Tuesday, July 7, 2015

Mistletoe can it help in fight against Cancer ?

Sure, the mistletoe is great for those seeking stealthy kisses, but the plant actually contains a variety of chemicals, such as phenylpropanoids and lectins, the Independent writes; "mistletoe (extract has) a number of pharmacological properties including stimulation of the immune system and direct toxic effects on tumor cells." Since the 1920s, many have used the plant to treat cancer, epilepsy, infertility, menopausal symptoms, nervous tension, asthma, hypertension, headache, and dermatitis.
In Europe, the semi-poisonous plant is "regularly prescribed for various types of cancers as its extract demonstrates anti-cancer activity when used against cancerous cells in the lab." Mistletoe extract enhances immune function, which increases the production of the immune cells. When administered as a form of therapy for cancer, the extracts are given by injection under the skin, into a vein or directly into a tumor. The mistletoe has demonstrated efficacy against cancer in a particular German study where researchers examined the use of the mistletoe extract brand Iscador. The researchers used Iscador in 800 patients with colorectal cancer who were all treated with chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy. Researchers found the patients treated with Iscador had fewer adverse events, better symptom relief and improved disease-free survival compared to patients who did not receive the mistletoe extract as additional therapy.
American critics have been dismissive about medical studies of the plant, calling the studies too small or improperly designed. The FDA does not recognize the use of mistletoe to treat any form of cancer, and injectable mistletoe extracts cannot be sold in the U.S.

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