Mistletoe for cancer

hopeful_36

FYI ladies: read about the wrong effects of mistletoe on cancer. A number of clinical trials are being under way, given the demonstrated effects. PubMed has over 35 pages of clinical studies on the natural remedy, returning 635 search results for "mistletoe and cancer". Those with faith in alternative remedies, check out: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/?term=mistletoe cancer

hopeful_36

Findings from just one of the studies. For more check out the link above:

"This paper summarises the in vitro, in vivo, and clinical types of evidence available about antibreast cancer efficacy of mistletoe. Currently, mistletoe, especially V. album, has attracted special interest due to its vital role as a leading remedy in cancer therapy. The cytotoxic efficacy of mistletoe extracts against cancer cells has been evaluated in numerous evidence based researches as well as in vitro and in vivo laboratory experiments, and mainly positive antitumor activities have been reported. Laboratory studies indicate that the cytotoxic properties and cell apoptosis inducing activity of mistletoe depend on its biologically active substances which may be different in various geographical regions and host trees. The majority of the included clinical trials suggested a beneficial effect with good evidence with respect to survival, HRQoL, positive remission rate, and reduction of chemotherapy causing side effects for breast cancer patients treated with mistletoe extracts. However, some of the clinical studies do not seem to be reliable enough due to the minor weakness of studies. It is well established that mechanisms underlying the anticancer activity of mistletoe involved apoptosis and immunomodulation/stimulation of proinflammatory cytokines which point to an improved balance of the innate immune system. Moreover, both immunomodulatory and apoptosis/cytotoxic activities of mistletoe may contribute to the positive outcome and clinical benefit in breast cancer patients." https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC41272...

The limitation of the studies of mistletoe is always related to the sample size, etc. which is common with any CAM (complementary and alternative methods) of cancer treatment study, given general population's lack of faith in the therapies.

hopeful_36

Survival of cancer patients treated with mistletoe extract (Iscador): a systematic literature review

"In conclusion, pooled analysis of clinical studies suggests that adjuvant treatment of cancer patients with Iscador is associated with a reduction in mortality rates. Having in mind the limitations found here, future studies evaluating the effects of Iscador should continue to address this question, with a particular focus on a transparent design and description of endpoints in order to provide greater insight into a treatment often being depreciated as ineffective. The information and considerations from this analysis should be taken seriously not only for a better study quality but also to provide the best possible care for cancer patients." https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2804713/