Chinese Mistletoe
Also known as: Mistletoe, European Mistletoe, Iscador, Viscum album
Overview
Chinese Mistletoe, commonly referred to as *Viscum album*, is a parasitic plant that predominantly grows on various trees. It is primarily noted for its use in traditional and alternative medicine, particularly in cancer therapy. The extracts are rich in bioactive compounds such as lectins and viscotoxins, which purportedly confer immunomodulatory and cytotoxic properties. This herbal supplement is utilized primarily to enhance the quality of life and survival rates of cancer patients, as well as to mitigate the side effects associated with conventional cancer treatments. Although the body of research on mistletoe extracts is substantial, the results vary, indicating a mix of significant benefits and methodological flaws in study designs.
Benefits
Evidence from systematic reviews and meta-analyses indicate that mistletoe extracts may provide significant survival benefits for cancer patients, particularly highlighted by a hazard ratio (HR) of 0.66 (95% CI [0.55; 0.80]) in higher-risk-of-bias studies. Furthermore, non-randomised studies demonstrate a range of HRs (0.35 to 0.61), suggesting meaningful reductions in mortality risk across different cancer types, including breast cancer and gastrointestinal tumors. Secondary benefits such as decreased cancer-related fatigue have been observed with a standardized mean difference (SMD) of -0.48 (95% CI -0.82 to -0.14; p = 0.006). Quality of life improvements have been noted, though evidence for this is less consistent.
How it works
The action of mistletoe extracts is primarily based on immunomodulation, enhancing the body's immune response to cancer cells. The lectins and viscotoxins contained in the extracts are thought to stimulate immune activity, including the activation of natural killer cells, and exhibit cytotoxic effects on cancer cells. These extracts interact with cell surface receptors and trigger intracellular pathways that promote immune response and programmed cell death.
Side effects
Mistletoe extracts are generally regarded as safe for appropriate use, although long-term safety data remains limited. Common side effects occurring in over 5% of patients include local reactions at the injection site, featuring redness, swelling, and pain. Systemic side effects such as fever and fatigue may occur in 1-5% of users, while severe allergic reactions are rare (<1%). Caution is advised regarding potential drug interactions, especially with other immunomodulatory or cytotoxic agents. Contraindications include severe immune deficiencies and certain autoimmune diseases. Pregnant or breastfeeding women, children, and those with severe medical conditions should undergo careful medical supervision when using these extracts.
Dosage
The recommended dosing for mistletoe extracts is not well established but typically ranges from 0.01 to 1 mg per injection administered subcutaneously. Dosing is often individualized based on patient needs and the specific extract used. For fermented extracts like Iscador, escalating doses may be implemented to build tolerance. There is no clearly defined upper limit for safe dosage, but high doses should generally be avoided due to potential for severe side effects. Administration is often cyclical to sustain immune stimulation, and subcutaneous delivery is preferred to enhance bioavailability.
FAQs
Is mistletoe therapy safe?
Generally safe when used appropriately, yet it can cause side effects, such as local and systemic reactions. Close medical supervision is advised for those in vulnerable populations.
How should mistletoe be administered?
Dosage and timing should be personalized to the patient's needs under medical guidance, often administered subcutaneously in a cyclical pattern.
What outcomes can be expected from mistletoe treatment?
Patients may experience increased survival rates, enhanced quality of life, and less cancer-related fatigue, although individual reactions can vary.
Is mistletoe a substitute for traditional cancer treatments?
No, it's a complementary therapy and should be used alongside conventional treatments under medical oversight.
Research Sources
- https://karger.com/cmr/article/27/4/260/67791/A-Systematic-Review-and-Meta-Analysis-on-the – This systematic review examined 32 studies involving cancer patients treated with Iscador, revealing significant survival benefits with a hazard ratio of 0.66. Limitations identified include high biases and heterogeneity among studies.
- https://www.mistletoe-therapy.org/scientific-information/clinical-evidence/meta-analyses-and-systematic-reviews – The meta-analysis reviewed various studies focusing on quality of life and survival among cancer patients using mistletoe, indicating significant survival improvement and quality of life enhancement, despite high risks of bias.
- https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD014782/abstract – Covering systematic reviews on mistletoe during the oncological perioperative period, the findings suggested no significant changes in recurrence but noted improvements in patients’ quality of life and immune responses.