10 Medicinal Constituents Of Viscum Album (Mistletoe)

Viscum album has active constituents such as iridoid glycosides, alkaloids, and phenolic compounds.

These constituents possess anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory properties, which can lead to improved treatment of various diseases, including cancer, arthritis, and autoimmune disorders.

By enhancing the body's immune response and reducing inflammation, mistletoe can improve the quality of life for patients undergoing chemotherapy, reduce pain and discomfort from arthritis, and potentially slow disease progression in autoimmune diseases.

This article explains in details the 10 best active constituents of Viscum album.

1. Triterpenoids

Viscum album triterpenoids is a group of bioactive compounds isolated from the plant's leaves and stems.

These compounds have been found to possess various pharmacological properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities.

The triterpenoids in Viscum album have also been reported to exhibit cytotoxic effects on certain types of cancer cells, making them potential candidates for future cancer research.

2. Quinic acid derivatives

Viscum album quinic acid derivatives is a group of compounds found in the leaves and stems of the plant.

These derivatives have been isolated and characterized, exhibiting potential medicinal properties such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities.

The quinic acid derivatives from Viscum album have shown to possess significant biological effects, making them valuable resources for further research and development in the field of traditional medicine and pharmaceuticals.

3. Phenolic acids

Viscum album phenolic acids is a type of bioactive compound found in the plant's leaves and twigs.

These phenolic acids have been shown to possess antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, making them a valuable area of research for potential therapeutic applications.

The exact composition and concentration of these compounds can vary depending on factors such as the Viscum album subspecies, harvesting conditions, and processing methods.

4. Flavonoids

Viscum album flavonoids is a class of bioactive compounds found in the plant.

These flavonoids have been shown to possess potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may contribute to the traditional use of mistletoe in folk medicine for treating various health conditions.

Additionally, Viscum album flavonoids have been investigated for their potential role in cancer prevention and treatment, with some studies suggesting they may exhibit antitumor and immunomodulatory effects.

5. Alkaloids

Viscum album alkaloids is a group of bioactive compounds found in the leaves and twigs of the plant.

These alkaloids have been shown to exhibit various pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and anticancer properties.

Viscumin, one of the main alkaloids present in mistletoe, has been studied for its potential therapeutic applications in treating cancer and other diseases.

6. Aesculetin

Viscum album aesculetin is a bioactive compound extracted from its leaves.

It has been extensively studied for its pharmacological properties, exhibiting antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities. Aesculetin has also shown potential in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension and atherosclerosis.

Additionally, it has been found to possess antimicrobial and antiviral properties, making it a promising compound for future medicinal applications.

7. Lignans

Viscum album lignans is a class of compounds found in the plant's leaves and stems.

These lignans have been shown to possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties, making them potentially useful for various health applications.

Research has also suggested that Viscum album lignans may help regulate blood sugar levels, improve cardiovascular health, and exhibit anticancer activities.

8. Sesquiterpenes

Viscum album sesquiterpenes is a class of bioactive compounds that are responsible for its traditional medicinal and anti-cancer properties.

These sesquiterpenes, including drim-4(14), visamide, and europamide, have been shown to exhibit potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory activities.

They have also been found to inhibit the growth of cancer cells and induce apoptosis in vitro, making them a promising area of research for the development of novel therapeutic agents.

9. Furoquinoline alkaloids

Viscum album furoquinoline alkaloids is a group of bioactive compounds found in the leaves and stems of the plant.

These alkaloids have been shown to exhibit a range of pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties.

They have also been found to possess immunomodulatory effects and have been investigated for their potential therapeutic applications in various diseases, including cancer and autoimmune disorders.

10. Catechins

Viscum album catechins is a type of flavonoid compound found in its leaves.

These bioactive compounds have been extensively studied for their potential health benefits, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Catechins have been shown to exhibit immunomodulatory effects, inhibit tumor growth, and possess antimicrobial activities, making them a promising area of research for the development of new therapeutic agents.