The Effects of Mistletoe (Viscum album L. subsp album) Extracts on Isolated Intestinal Contractions

Throughout history folk medicine has served as an alternative or complimentary method of treating disorders like intestinal colic. Mistletoe is a common name for many species of semi-parasitic plants that grow on trees throughout the world, and has been used widely to treat intestinal colic. We conducted a study to evaluate the effect of freeze-dried (group I) and heat-treated (group 2) extracts of Viscum album subsp. album leaves on contractions induced by acetylcholine in isolated hamster intestinal segments (duodenum, jejunum, and ileum). Freeze-dried extracts decreased intestinal contractions in all the intestinal segments (P < 0.05). The strongest relaxant effect was observed in the jejunum and the weakest was seen in the duodenum. Higher doses of heat-treated extracts were required to affect segmental contractions than that of freeze-dried extracts (P < 0.05): heat-treated extracts had the greatest effect on reducing contractions in the jejunum and the least effect in the duodenum. Mistletoe extracts affected the level of contractions in a dose- and extraction preparation-dependent manner. The results of this study show that mistletoe extracts could be effective against intestinal motility problems and that they have potential use as a therapeutic remedy for intestinal colic.