Can you Drug someone with mistletoe?

European mistletoe has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for a variety of conditions, including seizures, headaches, and menopause symptoms. Today, European mistletoe is promoted as a treatment for cancer. In Europe, European mistletoe extracts that are given by injection are sold as prescription drugs.

Are there any side effects to using mistletoe?

When used in the recommended amounts, mistletoe is rarely associated with side effects. Possible side effects—generally experienced when the dosage is too high—include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, low blood pressure or dizziness.

What kind of compounds are found in mistletoe?

Plant constituents include β-phenylethylamine, tyramine, and structurally related compounds. In addition European and American mistletoes contain proteins called viscotoxins and phoratoxins, respectively, with similar toxicity to abrin and ricin (found in Abrus precatorius and Ricinus communis, respectively).

Are there any clinical trials for mistletoe extract?

The NCCIH and the National Cancer Institute have completed a preliminary trial to evaluate the safety of injected European mistletoe extract in combination with a cancer drug in patients with advanced cancer.

Is there a link between lectin and mistletoe?

At the time, mistletoe was the only herb known to contain a potential toxin, lectin, and it was therefore singled out as the causative agent. Later evaluation of the herbal compound suggested that mistletoe was probably not an ingredient, thus casting doubt on the association between mistletoe and hepatitis.

Are there any side effects to taking European mistletoe?

Early research suggests that injecting a specific type of European mistletoe extract (Iscador) into the skin may to improve survival in people with cancer of the uterus. Side effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. High blood pressure. Internal bleeding.

What kind of medications can you take with mistletoe?

Mistletoe may interact with many medications, including anticoagulants, antidepressants, and medications used for treating heart disease or high blood pressure. Only European mistletoe can be used therapeutically, as American mistletoe is unsafe.

How does mistletoe interact with CYP3A4 in vitro?

Mistletoe inhibits CYP3A4 in vitro, so it could theoretically interact with drugs metabolized by this enzyme. However, in vitro studies show this effect only happens in very high doses and is unlikely when used in clinically relevant concentrations .

In 2002, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) and the National Cancer Institute (NCI) enrolled patients in a phase I clinical trial of a mistletoe extract and gemcitabine in patients with advanced solid tumors. This combination showed low toxicity and no botanical – drug interactions were reported.