Mistletoe
Product Forms
Dose Distribution
Top Brands
Claims on Labels
Top-Rated Mistletoe Products
Evidence Summary
Mistletoe (Viscum album) is studied as a complementary therapy in oncology, primarily for its impact on symptom management and survival. Research suggests potential benefits in improving quality of life and reducing cancer-related fatigue, though evidence regarding survival varies depending on the extract type.
Evidence by Condition
Meta-analyses indicate that mistletoe extracts can reduce cancer-related fatigue and improve overall quality of life.
A randomized controlled trial investigated the use of mistletoe extract in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer.
Mistletoe has been studied as a complementary treatment alongside carboplatin-based chemotherapy regimens.
Effective Doses
Dose ranges are not specified in the provided research.
Key Findings
- Mistletoe extracts are associated with a reduction in cancer-related fatigue (PMID: 35239008)
- Meta-analyses demonstrate improvements in the quality of life for cancer patients (PMID: 32690087)
- Research has explored survival outcomes using both fermented (Iscador) and non-fermented mistletoe extracts (PMID: 31927541, 36324298)
Limitations
Research is limited by a lack of standardized dosing protocols and the need for more large-scale randomized controlled trials across various cancer stages and types.
Safety & Interactions
The provided research does not explicitly detail specific contraindications or drug interactions.
AI-generated summary from 9 peer-reviewed studies. Not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider.
Claims vs. Evidence
| Claim Type | % of Products | Evidence Required | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Other | 97% | Tier D (Unclassified) | ✅ Supported |
| Structure/Function | 74% | Tier C (DSHEA Structure/Function (no pre-approval)) | ✅ Supported |
Research by Topic
Research Evidence (10)
**Pelzer et al., 2022** | Support Care Cancer | Meta Analysis Pelzer Florian, Loef Martin, ... Baumgartner Stephan. Cancer-related fatigue in patients treated with mistletoe extracts: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Support Care Cancer. 2022-A...
**Ostermann et al., 2020** | Complement Med Res | Meta Analysis Ostermann Thomas, Appelbaum Sebastian, ... Büssing Arndt. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on the Survival of Cancer Patients Treated with a Fermented Viscum album L. Extract (Iscad...
**Ostermann et al., 2009** | BMC Cancer | Meta Analysis Ostermann Thomas, Raak Christa, Büssing Arndt. Survival of cancer patients treated with mistletoe extract (Iscador): a systematic literature review. BMC Cancer. 2009-Dec-18;9:451. doi:10.1186/14...
**Wode et al., 2024** | Dtsch Arztebl Int | Rct Wode Kathrin, Kienle Gunver S, ... Henriksson Roger. Mistletoe Extract in Patients With Advanced Pancreatic Cancer: a Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Tial (MISTRAL). Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2024...
**Loef et al., 2020** | BMC Complement Med Ther | Meta Analysis Loef Martin, Walach Harald. Quality of life in cancer patients treated with mistletoe: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Complement Med Ther. 2020-Jul-20;20(1):227. doi:10.1186/...
**Evans et al., 2016** | J Altern Complement Med | Systematic Review Evans Maggie, Bryant Susan, ... Feder Gene. Cancer Patients' Experiences of Using Mistletoe (Viscum album): A Qualitative Systematic Review and Synthesis. J Altern Complement Med. 2...
**Loef et al., 2022** | Integr Cancer Ther | Meta Analysis Loef Martin, Walach Harald. Survival of Cancer Patients Treated with Non-Fermented Mistletoe Extract: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Integr Cancer Ther. 2022;21:15347354221133561. doi...
**Bar-Sela et al., 2013** | Eur J Cancer | Rct Bar-Sela Gil, Wollner Mira, ... Haim Nissim. Mistletoe as complementary treatment in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer treated with carboplatin-based combinations: a randomised phase II s...
BACKGROUND: Integrative medicine is used frequently alongside chemotherapy treatment in pediatric oncology, but little is known about the influence on toxicity. This German, multi-center, open-label, randomized controlled trial assessed the effects o...
**Menke et al., 2018** | Complement Ther Med | Other Menke K, Schwermer M, ... Zuzak T J. Taraxacum officinale extract shows antitumor effects on pediatric cancer cells and enhance mistletoe therapy. Complement Ther Med. 2018-Oct;40:158-164. doi:10.1...
Related Supplements
Frequently Asked Questions
What is mistletoe supplement and what is it used for?
Mistletoe (Viscum album) is studied as a complementary therapy in oncology, primarily used for symptom management. There is moderate evidence suggesting it can help improve the overall quality of life for cancer patients.
Can mistletoe help with cancer-related fatigue?
Yes, there is moderate evidence from meta-analyses indicating that mistletoe extracts can help reduce fatigue related to cancer. It is often explored as a way to support patient well-being during treatment.
Is mistletoe effective for pancreatic or lung cancer?
There is currently insufficient evidence to confirm if mistletoe is effective for advanced pancreatic cancer or non-small-cell lung cancer. While it has been studied in these contexts, more research is needed to determine its impact.
What is the recommended dose of mistletoe?
The provided research does not specify an effective dose range for mistletoe. You should consult with your healthcare provider to determine an appropriate dosage for your needs.
Are there any known drug interactions with mistletoe?
There are currently no documented drug interactions for mistletoe in the available research. However, you should always discuss any new supplements with your doctor to ensure they are compatible with your medical regimen.
Is mistletoe safe to take?
The available research does not explicitly detail specific contraindications or safety risks. Because it is used as a complementary therapy in oncology, it should be used under the supervision of a medical professional.
Who should avoid using mistletoe?
The research does not identify specific groups of people who should avoid mistletoe. However, anyone undergoing cancer treatment should consult their oncologist before adding this supplement to their care plan.
Answers generated from research evidence. Not medical advice.