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Other common name(s):
all heal, bird lime, devil's fuge, golden bough, and brand names
including Iscador®, Eurixor®,
Helixor®, Isorel, Iscucin, Plenosol, and
ABNOBAviscum®
Scientific/medical name(s):
Viscum album, Viscum
coloratum
Description
Mistletoe is a semi-parasitic plant that grows on several
species of trees native to England, Europe, and western Asia. It
differs from the mistletoe found in the United States. The parts of the
plant used in herbal remedies are its leaves and twigs; berries are not
used.
Overview
A number of laboratory experiments suggest mistletoe may have
the potential to treat cancer, but these results have not yet been
reflected in clinical trials. Available evidence from well-designed
clinical trials that have studied mistletoe did not support claims that
mistletoe could improve length or quality of life.
How is it promoted for use?
It is claimed that mistletoe stimulates the immune system,
helping the body fight more efficiently against cancer and other
diseases. Mistletoe extracts are promoted as a remedy for a wide range
of cancers, including tumors of the cervix, ovaries, breast, stomach,
colon, lung, and also as a treatment for leukemias, sarcomas, and
lymphomas. Supporters claim mistletoe extract injected directly into or
near a tumor can slow and possibly reverse the growth of cancer cells,
even in advanced cases of cancer.
Promoters also claim mistletoe can lower blood pressure, decrease heart
rate, relax spasms, and relieve symptoms of arthritis and rheumatism.
It is further claimed to have sedative effects, and is promoted to
relieve the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation. Available
scientific evidence does not support these claims.
What does it involve?
Commission E (Germany's regulatory agency for herbs) has
approved mistletoe as palliative therapy for malignant tumors (to help
treat symptoms, not cure disease). The herb is prepared as an
injectable whole plant extract, and is not used orally. The plant
itself is poisonous and not safe to eat.
For people with cancer, mistletoe extracts are injected under
the skin near the tumor. Daily injections are often given before and
after surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy and may continue for
10 to 14 days. Mistletoe injections promoted to prevent cancer may
involve 3 to 7 injections a week over several months to several years.
What is the history behind it?
Mistletoe is surrounded by fascinating myths and legends that
date back many centuries. More than 2,000 years ago, the Druids
(members of the educated class among the ancient Celts in Europe) used
mistletoe in many religious rituals. Their name for mistletoe meant
"all healer," because they believed it had magical powers. Today, its
name in Brittany, Wales, Scotland and Ireland ("an t'uil") still
translates the same. The tradition of kissing under mistletoe dates
back to Scandinavian mythology, where, in one tale, the plant became a
symbol of love.
The liquid extract from the mistletoe plant has been used as
an alternative method to treat cancer for more than 75 years. Modern
research of mistletoe began in 1916 with Rudolph Steiner, PhD. Steiner
combined spiritual and scientific approaches to medicine and to the
treatment of cancer in particular. He believed that cancer formed when
regulation of the body's physical or spiritual defenses faltered, and
that mistletoe could re-establish that regulatory balance and fight
back
the tumor. Later researchers carried Steiner's beliefs further,
contending that some of the chemicals in mistletoe could stop cancer
growth and even kill cancer cells directly while enhancing the body's
immune system.
Mistletoe injections are currently among the most widely used
unconventional cancer treatments in Europe. Physicians in Switzerland,
the Netherlands, and Great Britain commonly prescribe the treatment. In
Europe, the most common commercial preparations are sold under the
trade names Iscador and Helixor. Only the European species are used for
cancer treatment. Mistletoe injections are not available in the United
States, except in clinical trials, because the drug is not approved for
sale by the FDA.
What is the evidence?
Researchers have completed numerous studies of mistletoe and
its effects on cancer. Review of evidence from carefully conducted
controlled human clinical studies indicates that mistletoe does not
have any significant anti-tumor activity. Most of the studies that have
found positive results from mistletoe extract in the treatment or
prevention of cancer are not considered scientifically dependable. For
example, in a review of 11 clinical studies, only one showed that
mistletoe extract had no effect. However, that one was the only study
in the group that was considered scientifically reliable. A few
scientifically sound clinical trials of mistletoe have been done and
found it did not improve length or quality of life among people with
lung cancer, melanoma, or head and neck cancers.
Mistletoe preparations vary widely depending on how they are
prepared (for instance extracted with water or alcohol solutions,
fermented or non-fermented), the particular species from which they are
obtained, and the season in which the plant was harvested. Researchers
are working to identify the most important components, which are
thought to be the lectins (proteins). A number of laboratory
experiments suggest that mistletoe extracts may have some potential to
combat and kill cancer cells, but these results have yet to be
reflected in human trials. Laboratory experiments also hint that
mistletoe increases the activity of lymphocytes, which are cells that
attack invading organisms.
Are there any possible problems
or complications?
This product is sold as a dietary supplement in the United
States. Unlike drugs (which must be tested before being allowed to be
sold), the companies that make supplements are not required to prove to
the Food and Drug Administration that their supplements are safe or
effective, as long as they don't claim the supplements can prevent,
treat, or cure any specific disease.
Some such products may not contain the amount of the
herb or substance that is written on the label, and some may include
other substances (contaminants). Actual amounts per dose may vary
between brands or even between different batches of the same brand.
Most such supplements have not been tested to find
out if they interact with medicines, foods, or other herbs and
supplements. Even though some reports of interactions and harmful
effects may be published, full studies of interactions and effects are
not often available. Because of these limitations, any information on
ill effects and interactions below should be considered incomplete.
Purified mistletoe extracts in recommended doses are generally
considered safe. Possible side effects include temporary redness at the
injection site, headaches, fever, and chills. In rare cases, people
allergic to mistletoe can develop a severe reaction and potentially
life-threatening condition called anaphylactic shock.
Potentially dangerous interactions with conventional medicines
are possible, particularly some that are used for high blood pressure,
irregular heart rhythm, and heart failure. . Always tell your doctor
and pharmacist about any herbs you are taking.
The mistletoe plant should not be eaten because all parts of
it are poisonous. Consuming mistletoe has been known to cause seizures,
coma, and death. Other symptoms include blurred vision, nausea and
vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, slow or irregular heart-beat, low
blood pressure, confusion, and drowsiness.
Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should not use this
herb.
Additional Resources
More Information From Your
American Cancer Society
The following information on complementary and alternative
therapies may also be helpful to you. These materials may be ordered
from our toll-free number (1-800-ACS-2345).
References
Blumenthal M, ed. The Complete German Commission E
Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Austin,
Texas: American Botanical Council; 1998.
Dold U, Edler L, Mäurer HCh, et al., eds. [Adjuvant
Cancer Therapy in Advanced Non-Small Cell Bronchial Cancer:
Multicentric Controlled Studies To Test the Efficacy of Iscador and
Polyerga]. Stuttgart, Germany: Georg Thieme Verlag; 1991.
Ernst E. Mistletoe as a treatment for cancer. 2006 BMJ.
333(7582):1282-3.
Ernst E, Schmidt K, Steuer-Vogt MK. Mistletoe for cancer? A
systematic review of randomised clinical trials. Int J Cancer.
2003 Nov 1;107(2):262-7.
Kleeberg UR, Suciu S, Bröcker EB, et al. Final results of the
EORTC 18871/DKG 80-1 randomised phase III trial. rIFN-alpha2b versus
rIFN-gamma versus ISCADOR M versus observation after surgery in
melanoma patients with either high-risk primary (thickness >3
mm) or regional lymph node metastasis. Eur J Cancer 2004;40(3):
390-402.
MD Anderson Cancer Center. Herbal / Plant Therapies:
Mistletoe. Available online at:
http://www.mdanderson.org/departments/CIMER/display.cfm?id=BF40CCFF-ED6B-11D4-810200508B603A14&method=displayFull&pn=6EB86A59-EBD9-11D4-810100508B603A14.
Accessed 4/24/07.
Note: This information may not
cover all possible claims, uses, actions, precautions, side effects or
interactions. It is not intended as medical advice, and should not be
relied upon as a substitute for consultation with your doctor, who is
familiar with your medical situation.
Revised: 06/19/2007
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