European MistletoeViscum album
Parts used: young leaves, twigs, berries.
Action: cardiac tonic, cardiac depressant, diuretic, vasodilator, cytotoxic, cytostatic, nervine, hypotensive, possibly anti-tumor.
Constituents: flavanoids, lectins, polypeptides, polysaccharides, saponins, tannins, tri-terpines, viscotoxin.
Method of preparation: infusion, tincture, fermented extract (Iscador, Helixor, Iscudin)
European Mistletoe affects the circulatory system by first raising the blood pressure and then lowering it below the original level and speeding up the pulse. It has been used to treat arteriosclerosis. It stimulates glandular activity related to digestion, helping many problems traceable to faulty digestive processes. As a tea it can be used as a wash for chilblains and made into a compress for varicose veins. It enhances the immune system (increases macrophanges, natural killer cells and t-cells). It increases the weight of the thymus. It acts as a tonic to the heart and nerves. A combination Mistletoe leaves and Hawthorn berries¹² is said to be useful in relieving high blood pressure.

Cancer research and therapies
        Most if not all cancer research with Mistletoe is being conducted in Europe. In North America and especially the USA, all non-pharmaceutical cancer treatments are already suspect, make them European and they barely get noticed. In the mean time across the Atlantic where herbal therapies are used along side pharmaceuticals and surgery, Mistletoe extract has been in use since 1935.
       Known by the name brand Iscador, the extract was developed in the 1920s by Rudolf Steiner PhD,(1861-1925) founder of the Society for Cancer Research in Arleshein Switzerland. Doctor Steiner developped the medical philosophy called Anthroposophic Medicine, as well as the Waldorf educational system. Anthroposophic Medicine is fairly widespread in Europe, these doctors, who also have "conventional" medical training, look at humans beings as "more (...) than mechanical beings: they are bodies with a life force, a soul and a spirit. The doctor's task is to read the body's signs and symptoms that give an understanding of how, in specific ways, that spirit energy works in the human body."(Linda C. Puig, Anthroposophic Medicine; letting your body work for you. San Diego Earth Times. Oct. 97.)
       Iscador has been approved for use in Austria, Switzerland and Germany and is also being used in France, Holland, Eastern Europe, Britain and Scandinavia. The extract is made from Mistletoe growing on various trees; Apple, Fir. Pine, Oak and Elm. Made through a process of fermentation, each preparation is classified according to the type of tree on which the Mistletoe grows. Iscador is generally administered by injection either subcutaneously or near the tumor site when possible. The length of treatment can be of one injection per day for 14 days or several injections per week for months. The dosage and length of treatment is adjusted according to the age, sex, overall condition of the patient and type of cancer.
       The active anti-cancer ingredients in Mistletoe are called Mistletoe Lectin (ML-1, -2, -3). Laboratory analysis in-vitro (test tube) showed that recombinant mistletoe lectins have definite cancer cell inhibiting activity toward human lung, breast, pancreas and colon cancers. Then tests were done in-vivo (with living organism) with similar results. This form of mistletoe lectin was found to be more effective than some standard therapies for some types of testicular cancers and kidney cancers. The lectins work by causing cancer cells to die off . For more information on the activity of lectins see the glossary.
       In addition other research indicates that Mistletoe extract may have a stabilizing effect on DNA, thus preventing further mutation. One clinical trial showed that Iscador MTM (mistletoe found on apple trees), improved DNA repair in breast cancer patients. "In this experiment, patients in advanced stages of breast cancer were given one dose of Iscador MTM intravenously, followed by daily subcutaneous injections for seven days…At days seven and nine, blood samples were evaluated for DNA repair mechanisms in blood lymphocytes (a type of white blood cells). There was a 2.7 fold increase in DNA repair, with 12 out of 14 patients showing improvements." The extract also has "profound effects on the immune system, increasing the proliferation and activity of various immune cells." (Mistletoe: beyond Myth and Mysticism, Cindy Jones, PhD, Nutrition Science News, Oct, 1997.)
       Recent research on Korean Mistletoe, indicate that it prevents angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, critical for tumor growth.
       When used in conjunction with radiation and chemotherapy, Mistletoe seems to alleviate some of their side effects and generally improve the quality of life.
       Though commercial Mistletoe extracts have minimal side effects in some cases allergic symptoms including anaphylactic reactions have been reported. The use of Mistletoe extract often produces an increase in body temperature and flu-like symptoms. The injection site may become inflamed and abdominal pain and nausea may occur.