Characterization of a toxic lectin in Iscador, a mistletoe preparation with alleged cancerostatic properties

Journal/Book: Oncology 45, 172-179. 1988;

Abstract: Iscadorregistered trade mark, a mistletoe preparation widely used incancer chemotherapy, was found to contain a toxic component which isstructurally and functionally closely related to viscumin. Whenantiviscumin was present in the medium, Vero cells were strongly, butnot completely protected against Iscador. The main cytotoxic componentin Iscador appears, like viscumin, to bind to terminal nonreducinggalactose residues. Thus, addition to the medium of galactose, lactoseor melibiose blocked the cytotoxic activity. The main cytotoxic proteinin Iscador was retained on a desialylated fetuin column and on anantiviscumin column. This material was found to have a molecular weightclose to, but not identical to, that of viscumin.

Keyword(s): Medical:antineoplastic-agent /drug therapy

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