Mistletoe Extract – Does It Have a Role in Cancer Treatment?

Before 2000, observations that mistletoe reduced certain treatment-related side effects and improved quality of life in patients with cancer raised the question of whether it could also treat cancer. This article compiles information about the medical uses of mistletoe, particularly in cancer.

For mistletoe;

• English name: mistletoe
• Scientific name: Viscum album, Viscum coloratum
• Trade names: Helixor, Iscador

Mistletoe is a semiparasitic plant that lives on various trees. Some mistletoe products are sold as dietary supplements and homeopathic products, but there is no approved medicine made from mistletoe extract in either the United States or our country.

The injectable form of its extract is widely used for side effects of cancer treatment in German-speaking countries. It is the most frequently prescribed herbal product for patients with cancer in Europe. Historically, it is one of the “cure-all” plants. Its extract has been tested for cancer, epilepsy, infertility, menopausal symptoms, asthma, blood pressure and headaches. Its leaves and berries are poisonous to humans. Numerous weak clinical studies have tested its effectiveness in cancer.

Mistletoe extract contains viscotoxins, polysaccharides and lectins as active compounds. Its chemical composition may vary according to the tree on which it grows.

Basic research, meaning research before human trials, suggests that mistletoe extracts may stimulate the immune system to fight cancer. Human clinical studies suggest that mistletoe may reduce cancer-treatment side effects. Some early clinical studies suggesting that it improved survival in patients with cancer also generated great excitement. However, large studies conducted after 2000 to confirm this claim produced negative results, and interest in mistletoe within cancer medicine declined substantially.

Mistletoe for Reducing Symptoms Related to Cancer or Its Treatment

Laboratory and animal studies have demonstrated some anticancer and immune-stimulating effects of mistletoe. Animal and human studies suggest that mistletoe extract may reduce treatment side effects and help patients live longer. However, studies intended to confirm these effects have failed. This contradiction raised questions about whether the initial studies—most conducted before 2000—used appropriate scientific methods. After intensive testing failed in malignant melanoma, a skin cancer known to be closely related to the immune system, the respected oncology journal European Journal of Cancer made the following comment about mistletoe: “In patients with melanoma, we should be suspicious of treatments that, to eliminate cancer cells, stimulate the immune system through natural methods .”

For Treating Hepatitis (Liver Inflammation)

There is no evidence that mistletoe can be used to treat hepatitis.

For Treating HIV and AIDS

Some research found that mistletoe extract may positively affect the immune system in patients with AIDS. However, there is insufficient evidence to support its use as a treatment.

To Lower High Blood Pressure

Laboratory data suggest that mistletoe may lower blood pressure. However, no clinical study has investigated whether it is an effective treatment for high blood pressure.

Do Not Use in the Following Situations

• If you are pregnant: Some mistletoe components may stimulate the uterus and harm the baby.
• If you take medicines affecting the liver’s cytochrome P450 system: Mistletoe may increase the risk of side effects from these medicines.

Side Effects of Mistletoe

• Common: Fever, chills, increased white blood cell count, injection-site reactions, hypersensitivity.
• Rare: Overdose symptoms: Diarrhea, vomiting, headache, low blood pressure, slow pulse, fainting or loss of consciousness, high blood sugar, itching, redness.
• Very rare: Mistletoe overdose may cause death.

Let us conclude with the following words from Professor Dr. Edzard Ernst, regarded as a worldwide authority on alternative medicine: “I realize that I am upsetting many advocates of alternative medicine, but intuition cannot replace scientific evidence.”