Although a number of different mistletoe extracts have been used in human studies, the reported side effects have generally been minimal and not life threatening. Common side effects include soreness and inflammation at injection sites, headache, fever, and chills. Reviewed in [1-3] A few cases of severe allergic reactions, including anaphylactic shock, have been reported.[2]

In contrast, mistletoe plants and berries are considered poisonous. Seizures, vomiting, and death have been reported following ingestion of these substances. Reviewed in [1,4] The severity of the toxic effects associated with mistletoe ingestion may depend on the amount consumed and the type of mistletoe plant. Reviewed in [4]

References

1. Kaegi E: Unconventional therapies for cancer: 3. Iscador. Task Force on Alternative Therapies of the Canadian Breast Cancer Research Initiative. CMAJ 158 (9): 1157-9, 1998.  [PUBMED Abstract]
   
   
2. Hutt N, Kopferschmitt-Kubler M, Cabalion J, et al.: Anaphylactic reactions after therapeutic injection of mistletoe (Viscum album L.). Allergol Immunopathol (Madr) 29 (5): 201-3, 2001 Sep-Oct.  [PUBMED Abstract]
   
   
3. Stauder H, Kreuser ED: Mistletoe extracts standardised in terms of mistletoe lectins (ML I) in oncology: current state of clinical research. Onkologie 25 (4): 374-80, 2002.  [PUBMED Abstract]
   
   
4. Hall AH, Spoerke DG, Rumack BH: Assessing mistletoe toxicity. Ann Emerg Med 15 (11): 1320-3, 1986.  [PUBMED Abstract]
   
   

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