Indications

Historical overview

Mistletoe is a ligneous parasitic plant that grows on tall trees such as oaks, poplars and fruit trees. Its use dates back to ancient times, where druids used it for its medicinal virtues.

The French folk name "herbe de la croix" comes from an old legend according to which, at the time of Jesus Christ, mistletoe was a tree whose wood was used to build the Cross. After the crucifixion, mistletoe was cursed and became a parasite growing on tall trees.
Mistletoe was traditionally used as an hypotensive agent, a sedative and a cardiac sedative. It was used for the treatment of high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis, nervous tachycardia, headaches, epilepsy, chorea (involuntary movements) and other nervous disorders, and hysteria.

More recently, anthroposophical medicine (a philosophy that follows the precepts of Rudolf Steiner) developed a mistletoe extract to treat cancer. However, this extract is very different from Vogel’s mistletoe tincture.

Actions and pharmacology

Mistletoe contains fatty acids, biological amines (acetylcholine, choline, tyramine, etc.), flavonoids, terpenes, alkaloids and polypeptides (lectins and viscotoxins). The level of each compound as well as the type of alkaloids depends on the host tree.

The hypotensive and antioxidant effect would be mainly due to amines, flavonoids and, to a lesser extent, alkaloids.
However, the mistletoe hypotensive activity is not fully understood. A study demonstrated a direct effect on arterial smooth muscles ⁽¹⁾ but, because of the GABA, biological amines and flavonoids content, some authors believe its hypotensive activity to be related to a central effect. The effect on smooth muscles could also explain the traditional antispasmodic indication.
Polypeptides and alkaloids would have an activity against some types of tumors.⁽³⁾

The German Commission E acknowledges its benefits in cases of: for treating degenerative inflammation of the joints and as a palliative therapy for malignant tumors. Mistletoe is also listed in the unapproved herbs section for: blood pressure regulation and as a tonic for the circulatory system.⁽⁵⁾

Precautions, contraindications and interactions

Contraindication: known allergy to mistletoe.

Mistletoe is contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Theoretically, mistletoe can interact with hypotensive drugs (beta-blockers, vasodilators, etc.). Use with caution.

IMPORTANT: Never stop an antihypertensive drug without the advice of a physician. Mistletoe can be used as an adjuvant to the pharmacotherapy but cannot replace the prescribed medication.

For the prevention of arteriosclerosis, if the blood pressure is normal or low, ART Capsules should be recommended rather than Mistletoe.

Therapeutic combinations

ARTERIOSCLEROSIS
ART Capsules, Hawthorn, Geriaforce

MILD HYPERTENSION
ART Capsules, Hawthorn