American mistletoe
American mistletoe

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.
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.

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.
Likely effective Effectiveness definitions
Possibly effective Effectiveness definitions
Likely ineffective Effectiveness definitions
Possibly ineffective Effectiveness definitions
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.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of American mistletoe for these uses.

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 07/12/2023 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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