European Mistletoe 

This fact sheet provides basic information about the herb European mistletoe— 

common names, uses, potential side effects, and resources for more 

information. European mistletoe is a semiparasitic plant that grows on several 

types of trees in temperate regions worldwide. Where the term “mistletoe” is 

used in this fact sheet, it refers to European mistletoe. (European mistletoe is 

different from American mistletoe, which is used as a holiday decoration.) 

Common Names—European mistletoe, mistletoe 

Latin Name—Viscum album L. 

What It Is Used For 

•	 Mistletoe has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat 

seizures, headaches, and other conditions. 

•	 Mistletoe is used mainly in Europe as a treatment for cancer. 

How It Is Used 

•	 The leafy shoots and berries of mistletoe are used to make extracts that can 

be taken by mouth. 

•	 In Europe, mistletoe extracts are prescription drugs that are given by 

injection. In the United States, mistletoe by injection is available only in 

clinical trials. 

What the Science Says 

•	 Laboratory studies have found that mistletoe kills cancer cells and 

stimulates the immune system. 

•	 The use of mistletoe to treat cancer has been studied in Europe in more than 

30 clinical trials. Although improvements in survival or quality of life have 

been reported, almost all of the trials had major weaknesses in their design 

that raise doubts about the findings. For example, many of the studies had a 

small number of participants or did not have a control group. 

•	 NCCAM is sponsoring a clinical trial of mistletoe, given in combination with the 

drug gemcitabine, for cancer. The study will look at toxicity, safety, and immune 

system effects of mistletoe extract when combined with this chemotherapy drug. 

Side Effects and Cautions 

•	 Raw, unprocessed mistletoe is poisonous. Eating raw, unprocessed European 

mistletoe or American mistletoe can cause vomiting, seizures, a slowing of the 

heart rate, and even death. American mistletoe is unsafe for medicinal use. 
 

 

•	 In countries where commercial mistletoe is available by injection, such as Germany, those 

extracts are considered to be generally safe when used according to product directions and 

under the supervision of a health care provider. 

•	 Injected mistletoe extract may cause itching or redness in the area of the injection. Less 

commonly, side effects may include more extensive skin reactions, low-grade fevers, or 

flu-like symptoms. There have been very rare reports of more serious allergic reactions, 

such as difficulty breathing. 

•	 Because mistletoe has not yet been proven to be a safe and effective cancer treatment, it 

should not be used outside of clinical trials. 

•	 Tell your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you 

use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure 

coordinated and safe care. 

Sources 

National Cancer Institute. Mistletoe Extracts (PDQ). National Cancer Institute Web site. Accessed at 

http://www.cancer.gov/cancerinfo/pdq/cam/mistletoe on July 3, 2007. 

National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Frequently Asked Questions About the Mistletoe-Gemcitabine 

Study. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine Web site. Accessed at 

http://nccam.nih.gov/mistletoe/faq.htm on July 3, 2007. 

European mistletoe. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Web site. Accessed at 

http://www.naturaldatabase.com on June 29, 2007. 

American mistletoe. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Web site. Accessed at 

http://www.naturaldatabase.com on July 3, 2007. 

Mistletoe (Viscum album L.) Natural Standard Database Web site. Accessed at http://www.naturalstandard.com on 

June 28, 2007. 

For More Information 

Visit the NCCAM Web site at nccam.nih.gov and view: 

•	 What’s in the Bottle? An Introduction to Dietary Supplements at nccam.nih.gov/health/bottle/ 

•	 Herbal Supplements: Consider Safety, Too at nccam.nih.gov/health/supplement-safety/ 

NCCAM Clearinghouse 

Toll-free in the U.S.: 1-888-644-6226 

TTY (for deaf and hard-of-hearing callers): 1-866-464-3615 

E-mail: info@nccam.nih.gov 

CAM on PubMed 

Web site: nccam.nih.gov/camonpubmed/ 

NIH Office of Dietary Supplements 

Web site: www.ods.od.nih.gov 

This publication is not copyrighted and is in the public domain. Duplication is encouraged. 

NCCAM has provided this material for your information. It is not intended to substitute 

for the medical expertise and advice of your primary health care provider. We encourage 

you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with your health care provider. The 

mention of any product, service, or therapy is not an endorsement by NCCAM. 

National Institutes of Health 

♦♦♦

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 

D270 

Created July 2005 

Updated April 2008 

*D270*