Description: <b>Semiparasitic plant</b> that grows on apple, oak, pine and elm trees.<br>
Most bioactive ingredients of mistletoe have been identified and characterized such as lectins (I, II, and III), polypeptides (e.g., viscotoxins), and immunostimulatory glycoproteins (5–7). The extracts are also enriched in biologically active flavonoids, phenolic acids, sterols, lignans, terpenoids, and phenylpropanoids (8). There is strong evidence that the complete mistletoe extract is more potent than when isolated compounds are administered.<br>
<p><b>Viscum album Extracts (VAE)</b> - European Mistletoe Extracts</p>
<p><b>Alternative Names:</b> VAE, European mistletoe extract, mistletoe extract; commercial preparations include Iscador, Helixor, and abnobaVISCUM</p>
<p><b>Source:</b> Viscum album L. (European mistletoe)</p>
<p><b>Type:</b> Botanical extract / multi-component injectable preparation</p>
<p><b>Active Constituents:</b> Mistletoe lectins, viscotoxins, triterpenoids, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and other bioactive constituents. Composition varies according to extraction method, preparation, and the host tree on which the mistletoe was grown.</p>
<p><b>Function:</b> Viscum album extracts have demonstrated cytotoxic, pro-apoptotic, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory activities in experimental cancer models. Mistletoe lectins are among the principal characterized bioactive constituents and can inhibit protein synthesis and induce apoptosis, while other extract constituents contribute additional immune and tumor-modulating effects.</p>
<p><b>Cancer:</b> Experimental studies demonstrate inhibition of tumor-cell proliferation, induction of apoptosis, modulation of immune responses, and effects on tumor migration and survival pathways. Clinical studies have primarily investigated VAE as an adjunct to conventional cancer treatment, with some evidence for improved quality of life and reduced treatment-associated symptoms. Evidence for direct improvement in tumor response, progression, or overall survival remains inconsistent and limited by heterogeneous preparations and methodological weaknesses in many clinical studies.</p>