Mistletoe's therapeutic uses
Mistletoe, particularly European mistletoe, has been explored for various therapeutic uses, notably as a complementary treatment in cancer care. It has roots in historical medicinal practices and is linked to traditional celebrations. While some studies have suggested potential benefits in enhancing the quality of life for cancer patients and improving survival rates, the overall evidence remains inconclusive, with many trials lacking scientific rigor. Mistletoe may also offer supportive effects for conditions like colds, diabetes, hypertension, and inflammation, showcasing its antiviral and antibacterial properties as well as potential cardiovascular benefits. However, safety concerns exist, especially regarding its toxicity in certain forms and for specific populations, such as children and pregnant or nursing women. As research continues, it is emphasized that mistletoe should be used under medical supervision, particularly in injectable forms, to ensure safety and efficacy.
Mistletoe's therapeutic uses
- DEFINITION: Natural plant product used to treat specific health conditions.
- PRINCIPAL PROPOSED USE: Cancer treatment support
- OTHER PROPOSED USES: Colds and flu, diabetes, hypertension, immune system support, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, cardiovascular health
Overview
European mistletoe, famous during Christmas, is a semiparasitic plant that grows on trees in Europe and Asia. Its young leafy twigs and flowers were used as an all-heal or panacea and were said to be helpful for virtually all diseases. The herb is also said to have played a role in Celtic religious celebrations. American mistletoe, Phoradendron leucarpum, is related to European mistletoe, but it is thought to be more toxic and has not been well studied.
Therapeutic Dosages
Injectable mistletoe extracts should be used only under the supervision of a physician. Mistletoe tea can be made by soaking 10 to 20 grams (g) of chopped leaves in 2 cups of water for eight hours. A typical dose is one to three cups daily.
Therapeutic Uses
In the twentieth century, mistletoe became popular in Germany through the advocacy of mystic and philosopher Rudolf Steiner. The school of medicine he founded, anthroposophical medicine, recommended injectable forms of mistletoe for cancer treatment. The initial basis for this use was Steiner’s so-called clairvoyant insight. Scientific tests were subsequently conducted with somewhat positive results, but the evidence is far from definitive.
Mistletoe extracts show anticancer effects in the test tube. However, test-tube studies cannot show a treatment is effective; only controlled clinical trials can do that. A 2003 review found ten human trials of injected mistletoe for cancer that met at least minimal scientific standards. Even these studies generally suffered from significant weaknesses in design. The review authors noted that the better-designed studies failed to find evidence of any benefit in terms of lengthened remission, improved quality of life, or chance of survival. Subsequent human trials have also failed to reach adequate scientific rigor or clinical relevance and have, therefore, failed to clarify matters. Another review of twenty-one clinical trials found no convincing evidence that mistletoe was effective for cancer survival, tumor response, quality of life, psychological distress, or any other favorable outcomes. However, two of the better-designed studies suggested some benefits for breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
An updated review of forty-nine studies found that the addition of mistletoe to standard cancer treatment was associated with improved survival in cancer patients. However, an analysis restricted to randomized controlled trials showed less of an overall effect. The National Cancer Institute and the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health have conducted studies on injected mistletoe given to cancer patients. Their findings show mistletoe is well-tolerated and may be beneficial as an adjuvant cancer treatment. However, they are adamant that mistletoe alone is not a cancer treatment. In 2023, a double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in Cancer Research Communications found mistletoe showed benefits for cancer treatment, with study participants reporting the shrinking of tumors and an overall improvement in quality of life.
Studies continued on mistletoe and its health benefits in the twenty-first century. Animal and lab studies indicated mistletoe showed potential effectiveness in treating neurological disorders, such as epilepsy and insomnia, by promoting the release of neurotransmitters. Animal and lab studies also indicated that mistletoe had the potential to lower blood pressure, provide cardiovascular benefits, and balance blood sugar, indicating its potential for effectiveness in treating diabetes. Mistletoe has also shown effectiveness as an immune system regulator. Mistletoe's anti-inflammatory properties may aid in conditions such as arthritis, and its antiviral and antibacterial properties may help fight bacteria and infections. Though these results are promising, human clinical studies are necessary to prove these preliminary theories.
Safety Issues
In large clinical trials, injected pharmaceutical-grade mistletoe products have not been associated with serious adverse effects. However, pain at the injection site and mild flulike symptoms are common. Severe allergic reactions may occur rarely.
Oral use of a mistletoe product has been associated with hepatitis. Mistletoe berries and perhaps the leaves can cause severe toxicity, especially in children. American mistletoe may be more toxic than European mistletoe. Mistletoe is not recommended for use in young children, pregnant or nursing women, or people with severe liver or kidney disease.
Bibliography
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"U.S. Study of Intravenous Mistletoe Extract to Treat Advanced Cancer." Johns Hopkins Medicine, 22 Feb. 2023, www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/newsroom/news-releases/2023/02/us-study-of-intravenous-mistletoe-extract-to-treat-advanced-cancer. Accessed 23 Sept. 2024.