Viscum Album 3X HPUS
Also known as: Viscum album, European mistletoe, mistletoe extract
Overview
*Viscum album* 3X HPUS is a homeopathic dilution of European mistletoe extract, prepared according to Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States (HPUS) standards. Derived from the leaves and stems of the *Viscum album* plant, a semi-parasitic shrub, it's traditionally used in European herbal medicine. Its primary modern application is as an adjunct therapy in cancer treatment, aimed at improving quality of life (QoL) and mitigating side effects of conventional therapies like chemotherapy and radiation. It's also investigated for cardiovascular benefits, including blood pressure and microcirculation improvement. Research on *Viscum album* is relatively mature, with numerous randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews, particularly focusing on its use in oncology. However, the quality of evidence varies, with some methodological limitations noted in several studies. The extract contains bioactive compounds such as lectins and viscotoxins.
Benefits
*Viscum album* extracts, including 3X HPUS, are primarily used to improve the quality of life (QoL) in cancer patients. Studies show reductions in fatigue, nausea, vomiting, depression, and anxiety, along with enhanced emotional and functional well-being. It may also reduce side effects from conventional cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Meta-analyses suggest a potential positive impact on overall survival in cancer patients using non-fermented mistletoe extracts, though data heterogeneity limits firm conclusions. Secondary benefits include cardiovascular improvements, such as blood pressure reduction and improved microcirculation, as observed in pilot studies. Preclinical studies suggest protection against chemotherapy-induced damage to microcirculatory vessels and heart tissue. These benefits are most studied in cancer patients undergoing conventional therapies, particularly those with breast, gynecological, colorectal, pancreatic, and lung cancers. Among 26 RCTs reviewed, a majority reported statistically significant QoL benefits.
How it works
*Viscum album* extracts contain bioactive compounds like lectins and viscotoxins, which may modulate immune responses and induce apoptosis in cancer cells. Vasorelaxant effects are mediated through inhibition of calcium influx and mobilization in vascular smooth muscle, promotion of nitric oxide and cyclic GMP pathways, and muscarinic receptor blockade. Positive ionotropic effects on the heart may involve β-adrenergic pathways. The extract may improve microcirculation and protect vascular and cardiac tissues from chemotherapy-induced damage. These mechanisms contribute to the observed benefits in cancer patients and potential cardiovascular effects.
Side effects
*Viscum album*, including the 3X HPUS dilution, is generally well-tolerated at physiologically appropriate doses. Common side effects (>5%) are rare but may include mild flu-like symptoms, fever, and local reactions when injectable forms are used. Uncommon side effects (1-5%) include gingivitis and mild malaise, particularly in immunocompromised patients. No significant herb-drug interactions have been reported in clinical settings, including in patients receiving chemotherapy. Contraindications are not well established, but caution is advised in patients with known allergies to mistletoe or related compounds. Special populations, such as HIV-positive patients, may experience more frequent mild side effects. It is important to monitor for any adverse reactions and consult with a healthcare professional before use.
Dosage
The 3X HPUS designation indicates a homeopathic dilution of 1:1000 (three decimal dilutions), which is a very low concentration. Clinical studies mostly use injectable or higher-concentration extracts rather than homeopathic dilutions; thus, evidence for 3X HPUS specifically is limited. Typical doses in oncology trials vary widely; injectable preparations are often dosed based on mistletoe lectin content. Timing is usually concurrent with chemotherapy or radiotherapy to maximize QoL benefits. Absorption and bioavailability depend on the preparation form; injectable forms have more direct systemic availability compared to oral or tincture forms. Due to the low concentration of 3X HPUS, specific dosage recommendations are not well-defined, and consultation with a healthcare provider is essential.
FAQs
Is *Viscum album* 3X HPUS effective for cancer treatment?
It is not a standalone cancer treatment but may improve quality of life and reduce side effects when used adjunctively with conventional therapies.
Is it safe to use with chemotherapy?
Yes, studies report good tolerability and no significant herb-drug interactions in combination with chemotherapy.
How soon can benefits be expected?
QoL improvements are often reported within weeks of starting therapy alongside conventional treatment.
Are there risks of allergic reactions?
Allergic reactions are rare but possible, especially with injectable forms; monitoring is recommended.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20483874/ – This systematic review of 26 RCTs and 10 non-RCTs involving over 8,000 cancer patients found that the majority of RCTs showed significant QoL improvements with *Viscum album* extracts. Benefits included reduced fatigue, nausea, and emotional distress, with minimal side effects. The review noted variable methodological quality among studies and heterogeneity in cancer types and treatment protocols.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19729932/ – This review of 18 clinical trials with over 6,800 participants suggests QoL benefits with *Viscum album*, but the internal quality of the trials was mostly low. The meta-analysis was limited by heterogeneity, and the review noted low methodological quality and inconsistent reporting across the included studies.
- https://www.mistletoe-therapy.org/scientific-information/clinical-evidence/meta-analyses-and-systematic-reviews – This source provides access to meta-analyses and systematic reviews on mistletoe therapy, focusing on clinical evidence. It is a repository of research related to the efficacy and safety of mistletoe extracts in cancer treatment and supportive care.
- https://consensus.app/home/blog/can-mistletoe-help-treat-cancer/ – This blog post summarizes the current research on mistletoe and its potential role in cancer treatment. It highlights the evidence supporting its use for improving quality of life and reducing side effects of conventional cancer therapies, while also acknowledging the limitations and need for further research.
- https://restorativemedicine.org/library/monographs/mistletoe/ – This review of pharmacological mechanisms and safety data identified vasorelaxant, immunomodulatory, and cardioprotective mechanisms of *Viscum album*. It confirmed a good safety profile with few mild side effects, but noted that most data for cardiovascular effects are preclinical and from pilot clinical studies, with limited data on homeopathic dilutions.
