What is a mistletoe treatment for cancer?
Mistletoe treatment in cancer patients are among the most prescribed drugs in cancer patients in several European countries. Proponents claim that mistletoe extracts stimulate the immune system, improve survival, enhance quality of life and reduce adverse effects of chemo‐ and radiotherapy in cancer patients. Mistletoe extract has been widely used to support cancer therapy and improve quality of life, but there has been a lack of clinical trials and data to support its use.Mistletoe extracts from various species demonstrate significant immunomodulatory effects through the activation of T cells and natural killer (NK) cells, which are crucial effector cells in anti-tumor immunity.In several studies mistletoe has been found to increase certain white blood cells called lymphocytes including natural killer cells. Mistletoe treatment seems to help decrease the immunosuppressive effects of surgery.Mistletoe is used as a cancer treatment in Europe. But the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved mistletoe as a treatment for cancer or any other medical condition.
What disease is mistletoe used to treat?
European mistletoe has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for a variety of conditions, including seizures, headaches, and menopause symptoms. Today, European mistletoe is promoted as a treatment for cancer. In Europe, European mistletoe extracts that are given by injection are sold as prescription drugs. European mistletoe berries and leaves can cause serious harmful effects when taken orally. Injected European mistletoe extract may cause soreness and inflammation at the injection site, headache, fever, and chills. A few severe allergic reactions have been reported.Mistletoe is a semiparasitic plant that grows on many types of trees, including apple, oak, maple, elm, pine, and poplar. It has been used for hundreds of years to treat medical conditions such as epilepsy, asthma, hypertension, headaches, menopausal symptoms, infertility, dermatitis, arthritis, and rheumatism.When taken by mouth: European mistletoe is possibly safe when used appropriately. But taking more than three berries or two leaves is likely unsafe and can cause serious side effects, including vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and liver damage.Several cautions, contraindications, adverse events, and herb-drug interactions are described in the Centre for Health Innovation monograph, Mistletoe (Viscum album): Subcutaneous injections: injection site reactions (redness, swelling, itching), fatigue, flu-like symptoms, mild fever, diarrhea, and headache.And what’s more, if you find that it’s growing in your yard, it can kill your other shrubs and trees. All parts of American mistletoe contain a toxic protein called phoratoxin, according to WebMD. Most times, if someone ingests a small amount of American mistletoe, they won’t have any symptoms.
Is mistletoe good for the immune system?
European mistletoe can increase the activity of the immune system. Some medications, such as those used after a transplant, decrease the activity of the immune system. Taking European mistletoe along with these medications might decrease the effects of these medications. Proponents claim that mistletoe extracts stimulate the immune system, improve survival, enhance quality of life and reduce adverse effects of chemo‐ and radiotherapy in cancer patients.Its usage is primarily to help support the immune system, and there’s evidence that it will support quality of life, particularly during chemotherapy. Patients inject themselves with European mistletoe extract just below the skin. The treatments costs about $200 to $250 per month.Most of these studies were anecdotal,” says Dr. Salner. It seems that mistletoe might be able to help improve patients’ quality of life – especially when combined with modern treatment like chemotherapy or radiation – but we haven’t been able to prove any consistent survival advantage.
What are the side effects of mistletoe therapy?
Side effects from the use of mistletoe extracts include soreness and inflammation at injection sites, headache, fever, chills, nausea, and feeling very tired. A few cases of severe allergic reactions, including anaphylactic shock, have been reported. Preliminary trials carried out using oral mistletoe have found it can reduce the symptoms of high blood pressure, particularly headaches and dizziness. However, mistletoe has a small (if any) effect on actually lowering blood pressure.