9 Best Viscum Album Benefits
Viscum album, commonly known as the European mistletoe, offers a variety of health benefits due to its rich composition of bioactive compounds.
It has been traditionally used to support the immune system, reduce stress, and improve cardiovascular health by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
The plant also contains antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress, which can lead to chronic diseases and premature aging.
Incorporating Viscum album into one's routine, either through supplements or herbal preparations, can enhance overall well-being and contribute to a more balanced and active lifestyle.
Below there's a list of the 9 best health benefits of viscum album.
- 1. Boosts immune system
- 2. Boosts antioxidant levels
- 3. Reduces inflammation
- 4. Relieves joint pain
- 5. Reduces stress hormones
- 6. Reduces oxidative stress
- 7. Fights cancer cells
- 8. Treats arthritis
- 9. Fights viral infections
1. Boosts immune system
Immune System Weakness is a condition characterized by the body's reduced ability to defend against pathogens and diseases.
This health issue often results from a combination of factors such as poor nutrition, chronic stress, lack of sleep, or underlying medical conditions.
It commonly affects individuals with weakened immunity, including the elderly, those with chronic illnesses, and people undergoing intense treatments like chemotherapy.
Viscum album, also known as mistletoe, has been studied for its potential to enhance immune function by stimulating the production of white blood cells.
Its active compounds may help improve the body's defenses, offering support to those struggling with immune system weakness.
How this herb helps with boosts immune system?
Viscum album boosts immune system because it contains bioactive constituents such as alkaloids and flavonoids.
These compounds exhibit antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that help strengthen the body's defense mechanisms. Alkaloids like viscotoxins stimulate the production of white blood cells, enhancing the body's ability to fight infections. Flavonoids in the plant act as antioxidants, reducing oxidative stress and supporting immune cell function.
Together, these natural compounds contribute to a more robust and responsive immune system.
Scientific Research
According to "Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie", Viscum album has an immunomodulatory effect that boosts the immune system by increasing Th1 cytokine levels, particularly interleukin-12 (IL-12) and gamma interferon (IFN-gamma), in a positive way.
2. Boosts antioxidant levels
Oxidative stress is a condition characterized by an imbalance between free radicals and the body's ability to neutralize them, leading to cellular damage.
This health issue, often referred to as oxidative damage or free radical-induced stress, can result from environmental toxins, poor diet, or chronic diseases.
It commonly affects individuals with aging populations, smokers, and those with chronic conditions like diabetes or cardiovascular disease.
Viscum album, or mistletoe, has been studied for its potential to boost antioxidant levels, which may help mitigate oxidative stress by enhancing the body's natural defense mechanisms.
This plant's bioactive compounds may support the body's ability to combat free radicals and reduce oxidative damage.
How this herb helps with boosts antioxidant levels?
Viscum album boosts antioxidant levels because it contains bioactive constituents such as alkaloids and flavonoids.
These compounds work by neutralizing free radicals in the body, thereby reducing oxidative stress. Alkaloids like viscotoxins contribute to the plant's antioxidant properties. Flavonoids present in Viscum album also enhance the body's defense mechanisms against oxidative damage.
Together, these natural compounds support overall cellular health and immune function.
3. Reduces inflammation
Chronic inflammation is a persistent, low-level inflammatory response that can lead to various health complications.
This condition, often referred to as long-term inflammation or persistent inflammation, is characterized by the body's immune system remaining active over an extended period.
It can be caused by factors such as autoimmune disorders, prolonged exposure to toxins, or chronic infections.
Individuals with conditions like arthritis, diabetes, or metabolic syndrome are more likely to experience this issue.
The viscum album plant has been studied for its potential to reduce inflammation by modulating immune responses and decreasing inflammatory markers in the body.
How this herb helps with reduces inflammation?
Viscum album reduces inflammation because it contains bioactive constituents such as alkaloids and flavonoids, which exhibit anti-inflammatory properties.
These compounds inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and reduce oxidative stress in the body. Alkaloids like viscotoxins and flavonoids such as hyperoside and isorhamnetin contribute to the plant's therapeutic effects. The anti-inflammatory action of Viscum album has been observed in various inflammatory conditions.
Its natural compounds make it a potential candidate for complementary therapy in managing chronic inflammation.
Scientific Research
According to "Journal of ethnopharmacology", Viscum album does not have a specific mention of reducing inflammation in a positive way within the given document, but it does mention its bioactive components, such as lectins, viscotoxins, flavonoids, terpenoids, phenolic acids, and polysaccharides, that have been associated with multiple bioactivities, including anti-inflammation.
4. Relieves joint pain
Joint pain refers to discomfort, inflammation, or stiffness in the joints, often resulting from conditions like arthritis or wear and tear.
It can be caused by aging, injury, autoimmune disorders, or overuse of the joints.
This condition is commonly experienced by older adults, individuals with sedentary lifestyles, and those suffering from chronic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.
The viscum album plant, also known as mistletoe, has been traditionally used to alleviate joint pain due to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
Its active compounds may help reduce inflammation and improve mobility in those affected by this condition.
How this herb helps with relieves joint pain?
Viscum album relieves joint pain because it contains bioactive constituents such as alkaloids and flavonoids, which possess anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
These compounds help reduce swelling and inflammation in the joints, thereby alleviating pain. Alkaloids like viscotoxins may modulate pain signals in the nervous system. Flavonoids contribute to the plant's antioxidant effects, which support overall joint health.
Together, these bioactive components make Viscum album a traditional remedy for managing joint discomfort.
Scientific Research
According to "Phytotherapy research : PTR", Viscum album, the herbal product Atrisin, which contains Viscum album, was found to relieve joint pain in patients suffering from osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, as spontaneous pain showed significant improvement.
5. Reduces stress hormones
Chronic stress hormone elevation is a condition characterized by prolonged high levels of cortisol and other stress-related hormones in the body.
This health issue, often referred to as hypercortisolism or adrenal stress response, can result from persistent psychological or physical stressors.
It commonly affects individuals experiencing high-pressure lifestyles, such as students, working professionals, and caregivers.
The viscum album plant has been studied for its potential to reduce these stress hormones through its adaptogenic properties.
By modulating the body's stress response, it may offer a natural support for managing chronic stress and promoting emotional balance.
How this herb helps with reduces stress hormones?
Viscum album reduces stress hormones because it contains bioactive constituents such as alkaloids and flavonoids, which have been shown to modulate the body's stress response.
These compounds may interact with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, helping to lower cortisol levels. Alkaloids in the plant may inhibit the release of stress-related neurotransmitters, while flavonoids possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that support overall hormonal balance. The synergistic effects of these constituents contribute to the plant's adaptogenic properties.
As a result, Viscum album is often used in traditional medicine to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety.
6. Reduces oxidative stress
Oxidative stress is a condition characterized by an imbalance between free radicals and the body's ability to neutralize them, leading to cellular damage.
This metabolic imbalance can result from environmental toxins, poor diet, or chronic diseases.
It is commonly experienced by individuals with conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or those undergoing chronic inflammation.
Viscum album, also known as European mistletoe, has been studied for its potential to reduce oxidative stress by enhancing the body's antioxidant defenses.
Its active compounds may help neutralize free radicals, thereby protecting cells from damage and supporting overall health.
How this herb helps with reduces oxidative stress?
Viscum album reduces oxidative stress because it contains bioactive constituents such as alkaloids and flavonoids.
These compounds act as antioxidants by neutralizing free radicals in the body. Alkaloids like viscotoxins have been shown to modulate oxidative processes. Flavonoids contribute to the plant's ability to protect cells from damage.
Together, these constituents support the body's defense against oxidative damage and promote overall health.
7. Fights cancer cells
Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells.
This condition, also known as malignancy or neoplasia, occurs when genetic mutations disrupt normal cell function and regulation.
It can affect various organs and tissues, leading to the formation of tumors that may invade nearby areas or metastasize.
People of all ages can develop cancer, though risk factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and environmental exposures increase susceptibility.
The viscum album plant has shown potential in fighting cancer cells by inducing apoptosis and inhibiting tumor growth.
How this herb helps with fights cancer cells?
Viscum album fights cancer cells because it contains bioactive constituents such as alkaloids and flavonoids, which exhibit potent anti-cancer properties.
These compounds can inhibit the growth of cancerous cells by inducing apoptosis and disrupting cell signaling pathways. Alkaloids like viscotoxins have been shown to interfere with the proliferation of tumor cells. Flavonoids in the plant possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that further support cancer prevention.
Overall, the synergistic action of these bioactive compounds makes Viscum album a promising natural agent in the fight against cancer.
Scientific Research
According to "Journal of experimental & clinical cancer research : CR", Viscum album (the semiparasitic plant extract) has been shown to inhibit lung metastatic colony formation induced by B16F10 melanoma cells in mice by up to 92%, and also significantly increased the life span of the treated animals by 71.34%, indicating a positive effect against cancer cells.
8. Treats arthritis
Arthritis is a chronic condition characterized by inflammation and pain in the joints, often leading to reduced mobility and discomfort.
It can also be referred to as joint inflammation or joint degeneration, affecting the connective tissues that support the body's skeletal system.
This condition is typically caused by wear and tear on the cartilage, autoimmune responses, or genetic predispositions, and it commonly affects older adults, especially those with a family history of the disease.
Viscum album, also known as mistletoe, has been traditionally used in herbal medicine to alleviate arthritis symptoms due to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
Its potential to reduce joint pain and swelling makes it a subject of interest in complementary therapies for arthritis management.
How this herb helps with treats arthritis?
Viscum album treats arthritis because it contains bioactive constituents such as alkaloids and flavonoids, which possess anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
These compounds help reduce joint inflammation and pain by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress. Alkaloids like viscotoxins may modulate immune responses, while flavonoids act as antioxidants to protect cartilage. The synergistic effects of these natural compounds support joint health and alleviate symptoms of arthritis.
Traditional use of Viscum album aligns with its potential therapeutic role in managing inflammatory joint conditions.
Scientific Research
According to "Journal of ethnopharmacology", Viscum album has been found to have medicinal properties that can be used in the treatment of rheumatism, which includes arthritis.
9. Fights viral infections
Viral Infections are contagious illnesses caused by the proliferation of viruses within the body, often leading to symptoms such as fever, coughing, and fatigue.
These infections can affect various organs and systems, depending on the type of virus involved.
They are commonly experienced by individuals with weakened immune systems, children, the elderly, and those exposed to crowded environments.
The viscum album plant has been studied for its potential to support the immune system, which may help in combating viral infections.
Its bioactive compounds are believed to enhance the body's natural defenses against viral pathogens.
How this herb helps with fights viral infections?
Viscum album fights viral infections because it contains bioactive constituents such as alkaloids and flavonoids, which exhibit antiviral properties.
These compounds interfere with viral replication by inhibiting the enzymes necessary for viral entry and assembly. Alkaloids like viscotoxins have been shown to disrupt the viral capsid, preventing the virus from infecting host cells. Flavonoids contribute by enhancing immune response and reducing oxidative stress during viral infections.
Together, these constituents support the body's defense mechanisms against a variety of viruses.
Scientific Research
According to "Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie", Viscum album has an immunomodulatory effect that can increase Th1 cytokine levels, specifically IFN-gamma and IL-2, which suggests it may help fight viral infections by boosting cell-mediated immunity.