–5.
16. Gray AM, Flatt PR. Insulin-secreting activity of the traditional antidiabetic plant Viscum album (mistletoe). J Endocrinol 1999;160:409–14.
17. Swanson-Flatt SK, Day C, Bailey CJ, Flatt PR. Evaluation of traditional plant treatments for diabetes: Studies in streptozotocin-diabetic mice. Acta Diabetologica Latina 1989;26:51–5.
18. Hajto T. Immunomodulatory effects of Iscador: A Viscum album preparation. Oncology 1986;43(suppl 1):51–65.
19. Bocci B. Mistletoe (Viscum album) lectins as cytokine inducers and immunoadjuvant in tumor therapy. A review. J Biol Reg Homeostatic Agents 1993;7:1–6.
20. Bloksma N, Schmiermann P, de Reuver M, et al. Stimulation of humoral and cellular immunity by Viscum preparations. Planta Med 1982;46:221–7.
21. Jurin M, Zarkovic’ N, Hrzenjak M, Ilic’ Z. Antitumorous and immunomodulatory effects of the Viscum album L preparation Isorel. Oncology 1993;50:393–8.
22. Khwaja TA, Dias CB, Pentecost S. Recent studies on the anticancer activities of mistletoe (Viscum album) and its alkaloids. Oncology 1986;43(suppl 1):42–50.
23. Yarnell E. Is Viscum album a potential treatment for pancreatic cancer? HealthNotes Review 1999;6:88–90 [review].
24. Kleijnen J, Knipschild P. Mistletoe treatment for cancer. Review of controlled trials in humans. Phytomedicine 1994;1:255–60.
25. Bowman IA. The everlasting mistletoe and the cardiovascular system. Texas Heart Inst J 1990;17:310–4 [review].
26. O’Hare JP, Hoyt LH. Mistletoe in the treatment of hypertension. New Eng J Med 1928;199:1207–13.
27. Weiss RF. Herbal Medicine. Gothenburg, Sweden: Ab Arcanum and Beaconsfield, UK: Beaconsfield Publishers Ltd, 1985, 158–60.
28. Gray AM, Flatt PR. Insulin-secreting activity of the traditional antidiabetic plant Viscum album (mistletoe). J Endocrinol 1999;160:409–14.
29. Swanson-Flatt SK, Day C, Bailey CJ, Flatt PR. Evaluation of traditional plant treatments for diabetes: Studies in streptozotocin-diabetic mice. Acta Diabetologica Latina 1989;26:51–5.
30. Weiss RF. Herbal Medicine. Gothenburg, Sweden: Ab Arcanum and Beaconsfield, UK: Beaconsfield Publishers Ltd, 1985, 158–60.
31. Weiss RF. Herbal Medicine. Gothenburg, Sweden: Ab Arcanum and Beaconsfield, UK: Beaconsfield Publishers Ltd, 1985, 158–60.
32. Weiss RF. Herbal Medicine. Gothenburg, Sweden: Ab Arcanum and Beaconsfield, UK: Beaconsfield Publishers Ltd, 1985, 158–60.
33. Krenzelok EP, Jacobsen TD, Aronis J. American mistletoe exposures. Am J Emerg Med 1997;15:516–20.
34. Spiller HA, Willias DB, Gorman SE, Sanftleban J. Retrospective study of mistletoe ingestion. Clin Toxicol 1996;34:405–8.
35. Bauer C, Oppel T, Rueff F, Przybilla B. Anaphylaxis to viscotoxins of mistletoe (Viscum album) extracts. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2005;94:86–9.
Last Review: 11-07-2012
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