槲寄生是一种有效的抗癌疗法

Mistletoe is an effective anticancer therapy

Many people may have known mistletoe as a decorating object. But not as many may know that mistletoe is actually an effective anticancer herbal therapy that has been used in Europe for about a century. Some estimate suggests that 40% French cancer patients and 60% cancer patients in Germany are using mistletoe extracts today.

The efficacy of mistletoe has been tested in more than 100 clinical trials. Suzanne Somers, a long term breast cancer survivor testified that she used Iscador – a mistletoe made in Germany to help her heal from breast cancer in 2001. Various therapies based mistletoe preparation have been available since 1917.

Mistletoe extracts help prevent cancer cells from growing while stimulating immune system to defend against cancer cells, and improve symptoms and quality of life in patients living with cancer, particularly solid cancer. These preparations also help reduce the side effects of conventional treatments such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy.

Mistletoe, which is full of alkaloids, phenolics, phenylpropanoids, flavonoids, and polysacchrides among many other good things, renders a therapeutic effect against cancer through a couple of mechanisms including boosting patients’ immunity, reducing inflammation, inhibiting cancer cell growth. One of the main active ingredients is lectin, which renders cytotoxicity and modulate immune functions against cancer.

One major study monitored 35000 German residents for more than three decades and 5000 of them were diagnosed with various cancers. The study found those cancer patients who took mistletoe extract were able to live 40% longer than those who used conventional therapies only.

How does mistletoe fights cancer? Evidence is mounting to suggest that mistletoe is a p53 promoter. Active P53 gene suppresses cancer cell growth.

Of course, mistletoe is not the only thing on the earth that promotes the p53 gene. Many other health ingredients and foods can do the same thing including cruciferous vegetables, omega-3 fatty acids, sage, gingerol, curcumin, resveratrol, ashwagandha, licorice, many herbs like rosemary, thyme, basil, vitamin C and D, and selenium.

Because of its anticancer properties, mistletoe can help inhibit cancer cell growth, mitigate the side effects of conventional cancer treatments, improve quality of life in cancer patients and increase the life expectancy of cancer patients that use conventional therapies. These have been proved in many cancer studies.

Do a thorough search to understand how mistletoe preparations can help you and consult with your health professionals before taking any mistletoe preparations if needed. (Dr. Lu)