Mistletoe contains glycoproteins; flavonoids, usually quercetin-derived (dependent on host tree to some extent); polypeptides; phenylcarboxylic acids; polysaccharides (including viscid acid); alkaloids; lignans.
Cardiotonic activity is due to the hgnans. The polysaccharides stimulate the immune response. Antineoplastic activity is claimed to be responsible for prolongation of survival time in
cancer patients. Polypeptides (viscotoxins) inhibit tumours and stimulate immune resistance.
(For uses of lectin from Mistletoe in cancer, seeEurJcancer, 2001, Jan, 37(1), 23—31; EurJ Cancer 2001, 37 (15), 1910— 1920.) (For application in hepatitis, see Fitoterapia, 70, 2001.)
Viscum articulatum Burm.
Family Viscaceae, Loranthaceae.
Habitat Most parts of India;
a superparasite in Western India
on Loranthus sp. which itself is
parasitic on Eugenia sp.
Ayurvedic Bandaak (related
species); Jivantikaa, Kaamavriksha, Nilavahhi. (The Wealth of India.)
Folk Panapuuduu (Maharashtra), Bodobaando (Gujarat).
Action Plant—febrifuge, aphrodisiac. Paste is applied to bone fractures.
The plant gave oleanohic acid, ceryl oleanolate and meso-inositol.
Viscum monoicum Roxb. exDC.
Family Viscaceae; Laoranthaceae. Habitat Sikkim, a parasite of
Strychnos nux-vomica tree.
Ayurvedic Katukavalli, Pashumohanikaa.
Siddha/Tamil Pulluri, Pullurivi.
Folk Kuchleikaa-malang, Kuchiekaa-baandaa.
Vitex agnus-castus Linn. 709
Action Properties more or less similar to Strychnos nux-vomica. Used as a substitute for strychnine and brucine.
(The plant is also parasitic on Albizia amara, A. odoratissima, Pongamia pinnata and Ziziplus oenoplia.)
Viscum orientale Wilid.
