10 Health Benefits Of Viscum Album (Mistletoe)

Viscum album, also known as mistletoe, has health benefits such as reduced inflammation and improved immune function due to its medicinal properties of arabinogalactan and viscotoxins.

These properties enhance the body's natural defenses and fight off infections. Individuals with chronic diseases such as cancer, autoimmune disorders, or allergies may experience improved symptoms and quality of life.

For instance, some patients have reported increased survival rates and reduced cancer treatment side effects after using mistletoe therapy.

This article explains in details the 10 best health benefits of Viscum album.

1. Strengthens the immune system

Viscum album strengthens the immune system because it contains a range of bioactive compounds that have immunomodulatory effects.

Mistletoe extracts have been shown to increase the production of cytokines, which are proteins that help fight off pathogens and modulate the immune response.

Additionally, mistletoe has antioxidant properties, which can help protect cells from oxidative damage and reduce inflammation, thereby supporting overall immune function.

2. Fights against cancer cells

Viscum album fights against cancer cells because of its unique ability to stimulate the immune system and induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cancer cells.

The plant's extract has been shown to inhibit the growth of tumor cells while leaving healthy cells intact. Additionally, mistletoe has been found to increase the production of cytokines, which are proteins that help to activate immune cells to recognize and attack cancer cells.

This dual mechanism makes mistletoe a promising adjunctive therapy in the treatment of various types of cancer.

3. Reduces tumor size

Viscum album reduces tumor size because of its unique combination of bioactive compounds.

These compounds, including viscotoxins and phenolic acids, have been shown to exhibit anti-tumor properties by inhibiting the proliferation of cancer cells, inducing apoptosis (cell death), and modulating the immune system's response to tumors.

Additionally, mistletoe's extracts have been found to selectively target cancer stem cells, which are thought to be responsible for tumor recurrence.

4. Slows down cancer progression

Viscum album slows down cancer progression because of its ability to stimulate the immune system and induce apoptosis, or programmed cell death, in cancer cells.

The lectins present in mistletoe extracts can bind to specific receptors on tumor cells, leading to their destruction.

Additionally, mistletoe has been shown to inhibit angiogenesis, or blood vessel formation, thereby depriving tumors of the oxygen and nutrients they need to grow and spread.

5. Alleviates chemotherapy side effects

Viscum album alleviates chemotherapy side effects because of its ability to stimulate the immune system and reduce inflammation.

The plant's extract has been shown to increase white blood cell counts, which can help combat infections often caused by chemotherapy.

Additionally, mistletoe's anti-inflammatory properties can alleviate symptoms such as nausea, fatigue, and pain associated with chemotherapy treatments.

6. Lowers high blood pressure

Viscum album lowers high blood pressure because it contains a variety of bioactive compounds that exhibit vasodilatory and anti-inflammatory effects.

These compounds, including flavonoids and polyphenols, help to relax blood vessels and improve blood flow, which can lead to a reduction in blood pressure. Additionally, mistletoe has been shown to reduce inflammation in the blood vessels, which is a major risk factor for hypertension.

Overall, the combination of these effects makes mistletoe a potential natural remedy for high blood pressure.

7. Regulates heartbeat

Viscum album regulates heartbeat because it contains a unique combination of bioactive compounds that interact with the cardiovascular system.

The plant's extracts have been shown to slow down the heart rate and reduce blood pressure by activating certain receptors in the body, which helps to regulate cardiac function and maintain a healthy rhythm.

This property has made mistletoe a popular ingredient in traditional herbal remedies for heart health.

8. Improves circulation

Viscum album improves circulation because of its unique ability to increase blood flow and reduce peripheral resistance.

The herb's active compounds, including viscin and lectins, have been shown to dilate blood vessels and improve microcirculation, which can help to alleviate symptoms of poor circulation such as swelling, cramps, and discoloration.

Additionally, mistletoe has anti-inflammatory properties that may contribute to its vasodilatory effects.

9. Reduces inflammation

Viscum album reduces inflammation because of its unique combination of bioactive compounds.

The plant contains flavonoids, phenolic acids, and terpenoids that have potent anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory molecules, such as cytokines and chemokines, and stimulate the release of anti-inflammatory mediators, such as nitric oxide and prostaglandins.

This results in a reduction of inflammation and oxidative stress, making mistletoe a promising natural remedy for various inflammatory diseases.

10. Treats respiratory diseases

Viscum album treats respiratory diseases because of its unique combination of bioactive compounds.

The plant contains lectins, viscotoxins, and polysaccharides that exhibit anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antioxidant activities.

These properties help to alleviate symptoms associated with respiratory conditions such as bronchitis, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by reducing inflammation, suppressing coughing, and improving lung function.