American mistletoe
Scientific names: Phoradendron leucarpum, Phoradendron flavescens, Phoradendron serontium, Viscum leucarpum, Viscum flavescens, Phoradendron macrophyllum, Phoradendron tomentosum
Family: Viscaceae
Alternate names: Eastern Mistletoe, Gui Américain, Gui de Chêne, Mistletoe, Muérdago Americano
Background
American mistletoe is a plant. The flower, fruit, leaf, and stem are used as medicine.
American mistletoe is used for low blood pressure, constipation, gastroparesis, and ending a pregnancy (abortion). But there is no good scientific research to support these uses. Eating American mistletoe berries or leaves can also be unsafe.
American mistletoe is used for low blood pressure, constipation, gastroparesis, and ending a pregnancy (abortion). But there is no good scientific research to support these uses. Eating American mistletoe berries or leaves can also be unsafe.
Safety Safety definitions
When taken by mouth:
American mistletoe is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when taken by mouth. All American mistletoe plant parts have historically been considered poisonous. But some reports suggest that eating up to 20 berries or 5 leaves might not cause serious adverse effects. American mistletoe can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hallucinations, and heart problems in some people.
Heart disease: American mistletoe might make heart disease worse. Don't use it.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: It is LIKELY UNSAFE to use American mistletoe during pregnancy or breast-feeding. Don't use it.Heart disease: American mistletoe might make heart disease worse. Don't use it.
Effectiveness
NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.
Insufficient evidence Effectiveness definitions
- Constipation.
- Delayed emptying of food from the stomach into the intestines (gastroparesis).
- Ending a pregnancy (abortion).
- Low blood pressure.
- Other conditions.
Dosing & administration
The appropriate dose of American mistletoe depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for American mistletoe. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
Interactions with pharmaceuticals
It is not known if American Mistletoe interacts with any medicines. Before taking American Mistletoe, talk with your healthcare professional if you take any medications.
Interactions with herbs & supplements
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
Interactions with foods
There are no known interactions with foods.
Action
Chemicals in American mistletoe affect muscles.
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This monograph was last reviewed on 17/12/2024 11:00:00 and last updated on 15/07/2020 18:57:49. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
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Natural Medicines rates safety based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Likely Safe, Possibly Safe, Possibly Unsafe, Likely Unsafe, Unsafe, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate. For more information about Natural Medicines’ Safety Rating System, click here.
The Natural Medicines Effectiveness Ratings are assigned for specific indications. A product might be rated "Possibly Effective" for one condition, but be rated "Likely Ineffective" for another condition, depending on the evidence. For more info click here.
