Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis. 2003 Aug; 22(8): 501-3.

Influence of mistletoe ( Viscum album) extracts on phagocytosis/burst activity of human phagocytes.

Frank U, Engels I, Wagner A, Lacour M, Daschner FD.

Institute of Environmental Medicine and Hospital Epidemiology, Freiburg University Hospital, Hugstetterstrasse 55, 79106, Freiburg, Germany. ufrank@iuk3.ukl.uni-freiburg.de

The aim of the present study was to examine the in vitro effects of various mistletoe extracts on human phagocytes. Phagocytosis, oxidative burst, and intracellular killing were analyzed by flow cytometry. None of the mistletoe preparations investigated exhibited significant phagocytosis-enhancing properties. Different mistletoe lectin concentrations ranging from 0.025 to 20 ng/ml showed only marginal influence on phagocyte activity. Contrary to the opinion of numerous practitioners of complementary medicine, the mistletoe preparations tested do not enhance phagocytic function.