Korean mistletoe

Viscum coloratum

Viscum coloratum is a plant species utilized within traditional East Asian medicine. It is traditionally applied as an anodyne for conditions involving the waist, knees, and rheumatism, as well as for managing hypertension. Scientific studies suggest that Viscum coloratum extract may inhibit osteoclast differentiation via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and that its polysaccharides might ameliorate hyperuricemic nephropathy through Nrf2 upregulation. Research also indicates host-dependent metabolic variations and identifies specific potential quality markers. No major safety issues or notable drug interactions are currently recorded in the available data.

At a glance
Traditionally for
anodyne · hypertension
Traditions
TCM
Best evidence
D
Cautions
—

Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.

Traditional use

What the science says

  • Viscum coloratum extract inhibited RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation through the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. D PMID
  • The study found that Viscum coloratum exhibits host-dependent metabolic variations, with 68 annotated differential constituents identified. D PMID
  • Four potential quality markers (viscumneoside III, homoeriodictyol-7-O-β-glucoside, oleanolic acid, and chlorogenic acid) were identified for Viscum coloratum. D PMID
  • Viscum coloratum polysaccharide ameliorates hyperuricemic nephropathy by upregulating Nrf2 to inhibit the NLRP3/ASC/Caspase-1 and TGF-β1/Smad3 pathways. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is Korean mistletoe?

Korean mistletoe (Viscum coloratum) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.

What is Korean mistletoe traditionally used for?

Traditional sources record Korean mistletoe for: anodyne, hypertension, knee, rheumatism, waist. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.

Which traditions use Korean mistletoe?

Korean mistletoe appears in these traditions in our sources: TCM.

What does the scientific evidence say about Korean mistletoe?

4 sourced findings are recorded for Korean mistletoe; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Viscum coloratum extract inhibited RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation through the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.

How strong is the evidence for Korean mistletoe?

The strongest finding for Korean mistletoe carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).

Is Korean mistletoe safe? What are the side effects?

No major safety issues are recorded for Korean mistletoe in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.

Does Korean mistletoe interact with medications?

No drug interactions are recorded for Korean mistletoe in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.

What are the common names of Korean mistletoe?

Korean mistletoe is also known as: Омела окрашенная.

Is Korean 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

  1. T3 Dr. Duke's Ethnobotanical Database public domain (USDA ARS — attribute Dr. Duke's)
  2. T2 Unveiling the Q-Markers of Viscum coloratum (Kom.) Nakai: Enhancing Clinical Efficacy for the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 Viscum coloratum polysaccharide ameliorates hyperuricemic nephropathy by upregulating Nrf2 to inhibit TGF-β1/Smad3 and NLRP3/ASC/Caspase-1 pathways. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 Viscum coloratum (Kom.) Nakai inhibits osteoclastogenesis in RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation through the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. literature abstract metadata
  5. T2 Host-Dependent Metabolomic Variations in Viscum coloratum Revealed by UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS and Integrated Annotation Strategies. literature abstract metadata