Mistletoe is a semi-parasitic plant that grows on trees. It is also part of the tradition to give a kiss under the mistletoe on Christmas, but what if mistletoe could give the kiss of death to cancer?

Long ago, mistletoe was a pagan religious symbol thought to have supernatural qualities of therapeutic nature, conveying good fortune, defense from sorcery, and conveyed fertility. In the middle ages, mistletoe was hung on the ceiling to ward off unclean spirits. The Vikings thought mistletoe could bring the departed back to life, and the Romans used it to legalize marriages by a kiss beneath it.

Mistletoe is thought to have immune-stimulating, immune modulating, and cytostatic properties. It supposedly also helps with cough, asthma, seizures, and even hypertension.

In Australia, at the University of Adelaide, they are research how mistletoe extracts could aid in chemotherapy for colon cancer, which is the second largest cause of death in the Western world. Mistletoe extracts are already employed by colon cancer victims in Europe, but have not been tested in the U.S. In the studies, one mistletoe extract, from a species grown on ash trees, Fraxini, was found very effective against colon cancer. When compared to chemotherapy, it was easier on healthy intestinal cells, which were tested alongside, and more potent. In certain instances, Fraxini, also increased the potency of chemotherapy against cancer cells. Therefore, this species has amplified toxicity against cancer, and diminishes side effects. However, more research is needed, but is a potential viable alternative therapy for colon cancer.

I think it would be awesome if we could use mistletoe as a possible cure for cancer.  I do wish clinical trials would start in the U.S. Maybe then more kisses would begin with mistletoes instead of Kay.

http://liveandfeel.com/articles/benefits-of-mistletoe-plant-1737
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121130094725.htm