What to know about Viscum album (mistletoe) before using it medicinally

Viscum album, commonly known as mistletoe, is a versatile herb that has been prized for its medicinal properties for centuries.

It is widely cultivated and grown in many parts of the world, particularly in temperate regions, for its ease of cultivation and adaptability to different environments. From a botanical standpoint, Viscum album is a hemiparasitic shrub that obtains its nutrients by tapping into the vascular systems of its host trees.

Historically, mistletoe has been a significant plant in many cultures, with ancient references to its use found in Greek and Roman mythology, as well as in traditional European folk medicine.

This article explains the medicinal, horticultural, botanical, and historical aspects of Viscum album.

What are the medicinal properties of Viscum album?

Viscum album helps with reducing inflammation and improving cardiovascular health by inhibiting platelet aggregation and vasospasm. It also exhibits immunomodulatory and anticancer properties, making it a promising treatment for various diseases.

The active constituents of Viscum album responsible for its medicinal properties include viscotoxins, lectins, and alkaloids, which have been isolated and studied extensively. These compounds have been found to possess anti-tumor, anti-viral, and anti-bacterial activities, contributing to the plant's overall therapeutic effects.

The parts of the Viscum album plant most used for medicinal purposes are the leaves and stems, which contain the highest concentration of active constituents. These aerial parts are typically harvested in winter and dried for later use in pharmaceutical preparations.

Improper use of Viscum album can lead to side effects such as allergic reactions, gastrointestinal upset, and interactions with other medications. The viscotoxins and lectins present in the plant may cause adverse effects when ingested or applied topically in excessive amounts or without proper medical guidance.

When using Viscum album medicinally, it is essential to follow proper precautions to minimize potential risks. These include consulting with a healthcare professional before use, adhering to recommended dosages, and monitoring for any signs of adverse reactions, particularly when using the plant in combination with other treatments.

What are the horticulural aspects of Viscum album?

Viscum album grow as a hemiparasitic plant, requiring a host tree for nourishment, typically oak, apple, or pine, in temperate climates with full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.

For planting, mistletoe seeds are typically dispersed by birds and germinate after 2-3 years, but can also be cultivated through cuttings or grafting onto host trees in autumn or spring, using a suitable rootstock and misting regularly to maintain high humidity.

For harvesting, mature mistletoe plants typically produce berries in winter, which are attractive to birds, and can be collected when ripe, with care taken not to damage the host tree or the plant's aerial roots.

Common pests and diseases affecting mistletoe include aphids, scale insects, and powdery mildew, which can be controlled through integrated pest management techniques, while root rot and canker diseases can be prevented by maintaining good tree health and pruning regularly.

What are the botanical aspects of Viscum album?

Viscum album is a hemiparasitic plant with a woody stem, 10-30 cm long, covered with small, paired leaves, 1-2 cm long, and small, white, waxy flowers, 1-2 mm in diameter.

Viscum album belongs to the family Santalaceae, order Santales, class Magnoliopsida, phylum Angiospermae, and kingdom Plantae. The genus Viscum consists of about 15 species, all of which are hemiparasitic.

Viscum album has several variants, including V. a. album (European mistletoe), V. a. americanum (American mistletoe), and V. a. japonicum (Japanese mistletoe). These variants differ in their leaf shape, flower size, and stem length.

Viscum album is widely distributed in Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia, growing on trees such as oak, apple, and willow. It is also found in North America, Australia, and New Zealand, where it has been introduced as an ornamental plant.

Viscum album's life cycle begins with seed germination, followed by the formation of a root hair, which attaches to the host tree. The plant grows, producing leaves, flowers, and berries, which mature and disperse seeds, starting the cycle anew.

What are the historical aspects of Viscum album?

Viscum album is a plant with a long history of use in folk medicine, particularly in Europe. It was used to treat a range of ailments, including fever, rheumatism, and digestive issues. Mistletoe was also used to ward off evil spirits.

In Norse mythology, mistletoe was associated with the god Baldur, who was killed by an arrow made of mistletoe. The plant was considered sacred and was said to have the power to bring fertility and prosperity. Mistletoe was also associated with the Celtic god of the underworld.

The symbolic meanings of mistletoe vary across cultures. In ancient Greece, it represented love and fertility, while in Christianity, it symbolized peace and reconciliation. In Scandinavian cultures, mistletoe was believed to have the power to bring good fortune and protection.

Historical texts such as Pliny the Elder's "Naturalis Historia" and Galen's "De Medicinis Purgeantibus" mention mistletoe's use in medicine. The Greek physician Hippocrates also wrote about the plant's properties and uses. These texts provide valuable insights into the historical uses and understandings of mistletoe.

Archeological finds, such as ancient burial sites and ceremonial artifacts, have revealed evidence of mistletoe's importance in ancient cultures. Excavations in Ireland have uncovered ancient remains of mistletoe plants, while artifacts from Scandinavia feature intricate carvings of mistletoe leaves. These discoveries demonstrate the widespread significance of mistletoe in ancient societies.