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The Ethnomedicinal Efficacy of Mistletoe : a Review

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The Ethnomedicinal Efficacy of Mistletoe : a Review International Journal of Advanced Technology & Science Research Volume 02 Issue 04 April 2021 The Ethnomedicinal Efficacy Of Mistletoe : A Review 1Adaaja B.O, 2Akemien N.N, 2Zaman E.Y , 1Otiwa G.V 1Trial Afforestation Research Station, Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria. 2Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria P.M.B 5054 Jericho Hills Ibadan Nigeria. Abstract – Mistletoe is the general name for obligate hemi-parasitic herb belonging to the Loranthaceae family of genus Santalales. While several species of this plant are found in places like North America, Asia, Europe, Australia and Korean, the most common species are known as American mistletoe (Phorandendronleucarpun) and the European mistletoe (Viscumalbum). As mistletoe is a parasitic plant, it generally grows on other trees or plants, for instance, Theobromacacao (Cocoa plant), Heaveabrasiliensis (Rubber plant), Colanitida or Colasp. (Kola plant) etc. Other host are Malusdomestica (apple trees), Quercus (oaks trees), pines, first to produce yellowish green leaves, flowers and waxy berries.This review shows the ETHNOMEDICINAL uses of Mistletoes. Keywords: Mistletoe, Parasitic, Health, Diabetes, Hepatitis. 1. Introduction Mistletoe was often considered a pest that kills trees and devalues natural habitats but was recently recognized as an ecological keystone species. It is an organism that has a disproportionately pervasive influence over its community. Animals depend on mistletoe for food by consuming the leaves and young shoots, transferring pollen between plants and dispersing the sticky seeds. In the western North America, their juicy berries are eaten and dispersed by birds (notably Phainopepla or Silky-flycatcher). When the berries are consumed, some seeds pass unharmed through their digestive systems and if the birds‟ droppings happen to land on a suitable branch, the seeds may stick long enough to germinate. This way of propagation is shown in the name: Mistel is the Anglo-Saxon word for dung-on-a-twig. A study of mistletoe has shown that as the plants mature, they grow into masses of branching stems which brings about the popular name “witches‟ brooms”. The dense evergreen witches‟ brooms formed by the dwarf mistletoes (Arceuthobiumspecies) of western North America also make excellent locations for roosting and nesting of the northern spotted owl and the marbled murrelet. A study of mistletoe in junipers concluded that more juniper www.ijatsr.org Copyright © IJATSR 2021, All Right Reserved Page 185 International Journal of Advanced Technology & Science Research Volume 02 Issue 04 April 2021 berries sprout in stands where mistletoe is present and the reason for this is that the mistletoe attracts berryeating birds which also eat juniper berries (Millus, 2002). Such interactions lead to dramatic influences on diversities of animals. Thus, rather than being a pest, mistletoe can have a positive effect on biodiversity providing high quality food and habitat for a wide range of animals in forests and woodlands worldwide. There are currently three species of mistletoe being used for medicinal purposes. These species are European mistletoe (Viscumalbum), a Korean variety (Viscum album coloratum) and an Africa species (Viscum album (Loranthusbegwensis L.) (Faluyi et al., 2002). Mistletoe is a very crucial plant that is used for the treatment of various diseases. The chemical analysis of mistletoe has revealed that this parasitic herb possesses calming, antispasmodic, purgative, immune-modulator, immune-stimulator, a potent hypotensive (causing low blood pressure), an excellent cardio-tonic, diuretic and vermifuge (any medication that helps to expel worms from the body) properties. Due to its multifarious therapeutic attributes, mistletoe is prescribed to cure cough particularly spasmodic cough, asthmatic attacks attributed to psychological tension as well as bronchial asthma. The Yoruba people found mistletoe plant to be medicinally good in curing hypertension, Diabetes mellitus, stomach ulcer, etc. (Okokoh, 1999). This herb is also used to alleviate the symptoms of epilepsy, hysteria, dizziness, nervous fits, neurosis, cardiac ischemia, arterial hypertension, hiccups, predispositions to virosis (a viral infection), digestive and uterine cramps, memory problems related to hypertension (high blood pressure), ganglionary ailments as well as immunity disorders owning to old age. It is also useful in the treatment of gout, leucorrhoea (a white or yellowish vaginal discharge) and sciatica (pain in some portions of the sciatic nerve). The Druids and ancient Greeks were the first to use European mistletoe for the reported health benefits offered by the herb. These people employed European mistletoe in the form of a „cure all‟ to treat almost all types of medical conditions. In effect, since a long time ago, mistletoe has been extensively employed in the form of a herbal therapy for an assortment of health disorders, counting alleviating headaches, pains caused by arthritis as well as the menopausal symptoms (i.e menopause complaints). Primarily, European mistletoe is employed to reduce high blood pressure and slow down the rapid heart rate, alleviate nervousness and induce sleep. When used in small doses, mistletoe helps to provide relief from headaches, panic attack and augments concentration. Herbalists especially prescribe European mistletoe to treat epilepsy and tinnitus (a ringing or similar sensation in the ear). Interest in mistletoe as an anticancer drug began in the 1920‟s (Khinaja, 1986, Kaegi, 1998 and Wagner, 1986). The extracts obtained from mistletoe berries are administered in form of injection to cure cancer in anthroposophical (a medical philosophy founded on Rudolf Steiner‟s teachings) medicine. www.ijatsr.org Copyright © IJATSR 2021, All Right Reserved Page 186 International Journal of Advanced Technology & Science Research Volume 02 Issue 04 April 2021 According to Rudolf Steiner, the founder of Anthroposophy, mistletoe is “insanely aristocratic”, because it grows according to its own rhythms, “as if the earth were not there.” It grows in any direction, often forming a strange ball up in a tree, it flowers in the winter and it has berries all year long. He argued that mistletoe was the perfect remedy for cancer and developed it into a specially crafted medicine called Iscador which is used in Europe (It is not the same thing as an extract). Mistletoe is also known as Birdlime, Herbe de la Croix, Mystyldene and Lignum Crucis. In his study, he compared the parasitic nature of the mistletoe plant to that of cancer and believed that cancer represents a faltering of the body’s spiritual defenses (Ernst, 2006). Some arthroposophical mistletoe preparations are diluted homeopathically. Mistletoe extract is sold as Iscador, Helixor, Eurixor and several other trade names. Public interest in the United States was spurred in 2001 following actress Suzanne Somers‟ decision to use Iscador in lieu of chemotherapy following her treatment for breast cancer using surgery and radiotherapy (Schneider, 2001). Laboratory studies have found that mistletoe can stimulate the immune system and kill cancer cells. However, clinical trials in humans have yet to prove that mistletoe is beneficial for cancer patients. Although studies have shown improvements in survival and/or quality of life among people using mistletoe in treatment of cancer. Mistletoe is a very effective remedy for women‟s problems. For instance, this herb is used to lessen the profuse menstruation flow, menstrual problems as well as hemorrhage following child birth. In addition, this herb can also be employed to treat persistent cramping, infertility and to cure uterine problems.This review aimed to collate and enumerate the indigenous uses of mistletoes . Life cycle of (bioweb.uwla ) www.ijatsr.org Copyright © IJATSR 2021, All Right Reserved Page 187 mistletoe x.edu International Journal of Advanced Technology & Science Research Volume 02 Issue 04 April 2021 Fig1:Life cycle of Mistletoes. 2. HEALTH BENEFITS OF MISTLETOES:A GENERAL OVERVIEW 2.1 Mistletoe and Hepatitis C The immune system’s role in defeating Hepatitis C and fighting cancer is very similar. Every day, hundreds of cells in our body degenerate because of viral infections or genetic changes, both which can become cancerous. Various types of white blood cells, including natural- killer cells, recognize these harmful cells and destroy them. A healthfully functioning immune system defends against the formation of tumors daily with this process. 2.2 Mistletoe and diabetes Preliminary research indicates that mistletoe may be useful in the management of diabetic animals treated with mistletoe had a significant decrease in blood sugar levels. Mistletoe also appeared to stimulate the secretion of insulin in both diabetic and non-diabetic rats. Since there is limited evidence on mistletoe’s benefits and risks for people with hepatitis C or diabetes, it is crucial for patients to consult a physician before using this herb. When someone has a low blood pressure, mistletoe can help to raise it. This sound not logical but when we understand that the effect of mistletoe works by strengthen the heart and making the blood vessels more elastical. Mistletoe can modify the blood pressure in both directions. Since mistletoe helps in strengthening the digestive system and metabolism, it is also helpful against rheumatic complaints. Mistletoe strengthens the nerves and can thus be a remedy against headache and dizziness. It also helps against other circulatory problems
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