Immunostimulant mistletoe

There is still a great deal of uncertainty regarding the actual role that immunity plays in the control of human malignancy [76-79]. Until this point is settled, the role of immunostimulating mistletoe extracts will also remain open. Nevertheless, the immunosuppression that accompanies tumor development affects the patient, at least indirectly, by the predisposition to infections. It complicates the treatment and can be a major cause of mortality (e. g. in multiple myeloma patients). How to cope with opportunistic infections seems worth investigating since positive results might have therapeutic implications. Further, it has been reported that mistletoe treatment may improve the life quality of cancer patients by inducing p-endorphin release [80]. 

The mistletoe lectins (m.w. 60-120,000) have, in very low doses, an immunostimulating effect. The F-lymphocyte stimulant effect of several plant lectins is known. 

Mistletoe lectins as immunostimulants (chemistry, pharmacology and clinic)... 

Clinical trials to demonstrate immunostimulation with VAA-1 or commercially available mistletoe extracts... 

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