Mistletoe — a poisonous tree parasite or a remedy for the heart and blood pressure?

Sources: 13 · Article: 16 510 characters

Jerzy Jaśkowski — Ziele jemioły
Henryk Różański — Jemioła – Viscum wg monografii Komisji E, cz. II
Henryk Różański — Jemioła – Viscum raz jeszcze
Henryk Różański — Jemioła – Viscum
Henryk Różański — Jemioła – Viscum, czy jest skuteczna i co leczy? cz. I
Henryk Różański — Jemioła – Viscum wg św. Hildegardy, cz. III
Henryk Różański — Jemioła – Viscum jako lek w dawnych czasach, cz. IV
Henryk Różański — Lektinol i Eurixor jako następcy preparatu Plenosol N w leczeniu chorób onkologicznych i reumatycznych
Quality of life in cancer patients treated with mistletoe: a systematic review and meta-analysis. · BMC Complement Med Ther 2020
Cancer-related fatigue in patients treated with mistletoe extracts: a systematic review and meta-analysis. · Support Care Cancer 2022
Survival of Cancer Patients Treated with Non-Fermented Mistletoe Extract: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. · Integr Cancer Ther 2022
Therapeutic potential of mistletoe in CNS-related neurological disorders and the chemical composition of Viscum species. · J Ethnopharmacol 2019
[Mistletoe in the treatment of cancer patients]. · Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz 2020

Mistletoe herb has been described as a remedy used for bleeding, high blood pressure, and various other ailments.

Commission E did not recommend mistletoe preparations for the uses described because it concluded that there was not enough evidence of their effects.

What the authors write

Jerzy Jaśkowski

Cold extracts of mistletoe herb were indicated for excessive menstrual bleeding, uterine bleeding, damage to blood vessels, and stress-related exhaustion.

„Indications for cold extracts excessive menstrual bleeding uterine bleeding outside menstruation rupture and breakdown of blood vessels stress-related exhaustion” READ ARTICLES BY DR JERZY JAŚKOWSKI ONLY HERE Harmonia, November–December 2022”Wskazania dla wyciągów zimnych nadmierne krwawienia miesiączkowe krwotoki maciczne pozamenstruacyjne pękanie i rozpuszczanie naczyń krwionośnych wyczerpanie stresowe” ARTYKUŁY DR JERZEGO JAŚKOWSKIEGO PRZECZYTASZ TYLKO U NAS Harmonia 2022 listopad-grudzień

Ziele jemioły

Jerzy Jaśkowski

Cold extracts of mistletoe herb were indicated for excessive menstrual bleeding, uterine bleeding, damage to blood vessels, and stress-related exhaustion.

Ziele jemioły

Henryk Różański

Commission E described mistletoe herb as a raw material for solutions administered intradermally; animal studies showed cytostatic and immune-stimulating effects.

„Commission E described only the use of the herb to make solutions for parenteral administration, in the form of intradermal injections. It stated that animal experiments had shown cytostatic and nonspecific immunostimulatory effects. In Monograph No. 128 from 1993, Commission E described juniper berries as a herbal raw material – Visci albi Fructus.”Komisja E opisała jedynie zastosowanie ziela do produkcji roztworów do podawania pozajelitowego, w formie wstrzyknięć śródskórnych. Podano, że w doświadczeniach na zwierzętach wykazano działanie cytostatyczne i nieswoiście immunostymulujące. W monografii nr 128 z 1993 roku Komisja E opisała owoc jałowca jako surowiec zielarski – Visci albi Fructus.

Jemioła – Viscum wg monografii Komisji E, cz. II

Henryk Różański

A mistletoe herb macerate was described as being taken by mouth, while extracts made with wine or alcohol were associated, among other things, with atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, and improved metabolism.

„Mistletoe tincture in red wine, 1:5 – one small glass once a day for atherosclerosis and high blood pressure, and to strengthen the body and improve metabolism. Fresh berries and ground herb can be frozen and stored for 1 year. Use as needed to make a macerate or ointment.”Nalewka jemiołowa na winie czerwonym 1:5 – mały kieliszeczek 1 raz dziennie przy miażdżycy, nadciśnieniu i dla wzmocnienia oraz poprawy przemiany materii. Świeże owoce i zmielone ziele można zamrozić i przechowywać 1 rok. Zużywać na bieżąco przy sporządzaniu maceratu lub maści.

Jemioła – Viscum raz jeszcze

Henryk Różański

Mistletoe macerates and injections were described as lowering blood pressure, supporting the heart and immune system, calming, and relieving spasms.

„Mistletoe macerates and injections have hypotensive, cardiotonic, immunostimulatory, calming, and antispasmodic effects. After parenteral administration, they stimulate the production of lymphokines and lymphocytes. Viscotoxins II, III, and IVB have anticancer effects. In traditional herbal medicine, the raw material is collected from December to February.”Maceraty i zastrzyki z jemioły działają hipotensyjnie, kardiotonicznie, immunostymulująco, uspokajająco i rozkurczowo. po podaniu pozajelitowym pobudza produkcję limfokin i limfocytów. Wiskotoksyny II, III i IVB działają przeciwnowotworowo. W zakresie fitoterapii tradycyjnej surowiec zbiera się od grudnia do lutego.

Jemioła – Viscum

Henryk Różański

Traditionally, mistletoe extracts were used for bleeding, spasms of the digestive tract, tumors, headaches, parasites, and epilepsy.

„Traditionally, in herbal medicine, mistletoe extracts were used to treat excessive menstrual bleeding, uterine bleeding, coughing up blood, spasms of the digestive tract, tumors, headaches (with a feeling of pressure in the brain and hot flashes), parasitic diseases, and epilepsy.”Tradycyjnie w ziołolecznictwie wyciągi z jemioły były stosowane w leczeniu nadmiernych krwawień miesiączkowych, krwotoków macicznych, krwioplucia, skurczów przewodu pokarmowego, nowotworów, bólów głowy (objawiających się uciskiem w mózgu i uderzeniami gorąca), chorób pasożytniczych, padaczki.

Jemioła – Viscum, czy jest skuteczna i co leczy? cz. I

Henryk Różański

Since the early 20th century, mistletoe had been recommended for atherosclerosis and high blood pressure, as well as angina.

„Since the early 20th century, mistletoe began to be recommended for treating arteriosclerosis and high blood pressure. In the 1940s and 1950s, there was a kind of enthusiasm for mistletoe’s properties. It was even said to act on the heart like digitalis. It was recommended for treating angina.”Od początku XX wieku zaczęto jemiołę polecać w leczeniu arteriosklerozy i nadciśnienia. W latach 40 i 50 XX wieku był swoistego rodzaju zachwyt nad właściwościami jemioły. Podawano nawet, że działa na serce jak naparstnica. Polecano ją w leczeniu dusznicy bolesnej.

Jemioła – Viscum, czy jest skuteczna i co leczy? cz. I

Henryk Różański

Cold macerates were described as being used for high blood pressure, bleeding, epilepsy, and low immunity; an ointment made from the berries was used on external cancerous tumors.

„Macerates made from mistletoe herb (prepared cold by pouring cool or warm boiled water over chopped or ground raw material, including fresh material, and leaving it for 8 hours) lower blood pressure, seal and strengthen blood vessels, boost the body’s immunity, and have calming, antiepileptic, and anti-bleeding effects.”Maceraty z ziela jemioły (sporządzone na zimno, poprzez zalanie rozdrobnionego lub zmielonego surowca, także świeżego chłodną lub ciepłą wodą przegotowaną i pozostawienia na 8 godzin) obniżają ciśnienie krwi, uszczelniają i wzmacniają naczynia krwionośne, podnoszą odporność organizmu, działają uspokajająco, przeciwpadaczkowo i przeciwkrwotocznie.

Jemioła – Viscum

Henryk Różański

Older accounts attributed various uses to mistletoe depending on the tree on which it grew, including uses in childbirth and for mental illness, fears, paralysis, and epilepsy.

„In her writings, Hildegard of Bingen noted that mistletoe had different uses depending on its host tree. Mistletoe from a pear tree helped with childbirth. Mistletoe from hawthorn or apple trees treated mental illnesses. Children who had mistletoe beside them while they slept did not suffer from nightmares, bad thoughts, or frightening visions.”Hildegarda z Bingen w swoich opisach zwróciła uwagę, na różne zastosowanie jemioły, w zależności od żywiciela z jakiego pochodzi. Jemioła z gruszy poprawiała poród. Jemioła z głogu lub jabłoni leczyła choroby psychiczne. Dzieci mające u boku jemiołę (podczas snu) nie cierpiały na koszmary senne, złe myśli, nieprzyjazne wizje.

Jemioła – Viscum wg św. Hildegardy, cz. III

Henryk Różański

Older accounts described mistletoe as being used for epilepsy, fever, digestive problems, neuralgia, bleeding, and high blood pressure.

„In folk medicine, mistletoe was used to treat epilepsy, hysteria, asthma, excessive menstrual bleeding, and to stop hemorrhages and lower blood pressure. Mistletoe’s white berries (with a sticky, stringy substance inside) were used as an antiparasitic remedy, taken by mouth.”W medycynie ludowej jemiołę używano w leczeniu epilepsji, stanów histerii, astmy, nadmiernych krwawień miesiączkowych, do hamowania krwotoków oraz obniżania ciśnienia krwi. Białe owoce jemioły (z lepką , ciągnącą się zawartością) były używane jako środek przeciwpasożytniczy (doustnie).

Jemioła – Viscum jako lek w dawnych czasach, cz. IV

Henryk Różański

Mistletoe preparations were described as being used to treat malignant tumors and to support the treatment of arthritis and high blood pressure.

„Plenosol was recommended for nonspecific stimulation therapy for malignant tumors and as a supportive treatment for degenerative arthritis. It was effective in treating high blood pressure. However, it was noted that the production method used at the time did not make the preparation sufficiently stable, and in particular did not guarantee the stability of the lectins.”Plenosol był polecany do niespecyficznej terapii bodźcowej guzów złośliwych, wspomagająco w leczeniu degeneracyjnego zapalenia stawów. Skuteczny był w leczeniu nadciśnienia. Zauważono jednak, że dotychczas stosowana metoda produkcji nie dawała dostatecznej trwałości preparatu, a szczególnie nie gwarantowała stabilności lektyn.

Lektinol i Eurixor jako następcy preparatu Plenosol N w leczeniu chorób onkologicznych i reumatycznych

Henryk Różański

Mistletoe lectins were attributed with effects on cancer cells, and mistletoe preparations were described as being used to treat cancer.

„Lectins have cytotoxic, cytostatic, and immunomodulatory effects. They activate apoptosis in cancer cells. It is important to administer mistletoe preparations directly into the tumor, near the tumor, or into the cavity where the cancer is located; this gives the best therapeutic effect.”Lektyny działają cytotoksycznie, cytostatycznie i immunomodulująco. Aktywują apoptozę komórek nowotworowych. Ważne jest aby preparaty jemioły podawać wprost do guza, w pobliże guza, do jamy w której występuje nowotwór, wtedy efekt terapeutyczny jest najlepszy.

Lektinol i Eurixor jako następcy preparatu Plenosol N w leczeniu chorób onkologicznych i reumatycznych

Henryk Różański

Ointment made from fresh mistletoe berries was used on external cancerous tumors, as well as on persistent genital warts.

„Mistletoe ointment – Unguentum Visci, for cancerous tumors and persistent genital warts, can be made at home. To do this, grind fresh mistletoe berries in a mortar with castor oil (Oleum Ricini), lanolin (lanolinum, or Linomag), a small amount of glycerin (glycerolum; do not use more than 1 tablespoon per 50 g of berries), and a saline solution (available from pharmacies) – Natrium chloratum – solutio 0.9% (about 2 tablespoons of solution are needed per 50 g of berries).”Maść jemiołowa – Unguentum Visci na guzy rakowe, a także na oporne kłykciny można sporządzić samodzielnie. W tym celu świeże owoce jemioły należy rozcierać w moździerzu z olejem rycynowym Oleum Ricini, lanoliną (lanolinum, lub Linomag), niewielką ilością gliceryny (glicerolum; nie dawać więcej niż 1 łyżkę na 50 g owoców) oraz z roztworem soli fizjologicznej (dostępna w aptekach) – Natrium chloratum – solutio 0,9% (potrzeba około 2 łyżki roztworu na 50 g owoców).

Jemioła – Viscum raz jeszcze

Henryk Różański

Mistletoe preparations were described as stimulating immunity and acting on cancer cells.

„It stimulates the activity of CD3+ CD4+ lymphocytes and NK (Natural Killer) cells, as well as cytokine secretion (after parenteral administration). As a result, mistletoe preparations limit cancer metastases and have cytotoxic and cytostatic effects on cancer cells.”Stymuluje aktywność limfocytów CD3+ CD4+, limfocytów NK – Natural Killers oraz sekrecję cytokin (po podaniu pozajelitowym). dzięki temu preparaty jemiołowe ograniczają przerzuty nowotworów i działaja cytotoksycznie oraz cytostatycznie wobec komórek nowotworowych.

Jemioła – Viscum

Henryk Różański

Commission E described the use of mistletoe herb in injections for degenerative inflammatory joint diseases and the symptomatic treatment of malignant tumors.

„The raw material consists of young mistletoe branches, leaves, buds, flowers, and berries. It is used for degenerative inflammatory joint conditions, with a stimulatory effect after intradermal injection of the preparation. It is also used for the symptomatic treatment of malignant tumors through nonspecific stimulation therapy.”W skład surowca wchodzą młode gałązki jemioły, liście, pączki, kwiaty i owoce. Zakres stosowania to zwyrodnieniowe zapalne schorzenia stawów – działanie bodźcowe po wstrzyknięciu śródskórnym preparatu. Ponadto w leczeniu objawowym guzów złośliwych poprzez nieswoistą terapię bodźcową.

Jemioła – Viscum wg monografii Komisji E, cz. II

Research from PubMed · Europe PMC

We selected 5 studies with the best, positive results. This is a selection, not a full review of all research.

Total number of studies on this topic in PubMed: 693.

A review with a meta-analysis found improved quality of life in cancer patients using mistletoe extracts.

Aim of the study: Mistletoe extracts are used as an adjunct therapy for cancer patients, but there is disagreement about whether this therapy has a positive impact on quality of life (QoL).

Results: We included 26 publications with 30 data sets. The studies were heterogeneous. The pooled standardized mean difference (random effects model) for global QoL after treatment with mistletoe extracts vs. control was d = 0.61 (95% CI 0.41-0.81, p < 0.00001). The effect was stronger for younger patients, with longer treatment, in studies with lower risk of bias, and in randomized and blinded studies. Sensitivity analyses support the validity of the finding. 50% of the QoL subdomains (e.g. pain, nausea) show a significant improvement after mistletoe treatment. Most studies have a high risk of bias or at least raise some concern. Mistletoe extracts produce a significant, medium-sized effect on QoL in cancer. Risk of bias in the analyzed studies is likely due to the specific type of treatment, which is difficult to blind; yet this risk is unlikely to affect the outcome.

Quality of life in cancer patients treated with mistletoe: a systematic review and meta-analysis. · BMC Complement Med Ther 2020

Money for the studyuniversity or foundation · Förderverein komplementärmedizinische Krebsforschung

Do the authors have ties to companies?no — the authors say so

Did a manufacturer help with the study?NO

Type of studycombined analysis of many studies (meta-analysis)

“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.

A meta-analysis found a moderate reduction in cancer-related fatigue after using mistletoe extracts.

Aim of the study: Cancer-related fatigue remains one of the most prevalent and distressing symptoms experienced by cancer patients. Effective treatments for cancer-related fatigue are needed. The objective of this meta-analysis is to determine the impact of mistletoe extracts as a pharmacological treatment for the management of cancer-related fatigue.

Results: We performed one meta-analysis with 12 RCTs, including 1494 participants, and one meta-analysis with seven retrospective NRSIs, including 2668 participants. Heterogeneity between the studies was high in both meta-analyses. Most studies had a high risk of bias. A random-effects model showed for RCTs a standardized mean difference of -0.48 (95% confidence interval -0.82 to -0.14; p = 0.006) and for NRSIs an odds ratio of 0.36 (95% confidence interval 0.20 to 0.66; p = 0.0008). Treatment with mistletoe extracts shows a moderate effect on cancer-related fatigue of similar size to physical activity. These results need to be confirmed by more placebo-controlled trials. Future trials should investigate different treatment durations and their effect on cancer-related fatigue in post-treatment cancer survivors.

Money for the studyuniversity or foundation · Society for Cancer Research, Gesellschaft für klinische Forschung e.V.

Do the authors have ties to companies?yes — the authors reported it

Did a manufacturer help with the study?YES

Type of studycombined analysis of many studies (meta-analysis)

“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.

A meta-analysis indicated that unfermented mistletoe extract may be associated with longer survival in cancer patients.

Aim of the study: Mistletoe extracts (ME) are used in integrative cancer care to improve quality of life and to prolong survival. ME are available from different producers and differ in pharmaceutical processing, such as fermentation. In contrast to fermented ME, the impact of unfermented extracts on the survival of cancer patients has not yet been assessed in a meta-analysis.

Results: Eleven RCTs and eight NRSIs met the inclusion criteria. The studies were heterogeneous and their ROB2 and ROBINS-I displayed a moderate and high risk of bias, respectively. For RCTs, the pooled effect estimate of non-fermented ME on survival was HR = 0.81 (95% CI 0.69-0.95, P = .01). Subgroup analyses as well as the NRSIs estimation support the robustness of the finding. When active comparators are added to the analysis, the effect estimates become non-significant. The results may indicate a positive impact of non-fermented ME on the overall survival of cancer patients. High quality RCTs are necessary to substantiate our results.

Survival of Cancer Patients Treated with Non-Fermented Mistletoe Extract: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. · Integr Cancer Ther 2022

Money for the studyuniversity or foundation · Förderverein Komplementärmedizinische Forschung

Do the authors have ties to companies?not stated

Did a manufacturer help with the study?unknown

Type of studycombined analysis of many studies (meta-analysis)

“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.

In rodent studies, mistletoe extracts showed sedative, anxiolytic, antidepressant, and pain-relieving effects.

Aim of the study: The aim of this review is to summarize existing evidence confirming the influence of mistletoe on the central nervous system and to investigate the compounds that may be responsible for this activity.

Results: The main chemical constituents of Viscum L. species are viscotoxins, lectins, flavonoids, phenolic acids, terpenoids, sterols, phenylpropanoids, and alkaloids. Various extracts of Viscum album L. showed central nervous system activity, including antiepileptic, sedative, antipsychotic, anxiolytic, antidepressant and antinociceptive effects in mice and rats. Additionally, the extracts increased the level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, prevented apoptotic neuronal death induced by amyloid β and weakly inhibited cholinesterase activity. Numerous historical references describe the use of mistletoe for the treatment of central nervous system disorders. In recent years, studies have started to confirm the antiepileptic, antipsychotic, sedative and antinociceptive effects of mistletoe. Additionally, mistletoe can be used as a complementary treatment for Alzheimer's disease.

Therapeutic potential of mistletoe in CNS-related neurological disorders and the chemical composition of Viscum species. · J Ethnopharmacol 2019

Money for the studynot stated

Do the authors have ties to companies?not stated

Did a manufacturer help with the study?unknown

Type of studydiscussion of other studies

“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.

Mistletoe is used as a supportive treatment for cancer patients, and its effect on quality of life has been assessed positively.

Aim of the study: Mistletoe (Viscum album L.) continues to be the medical herb prescribed most frequently for cancer patients in German-speaking countries.

Results: In Germany, coverage is limited to palliative care. In adjuvant cases, treating physicians can request coverage by the health insurance if patients suffer from side effects due to the antitumoral treatment. The spectrum of Viscum album extract includes mistletoe lectin I, II, and III, viscotoxins, flavonoids, amino acids, polysaccharides, and membrane lipids. Preclinical studies have demonstrated cytotoxic, apoptosis-inducing, and immunomodulatory effects. Many clinical studies indicate a supportive efficacy of mistletoe extracts in tumor patients, even though methodological quality is discussed controversially in many cases.

[Mistletoe in the treatment of cancer patients]. · Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz 2020

Money for the studyuniversity or foundation · Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE)

Do the authors have ties to companies?not stated

Did a manufacturer help with the study?unknown

Type of studydiscussion of other studies

“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.

Pisaczek does not judge who is right. It shows what was written and where to read it. Every sentence above has its source.