Mistletoe
Also known as european mistletoe, helixor, iscador, viscum album
Key takeaways
- Mistletoe extracts significantly reduce cancer-related fatigue (PMID: 35239008).
- Research into survival benefits for cancer patients using fermented Viscum album L. extract has been conducted, though results vary (PMID: 31927541).
- Mistletoe has been studied as a complementary treatment in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer and pancreatic cancer (PMID: 23218588, PMID: 38915151).
What the research shows
AI-synthesized from 10 peer-reviewed sources · Updated 2025
Mistletoe extracts (Viscum album) are used as complementary therapies in oncology to improve quality of life and potentially extend survival. Research suggests a positive impact on reducing cancer-related fatigue and enhancing overall well-being, though evidence for survival benefits remains mixed.
By condition
Cancer-related fatigue
Moderate
A meta-analysis of 1,494 patients indicates that mistletoe extracts can significantly reduce cancer-related fatigue.
Cancer survival
Weak
Meta-analyses on fermented and non-fermented extracts show conflicting or inconclusive results regarding overall survival benefits.
Quality of Life (General Cancer)
Moderate
Systematic reviews suggest improvements in the quality of life for patients using mistletoe as a supportive therapy.
Effective doses
Specific dose ranges were not provided in the provided abstracts.
Safety & interactions
No specific interactions or contraindications were detailed in the provided abstracts.
Limitations
Many studies are limited by small sample sizes or are qualitative in nature, and there is a lack of consistency across different extract types (fermented vs. non-fermented).
Top-rated Mistletoe products
Ranked by safety score and evidence coverage
How it's sold
Data aggregated from 35 product labels
Research evidence
Showing top 10 of 10 sources, sorted by quality
**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 Canc…
**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. Extr…
**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:…
**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…
**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. do…
**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 Complem…
**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;21:153473542211…
**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 …
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…
**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…
Frequently asked questions
What is mistletoe and what is it used for?
Mistletoe (Viscum album) extracts are used as complementary therapies in oncology to improve quality of life and potentially extend survival. Research suggests they may help reduce cancer-related fatigue and enhance overall well-being for patients undergoing cancer treatment.
Does mistletoe help with cancer-related fatigue?
Yes, there is moderate evidence indicating that mistletoe extracts can significantly reduce cancer-related fatigue. A meta-analysis of 1,494 patients supports this benefit, making it a notable option for managing this specific symptom.
Does mistletoe improve quality of life for cancer patients?
Systematic reviews provide moderate evidence that mistletoe improves the general quality of life for patients using it as a supportive therapy. This includes enhancements in overall well-being during cancer treatment.
Does mistletoe extend cancer survival?
Research on whether mistletoe extends survival is mixed and inconclusive. Meta-analyses of both fermented and non-fermented extracts show conflicting results, so evidence for this specific benefit remains weak.
What is the effective dose of mistletoe?
The provided evidence does not specify effective dose ranges for mistletoe extracts. You should consult a healthcare provider to determine appropriate usage, as specific dosing information is not available in the current research summaries.
Is mistletoe safe to take with other medications?
While no specific drug interactions are documented in the provided abstracts, you should always consult a healthcare provider before combining supplements with prescribed medications. This is especially important if you are pregnant, nursing, or have underlying health conditions.
Who should avoid taking mistletoe?
Pregnant or nursing individuals and those on prescribed medications should avoid mistletoe unless advised by a healthcare provider. Since specific safety profiles and interactions are not fully detailed, professional medical guidance is essential to ensure safety.