Viscum Album - Literature Review

Abstract

Viscum album L., popularly known as "Mistletoe", is considered a semi-parasitic plant that grows on several host trees. It has a wide variety of biologically active compounds that can be used to treat various diseases, being its most significant indication for the adjuvant treatment of cancer patients. However, little data is found in the literature on the in vitro and in vivo effects of Viscum album(VA), although formulations for commercial use are available, with extremely low doses of its active compounds. Previous studies used anthroposophical VA and provided information on the mechanisms of action of this extract in tumor and immune system cells. Therefore, the objective of this study was to perform a literature review on the VA plant regarding its botanical behavior and action in cancer patients.