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Nutritional Supplement

Mistletoe

Also indexed as:Viscum album

  • Blood Sugar and Diabetes Support

    Type 2 Diabetes

    Mistletoe extract has been shown to stimulate insulin release from pancreas cells, and it may reduce diabetes symptoms.
    Type 2 Diabetes
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    Mistletoe plants have been used traditionally to treat diabetes. Alcohol extracts from various mistletoe plants, including Viscum and Plicosepalus species, have been shown to stimulate pancreatic insulin production and release and improve glucose metabolism in animal models of type 2 diabetes.13,14 One such study found a water extract of mistletoe was not as effective as the alcohol extract.15

    Type 1 Diabetes

    Mistletoe extract has been found to stimulate insulin release from pancreas cells and improve health in animal models of diabetes.
    Type 1 Diabetes
    ×
    Mistletoe extract has been shown to stimulate insulin release from pancreas cells.16 Research in type 1 diabetic animals found that treatment with mistletoe extract reduced metabolic disturbances and improved general health.17,18,19 No research in humans has yet been published; however, given mistletoe’s worldwide reputation as a traditional remedy for diabetes, clinical trials are warranted to validate these promising preliminary findings. Traditionally, mistletoe is prepared by soaking 2 to 4 teaspoons (5 to 12 grams) of chopped mistletoe in 2 cups (500 ml) of water overnight. The mixture is drunk first thing in the morning and sweetened with honey if desired. Another batch may be left to steep during the day and drunk at bedtime.

  • Heart and Circulatory Health

    Hypertension

    European mistletoe appears to have a blood pressure-lowering effect, but should be used with caution.
    Hypertension
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    European mistletoe(Viscum album) has a long history of medicinal use in cardiovascular ailments. Compounds from mistletoe have demonstrated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and blood pressure-reducing effects in the laboratory and in animal research.20,21 In a pilot trial that included 41 participants who had high blood pressure, twelve weeks of treatment with mistletoe tincture, at a dose of 10 drops three times daily, reduced systolic blood pressure by an average of 14.3 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure by 4.9 mmHg. In addition, triglyceride levels decreased; however, changes in other lab values suggesting a possible toxic effect on heart muscle also occurred.22 A mistletoe extract was also reported to reduce headaches and dizziness associated with high blood pressure in preliminary research.23 Due to possible serious side effects, European mistletoe should only be taken under the careful supervision of a physician trained in its use.

  • Immune System Support

    HIV and AIDS Support

    Mistletoe injections into the skin have shown beneficial effects in people with HIV.
    HIV and AIDS Support
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    Preliminary human clinical trials of European mistletoe injections into the skin have shown beneficial effects.24,25 Oral mistletoe is very unlikely to have the same effects as injected mistletoe. Injectable mistletoe should only be used under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional.

What Are Star Ratings?
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Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.

Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.

For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.

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Traditional Use (May Not Be Supported by Scientific Studies)

The ancient Druids of northern Europe and other pagan groups revered mistletoe, particularly when it infected oak trees (a rare occurrence). Over time, this reverence of mistletoe was translated into the Christian ritual of hanging mistletoe over doorways at Christmas. The custom of kissing under the mistletoe may be a remnant of pagan orgies held before mistletoe altars.26

The name mistletoe is said to derive from the Celtic word for “all-heal.” This correlates with its historical use for everything from nervous complaints to bleeding to tumors.27 It is difficult to categorize all of the uses of mistletoe, particularly when one looks at the vast number of uses for this herb in traditional Chinese and Korean medicine. In the early 20th century, Rudolf Steiner created what is known as anthroposophical medicine. This mystical system used a variety of unusual remedies, including special extracts of mistletoe for injection. Steiner helped bring mistletoe into the modern era of scientific research, particularly as a potential treatment for cancer.28

References

1. Hajto T. Immunomodulatory effects of Iscador: A Viscum album preparation. Oncology 1986;43(suppl 1):51-65.

2. Bocci B. Mistletoe (Viscum album) lectins as cytokine inducers and immunoadjuvant in tumor therapy. A review. J Biol Reg Homeostatic Agents 1993;7:1-6.

3. Bloksma N, Schmiermann P, de Reuver M, et al. Stimulation of humoral and cellular immunity by Viscum preparations. Planta Med 1982;46:221-7.

4. Jurin M, Zarkovic' N, Hrzenjak M, Ilic' Z. Antitumorous and immunomodulatory effects of the Viscum album L preparation Isorel. Oncology 1993;50:393-8.

5. Khwaja TA, Dias CB, Pentecost S. Recent studies on the anticancer activities of mistletoe (Viscum album) and its alkaloids. Oncology 1986;43(suppl 1):42-50.

6. Yarnell E. Is Viscum album a potential treatment for pancreatic cancer? HealthNotes Review 1999;6:88-90 [review].

7. Kleijnen J, Knipschild P. Mistletoe treatment for cancer. Review of controlled trials in humans. Phytomedicine 1994;1:255-60.

8. Bowman IA. The everlasting mistletoe and the cardiovascular system. Texas Heart Inst J 1990;17:310–4.

9. O'Hare JP, Hoyt LH. Mistletoe in the treatment of hypertension. New Eng J Med 1928;199:1207-13.

10. Weiss RF. Herbal Medicine. Gothenburg, Sweden: Ab Arcanum and Beaconsfield, UK: Beaconsfield Publishers Ltd, 1985, 158-60.

11. Gray AM, Flatt PR. Insulin-secreting activity of the traditional antidiabetic plant Viscum album (mistletoe). J Endocrinol 1999;160:409-14.

12. Swanson-Flatt SK, Day C, Bailey CJ, Flatt PR. Evaluation of traditional plant treatments for diabetes: Studies in streptozotocin-diabetic mice. Acta Diabetologica Latina 1989;26:51-5.

13. Aldawsari H, Hanafy A, Labib G, Badr J. Antihyperglycemic activities of extracts of the mistletoes Plicosepalus acaciae and P. curviflorus in comparison to their solid lipid nanoparticle suspension formulations. Z Naturforsch C 2014;69:391–8.

14. Abdallah H, Farag M, Abdel-Naim A, et al. Mechanistic Evidence of Viscum schimperi (Viscaceae) Antihyperglycemic Activity: From a Bioactivity-guided Approach to Comprehensive Metabolite Profiling. Phytother Res 2015;29:1737–43.

15. Ko B, Kang S, Moon B, et al. A 70% Ethanol Extract of Mistletoe Rich in Betulin, Betulinic Acid, and Oleanolic Acid Potentiated beta-Cell Function and Mass and Enhanced Hepatic Insulin Sensitivity. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2016;2016:7836823.

16. Park J, Kim Y, Kim J, et al. Viscothionin purified from mistletoe (Viscum album var. coloratum Ohwi) induces insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells. J Ethnopharmacol 2019;234:172–9.

17. Abdallah H, Farag M, Abdel-Naim A, et al. Mechanistic Evidence of Viscum schimperi (Viscaceae) Antihyperglycemic Activity: From a Bioactivity-guided Approach to Comprehensive Metabolite Profiling. Phytother Res 2015;29:1737–43.

18. Eno A, Ofem O, Nku C, et al. Stimulation of insulin secretion by Viscum album (mistletoe) leaf extract in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Afr J Med Med Sci 2008;37:141–7.

19. Turkkan A, Savas H, Yavuz B, et al. The prophylactic effect of Viscum album in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. North Clin Istanb 2016;3:83–9.

20. Nazaruk J, Orlikowski P. Phytochemical profile and therapeutic potential of Viscum album L. Nat Prod Res 2016;30:373–85.

21. Khan T, Ali S, Qayyum R, et al. Intestinal and vascular smooth muscle relaxant effect of Viscum album explains its medicinal use in hyperactive gut disorders and hypertension. BMC Complement Altern Med 2016;16:251.

22. Poruthukaren KJ, Palatty PL, Baliga MS, et al. Clinical evaluation of Viscum album mother tincture as an antihypertensive: a pilot study. J Evid Based Complementary Altern Med 2014;19:31–5.

23. Bowman IA. The everlasting mistletoe and the cardiovascular system. Texas Heart Inst J 1990;17:310–4.

24. Gorter R, Khwaja T, Linder M. Anti-HIV and immunomodulating activities of Viscum album (mistletoe). Int Conf AIDS 1992;8:84 [abstract no. PuB 7214].

25. Gorter R, Stoss M, el Arif N, et al. Immune modulating and anti-HIV activities of Viscum album (Iscador). Int Conf AIDS 1993;9:496 [abstract no. PO-B28-2167].

26. Walker BG. The Woman's Encyclopedia of Myths and Secrets. San Francisco: Harper & Row, 1983, 661-3.

27. Duke JA. CRC Handbook of Medicinal Herbs. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 1985, 512-3.

28. Urech K. Mistletoe constituents and cancer therapy. J Anthroposophical Med 1993;10:54-63.

29. Weiss RF. Herbal Medicine. Gothenburg, Sweden: Ab Arcanum and Beaconsfield, UK: Beaconsfield Publishers Ltd, 1985, 158-60.

30. Weiss RF. Herbal Medicine. Gothenburg, Sweden: Ab Arcanum and Beaconsfield, UK: Beaconsfield Publishers Ltd, 1985, 158-60.

31. Krenzelok EP, Jacobsen TD, Aronis J. American mistletoe exposures. Am J Emerg Med 1997;15:516-20.

32. Spiller HA, Willias DB, Gorman SE, Sanftleban J. Retrospective study of mistletoe ingestion. Clin Toxicol 1996;34:405-8.

33. Bauer C, Oppel T, Rueff F, Przybilla B. Anaphylaxis to viscotoxins of mistletoe (Viscum album) extracts. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2005;94:86-9.

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The information presented by TraceGains is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2025.