Immunostimulatory properties of mistletoe extracts and their application in oncology
Journal Title: Advances in Hygiene and Experimental Medicine - Year 2014, Vol 68, Issue
Abstract
For a long time cancer immunotherapy was overshadowed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Recently, “Science”, one of the world’s top scientific journals, named the stimulation of the body’s own immune system to fight cancer cells as the “breakthrough of the year”. In Germany, Switzerland and Austria, extracts derived from mistletoe (Viscum album L.) such as Iscador, Abnobaviscum, Helixor, Iscar, Iscucin and Isorel have been used in oncology for many years. These extracts have immunomodulating and immunostimulating properties, as demonstrated by experimental studies as well as in clinical trials. The aim of our paper is to present immunological disorders associated with cancer, which can be counteracted by treatment with extracts derived from mistletoe. Although these drugs cannot replace conventionalcancer treatment, they may improve the patient’s quality and length of life.
Authors and Affiliations
Sylwia Wrotek, Robert Skawiński, Wiesław Kozak
Keywords
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