How does mistletoe cure cancer?

How does mistletoe cure cancer?

Basic research shows that mistletoe extracts may stimulate the immune system to fight cancer. Studies in humans show that mistletoe treatment may improve symptoms and reduce side effects of cancer treatments. A few studies indicate it may also have some effects on survival.

Does mistletoe shrink tumors?

Schuerholz said other studies have shown mistletoe, sold as Iscar or Iscador, is not only harmless, but actually shrinks tumors. Dr. Molly McMullen-Laird, an internist in Michigan, gives some of her patients mistletoe, though she advises them to use it in conjunction with conventional treatments like chemotherapy.

What is viscum album extract?

Viscum album L. extracts (VAE, European mistletoe) are a widely used medicinal plant extract in gynaecological and breast-cancer treatment.

Does mistletoe cure breast cancer?

There is no proof that they work for breast or other cancers. Using European mistletoe can also be unsafe. Avoid these products and stick with proven cancer treatments.

How much does mistletoe therapy cost?

Mistletoe treatment has not yet been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and clinical trials are underway in the US to evaluate the safety and efficacy of this treatment. The average cost of mistletoe treatment ranges from $100-200 per month.

What is viscum album used for?

Viscum album is used to treat fatigue, nervousness, insomnia, agitation, panic attacks and decreased immunity; also used in the treatment of cancers, hypertension and arthritis.

What are mistletoe treatments?

Mistletoe treatment (MT) is an essential part of integrative cancer care [1–5]. It is mostly used to improve quality of life (QoL), increase the tolerability of chemotherapy, and exert a possible benefit on tumor control and survival.

What are the side effects of mistletoe?

European mistletoe can cause vomiting, diarrhea, cramping, and other side effects. Short-term, frequent use of European mistletoe might cause liver damage. Injecting European mistletoe beneath the skin can cause fever, chills, allergic reactions, and other side effects.

How much do mistletoe injections cost?

Is viscum album poisonous?

Toxicity. European mistletoe is potentially fatal, in a concentrated form, and people can become seriously ill from eating the berries. The toxic lectin viscumin has been isolated from Viscum album.

Where do you inject mistletoe?

Mistletoe extracts are usually given by an injection under the skin (subcutaneous). Less common ways to give mistletoe include by mouth, into a vein (intravenous or IV), into the pleural cavity, or into a tumor.

Is mistletoe FDA approved?

Even though mistletoe is used as an alternative cancer therapy in European countries, mistletoe extract is not approved for use in the United States by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Can mistletoe extracts help cancer patients?

Summary of the Evidence for Mistletoe Extracts. Mistletoe is one of the most widely studied complementary and alternative medicine therapies for cancer. In certain European countries, the preparations made from European mistletoe ( Viscum album L.) are among the most prescribed drugs offered to cancer patients.

Is Viscum album available in the United States?

All of these products are prepared from Viscum album (Loranthaceae) ( Viscum album L. or European mistletoe). They are not sold as a drug in the United States. Eurixor, Isorel, and Vysorel are no longer available on the market for sale. In addition to European mistletoe, extracts from a type of Korean mistletoe ( Viscum album var. coloratum [Kom.]

What is the summary of the mistletoe research?

The summary includes a brief history of mistletoe research, the results of clinical trials, and possible side effects of mistletoe use. This summary contains the following key information: Mistletoe is a semiparasitic plant that has been used for centuries to treat numerous human ailments.

What are the side effects of Raw mistletoe?

Raw mistletoe contains toxic constituents. Possible adverse effects from mistletoe treatment include injection site reactions, chills, and fever (16) (20) (39) (40) (41). Long-term use may also reduce T-cell function in cancer patients (21), but the majority of reactions were mild to moderate and dose-related (22) (49).