European mistletoe
Viscum album
Viscum album, commonly known as mistletoe, is a parasitic plant utilized across various traditional medicine systems. Historically, it has been applied for conditions including epilepsy, hypertension, asthma, spasms, and as a cardiotonic or astringent agent. Scientific research indicates that the plant produces lectins and viscotoxins which possess cytotoxic and immune-stimulating properties. While some studies suggest certain extracts may selectively inhibit cell viability in specific cancer cell lines, other research has found no statistically significant differences between mistletoe extract and placebo regarding body weight or quality of life in advanced pancreatic cancer patients. No major safety issues or notable drug interactions are currently recorded.
- Traditionally for
- epilepsy · hypertension
- Traditions
- Western phytotherapy · TCM · traditional
- Best evidence
- A
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
Traditional use
- epilepsy
- hypertension
- diuretic
- emetic
- hysteria
- nervine
- spasms
- arteriosclerosis
- arthrosis
- asthma
- astringent
- bleeding
- cardiotonic
- chorea
- galactogogue
What the science says
- Withania somnifera was identified as the most effective substance for enhancing quality of life and reducing fatigue, pain, and nausea in breast cancer patients.
- Viscum album produces lectins and viscotoxins with cytotoxic and immune-stimulating properties.
- No statistically significant differences were found between mistletoe extract and placebo regarding quality of life or body weight in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer.
- All three compounds (resveratrol, homeopathic mistletoe CH200, and doxorubicin) selectively inhibited cell viability in a dose-dependent manner across different OS cell lines.
Frequently asked questions
What is European mistletoe?
European mistletoe (Viscum album) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What is European mistletoe traditionally used for?
Traditional sources record European mistletoe for: epilepsy, hypertension, diuretic, emetic, hysteria, nervine. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.
Which traditions use European mistletoe?
European mistletoe appears in these traditions in our sources: Western phytotherapy, TCM, traditional.
What does the scientific evidence say about European mistletoe?
4 sourced findings are recorded for European mistletoe; the strongest carries evidence grade A. For example: Withania somnifera was identified as the most effective substance for enhancing quality of life and reducing fatigue, pain, and nausea in breast cancer patients.
How strong is the evidence for European mistletoe?
The strongest finding for European mistletoe carries evidence grade A — strong evidence. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is European mistletoe safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for European mistletoe in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does European mistletoe interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for European mistletoe in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of European mistletoe?
European mistletoe is also known as: Омела белая, gui des feuillus.
Is European mistletoe a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T3 Dr. Duke's Ethnobotanical Database public domain (USDA ARS — attribute Dr. Duke's)
- T2 Systematic review and network meta-analysis of the effects of plant active substance on quality of life in breast cancer patients. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Mistletoe extract in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer: Health-related quality of life in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial (MISTRAL). literature abstract metadata
- T2 Pharmacological Properties of Parasitic Plants: Current Evidence and the Role of Parasitic Lifestyle. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Comparative in vitro response of canine, human, and murine osteosarcoma cell lines to resveratrol, homeopathic mistletoe (V.A. CH200), and doxorubicin. literature abstract metadata