As opposed to true parasites, it also uses photosynthesis to create its own organic substances. The plant so associated with love is actually a hermiparasite that feeds off other plants as well as the sun. Jacky Parker Photography/Moment/Getty Images. The risk of poisoning is higher for children and particularly for pets. The Viscum species of mistletoe contain a slightly different cocktail of chemicals, including the poisonous alkaloid tyramine, which produce essentially the same symptoms. There are several species of mistletoe, including Viscum album (European mistletoe) and Viscum album coloratum (Korean […] The leaves and berries contain the highest concentration of toxic chemicals. Dr. Helmenstine holds a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences and is a science writer, educator, and consultant. All of them produce toxic compounds. Species of mistletoe are present in both North America and Europe. Pretty poison. Injectable mistletoe extract is widely used in Europe but is n… ...the custom of kissing under mistletoe was brought to Germany by British mercenaries? Yes it is, but only in excess. European mistletoe ingestion has caused cases of poisonings and sometimes deaths. European mistletoe is missing crucial components of its electron transport chain, leading researchers to conclude that mistletoe steals sugar from its host plants instead of making the energy molecule ATP from scratch. Most adults can eat a few berries without harm, but children and pets are at risk of poisoning. European mistletoe, like man… Mistletoe Is… Poisonous. The plant has been used medicinally in Europe for hundreds of years to treat arthritis, high blood pressure, epilepsy, and infertility. Do remember that this site is mostly about European Mistletoe, Viscum album, and any medical issues described relate to that species only. All are hemiparasitic plants that grow on host trees, such as oak and pine. Maximum height – 1 m However, American mistletoe isn't as toxic. The plant is not recommended for patients who have leukemia, brain tumors, or malignant lymphoma or for lactating or pregnant women. Is mistletoe really poisonous? A study of 1754 American mistletoe exposures revealed none resulted in death, even though 92% of the cases involved children. The European variety of mistletoe has oval leaves and small clumps of 2-5 white berries. The irony of this is not lost on us at all. In fact, although until recently American mistletoe was widely considered to be as poisonous as the European species, downing a few berries is likely to lead to no more than a stomachache. Consumption of a large number of berries is extremely dangerous and warrants a call to Poison Control. Mistletoe isn’t known to kill humans, but it can cause drowsiness, blurred vision, vomiting, and even seizures. Toxic parts: Berries are the most dangerous but all parts are toxic Mistletoe is a group of hemiparasitic plants that live on trees with a worldwide distribution. ...some Christians believe that mistletoe was originally a tree, but withered into a small bush, because the cross on which Jesus was executed was cut from mistletoe wood? The Viscum species of mistletoe contain a slightly different cocktail of chemicals, including the poisonous alkaloid tyramine, which produce essentially the same symptoms. The toxins responsible can be found in the leaves and berries of the plant. It can grow on deciduous or coniferous trees, dependent on the subspecies. Several species of mistletoe contain poisonous ingredients called phoratoxin and viscotoxin which, if consumed, can cause drowsiness, blurred vision, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, weakness and even seizures — a bit like eggnog, only worse. The species that is most commonly associated with Christmas is the European mistletoe, or Viscum album. The plant grows as a semi-spherical tuft on trees. It is popular at Christmas due to its association with kissing under the mistletoe. The plant originally named mistletoe, Viscum … Type of poison – polypeptides. These are the most common, the mistletoe family contains over 900 species. The plant is known to be mildly toxic in nature. The Phoradendron species contain a toxin called phoratoxin, which can cause blurred vision, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, blood pressure changes, and even death. Often used as a symbol of renewal because it stays green all winter, mistletoe is famed for its stolen-kisses power. Mistletoe plants, both American and European, contain toxins that are damaging to the cell structure. The leaves and berries of European mistletoe are poisonous. It is even used to kill cancer cells and help recovery from chemotherapy treatments. ...mistletoe contains the poison lectin, which strengthens the body's immune reaction against cancer and even slows tumor growth? European Mistletoe. Discover surprising insights and little-known facts about politics, literature, science, and the marvels of the natural world. The white berries of mistletoe plants are poisonous to humans but valuable food to many other species. Viscum album is a species of mistletoe in the family Santalaceae, commonly known as European mistletoe, common mistletoe or simply as mistletoe (Old English mistle). It may also decrease side effects of radiation and chemotherapy. By using ThoughtCo, you accept our, How the Sixth Mass Extinction Affects the U.S. Economy, Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences, University of Tennessee at Knoxville, B.A., Physics and Mathematics, Hastings College. European mistletoe (Viscum album) as well as American mistletoe (Phoradendron serotinum) are both evergreen parasitic perennials with white or translucent berries, that grow on the trunks and branches of deciduous trees. However, it's important to remember the species in Europe (Viscum album) is less toxic than the species found in America (Phoradendron serotinum). There are two general types of poisonous mistletoe that are sold for Christmas. (The plants aren’t poisonous to chickens, of course.) A well known parasitic evergreens for its supposed medicinal and perceived magical properties. The European mistletoe (Viscum album), which has oval-shaped leaves and white berries, is the “original” mistletoe plant of European mythology and reverence, and it’s the only mistletoe species throughout most of Europe. Aside from its parasitic nature, every part of the plant is poisonous when ingested, particularly that of the European variant of the plant. Class – eudicots (Rosopsida) While mistletoe is not used in the United States, an injectable form of the plant is available in Europe as an adjuvant cancer therapy. But, the European mistletoe is more poisonous than its American counterpart Mistletoe Poisoning is the accidental or intentional intake of the leaves of the plant Is Mistletoe Poisonous? The poisonous qualities of mistletoe have not been conclusively proven; only larger quantities are … Berries from this holiday plant contain polysaccharides, alkaloids, and lectins. In the fall and winter, the plant bears clusters of white berries that have a waxy appearance. Eating one or a few berries is unlikely to cause sickness or death. For the purists out there, most of what you can buy in the way of live mistletoe is the European species (Viscum album) which would have been the species favored by those dancing Druids. All parts of the plant are toxic (that’s berries, stem and leaves). The leaves and berries contain the highest concentration of dangerous chemicals. The European mistletoe is most abundant on apple trees, poplars, willows, lindens, and hawthorns. Isn’t mistletoe poisonous? ...mistletoe is one of the symbols of Christmas, and tradition states that it brings fortune and blessings to a home? Many of us know someone who ate a berry or two as a kid and lived to tell the tale. However, anaphylactic reactions are known, so it's important to watch for indications of a reaction to the plant. Enter Phoradendron serotinum, otherwise known as Eastern Mistletoe — which does grow wild in North America. There is only one species of mistletoe in Europe: European or Common Mistletoe (Viscum album). Check your species! Mistletoe tea and berries made in tea may be used to treat hypertension at a dose of 10 g/day. It can grow on deciduous or coniferous trees, dependent on the subspecies. Mistletoe is the common name for obligate hemiparasitic plants in the order Santalales. As a parasitic plant, it grows on the branches or trunk of a tree and actually sends out roots that penetrate into the tree and take up nutrients. Other species of mistletoe will have differing medical properties and may be dangerous. Mistletoe has been used to treat cancer, although there is a lack of quality clinical trials and little evidence of an effect. Basic information: While kissing under the mistletoe is perfectly acceptable, eating the plant or its berries is not a good idea. There is particular confusion sometimes in North America, where local mistletoe species (especially Phoradendron) may be significantly more poisonous than our European variety. Some studies indicate mistletoe may be useful in treating cancer, although further evidence is needed. This entry only refers to poisoning from the ingestion of plant material from Viscum album and not Phoradendron tomentosum. Mistletoe is also used in veterinary herbal medicine. The poisonous qualities of mistletoe have not been conclusively proven; only larger quantities are known to cause diarrhea and stomachaches. 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