Exploring Mistletoe Extract Benefits
Mistletoe extract is a substance derived from mistletoe, a group of parasitic plants that grow on the branches or branches of various trees. Mistletoe has a long history of use in traditional medicine and folklore, and mistletoe extract is commonly used in alternative and complementary medicine practices, particularly in Europe.
Mistletoe extracts may be taken orally as a dietary supplement. They can also be injected into the body via intravenous or subcutaneous injections.
Mistletoe therapy is an alternative cancer treatment that originated in anthroposophy medicine around 1920. It is based on the belief that mistletoe contains healing properties.
Anti-Inflammatory
Mistletoe extract has been shown to have potent anti-inflammatory properties. This makes it an excellent option for those looking to combat the side effects of chemotherapy, radiation, and other cancer treatments.
It is often given by subcutaneous injection under the skin, typically near a tumor or cancerous growth. This allows the mistletoe to reach the immune system without being limited by digestive absorption and the liver’s first-pass effect.
Medicinal mistletoe also has anti-cancer properties, mediated by two main active ingredients: viscotoxins and lectins. Lectins bind to carbohydrates and can change the way that cancer cells behave. Viscotoxins stimulate the immune system and kill cancer cells by binding to them.
Mistletoe extract can help alleviate cancer symptoms, including fatigue, nausea, and chills, and improve quality of life. She and her team are now working to put this plant’s regenerative properties to the test, bringing cutting-edge oncology back to its roots. They hope to have results in two years. If the study is successful, it will be one of the first times mistletoe has been used as a standalone treatment for cancer patients.
Also read: Benefits of chlorella
Anti-Cancer
Mistletoe has long been a popular treatment among naturopathic healers, who believe it can help treat cancer and reduce the side effects of traditional treatments like chemotherapy. But what does the science say?
Many research studies have found that one of mistletoe extract benefits is improving quality of life and reducing treatment-related side effects in cancer patients. However, the research is limited and varies in quality.
Immune System Support
Mistletoe extract stimulates the immune system to help fight cancer and other diseases. It can also improve circulation, boost metabolism, and rebalance hormones. Some forms of mistletoe extract are injected but can also be taken as a liquid or capsule. Mistletoe lectins are thought to increase the immune response by modulating cellular activity and stimulating cell growth. At the same time, other anti-cancer properties include downregulating specific genes and inhibiting tumor growth and invasion.
In preclinical studies, mistletoe extract has been shown to stimulate the immune response and kill cancer cells. It appears to target cancer cells without harming healthy surrounding tissue and can also reduce the side effects of chemotherapy.
Pain Relief
Studies have demonstrated that mistletoe extract (Viscum album) can boost the immune system, kill cancer cells, improve the quality of life for individuals with cancer, and mitigate side effects caused by conventional treatments. In one study, patients with pancreatic cancer had significantly longer survival when treated with mistletoe extract compared to those not receiving it.
Other studies have shown that mistletoe can improve fatigue, sleep, nausea and vomiting, concentration, and depression in cancer patients. It is also believed to fight cancer by preventing the formation of new blood vessels that cancerous cells need to grow, blocking protein synthesis, and inducing apoptosis.
European mistletoe may worsen symptoms of auto-immune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus, SLE), and rheumatoid arthritis, due to its potential to activate the immune system. It is also unsafe if you have an organ transplant because it might increase your risk of rejection. It is unknown if mistletoe is safe when pregnant or breastfeeding or if it interacts with other drugs.
Weight Loss
Mistletoe extracts may help treat weight loss and enhance energy levels by boosting the metabolism. Thanks to its natural anti-inflammatory properties, it also helps fight high blood pressure.
The lectins in mistletoe extract are thought to be responsible for the immune-stimulating effects of this herb. This is due to their ability to activate specific immune cells like natural killer and T cells. These immune-stimulating properties may even aid in the fight against cancer.
Several studies indicate that mistletoe extracts improve the quality of life in cancer patients, including fatigue and anxiety. However, the results could be more consistent. Some studies are small and need more methods and populations.
Before adding any new supplements to your routine, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional. Supplement use can cause adverse side effects if not taken correctly or combined with other supplements. Only safe herbal varieties, such as European mistletoe, must be taken. Moreover, a medical professional or trained herbalist should only administer injectable mistletoe. Mistletoe can be taken in several forms, such as oral supplements, capsules, and tinctures. It can also be dried and used as a tea.
