Mistletoe has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. It appears in legend frequently as a panacea and interest in mistletoe as an anticancer drug began in the 1920s. There is no evidence of mistletoe destroying cancer cells. Investigations of mistletoe's ability to inhibit cancer cell growth in animal models have yielded mixed results, depending on the extract used, the dose, the method of administration, and the type of cancer evaluated. Research continues. There is substantial evidence of mistletoe's ability to modulate the human immune system and results of animal studies suggest that mistletoe may be beneficial in decreasing the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy and that it may counteract the effects of drugs used to suppress the immune system. Numerous forms of mistletoe have been used in animal and human studies with minimal side effects. However, there have been reports of seizures, slowing of the heart rate, abnormally high or low blood pressure, vomiting, and death after eating mistletoe plants and berries. European Journal of Cancer February 2001 Alternative Therapies in Health & Medicine, published May 2001 Eur J Cancer February 2001 Discussion in the Lancet on Misteltoe Journalist/author Peter Chowka, April 2001 Study in Alternative Therapies in Health & Medicine, May 2001 Peter Chowka speaks with David Riley, MD On homeopathic Iscador for breast cancer Euro J of Cancer, 10/01 Hannover Medical School, Germany, 11/02 LINK to source/info Br J Cancer, 6/03 LINK to NCI site Inhibited lung metastasis January 1999, a study of cell culture (in vitro) Two are available from FONMUNA `Arzneim.-Forsch./Drug Research' 1/1/2005 Posted 5/07 Abstract P013 Remember we are NOT Doctors and have NO medical training. This site is like an Encylopedia - there are many pages, many links on many topics. Support our work with any size DONATION - see left side of any page - for how to donate. You can help raise awareness of CAM.