Mistletoe Found To Be Potent Weapon Against Colon Cancer Cells

A graduate student at the University of Adelaide who tested several types of mistletoe found that an extract from one type – a species known as Fraxini (which grows on ash trees) – reduced the viability of colon cancer cells in a Petrie dish and was gentler on healthy intestinal cells compared with chemotherapy. The discovery means that sometime in the future it may be possible to use mistletoe extract either to assist or replace chemotherapy for colon cancer. Researchers at the school hope to test mistletoe found on other trees and shrubs for effectiveness. They also look forward to clinical trials in the future.