Exploring Its Effects on Mood, Memory, and the Nervous System
Mistletoe is best known for its role in integrative cancer care—but emerging research suggests it may also have meaningful effects on the brain and nervous system.
From supporting mood and reducing stress to protecting brain cells and easing pain, mistletoe is gaining attention for its wide-ranging neurological benefits. While much of the research is still developing, early findings help explain why this plant has been used for centuries to support nervous system health.
Let’s take a closer look at what the science says.
A Brief History: Mistletoe and the Nervous System
Long before modern medicine, mistletoe was used in traditional healing systems to support neurological health.
Historically, it was used for:
- Epilepsy
- Nervousness and anxiety
- Headaches and dizziness
- Sleep disturbances and “nervous disorders”
In many traditions, mistletoe was considered a “nervine”—a plant that helps calm and regulate the nervous system.
Today, modern research is beginning to validate many of these traditional uses.
How Mistletoe Affects the Brain
Mistletoe doesn’t act on just one pathway—it works through multiple mechanisms in the brain and nervous system.
1. Supports Mood and Emotional Balance
Mistletoe has been shown to influence key neurotransmitters involved in mood, including serotonin and dopamine.
Research suggests that mistletoe extracts:
- Inhibit monoamine oxidase (MAO-A and MAO-B), enzymes that break down neurotransmitters
- Increase serotonin levels (in some models, even comparable to pharmaceutical MAO inhibitors)
- Influence serotonin receptors like 5-HT1A, which play a role in anxiety and depression
- In some studies, certain extracts showed greater inhibitory effects than moclobemide (a pharmaceutical MAO-A inhibitor used for depression)
This may help support:
- Mood stability
- Anxiety reduction
- Emotional resilience
2. Protects and Supports Brain Cells
Mistletoe may also play a role in protecting the brain from damage and supporting long-term cognitive health.
Studies show it may:
- Increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a key protein for brain repair and neuroplasticity
- Protect neurons from oxidative stress and toxins (like amyloid-beta)
- Reduce programmed cell death (apoptosis) in brain cells
This may support:
- Memory and cognitive function
- Brain aging
- Neurodegenerative conditions (as part of a comprehensive plan)
3. Reduces Oxidative Stress and Inflammation
Oxidative stress and chronic inflammation are major drivers of neurological conditions—from brain fog to neurodegenerative disease.
Mistletoe contains high levels of:
- Flavonoids
- Phenolic acids
- Other antioxidant compounds
These compounds help:
- Neutralize free radicals
- Reduce inflammation in the nervous system, including
- Pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., TNF-α, IL-6)
- Reactive oxygen species (ROS)
- NF-κB signaling pathways involved in inflammation
- Protect against cellular damage
This may benefit:
- Brain fog
- Fatigue
- Chronic inflammatory conditions
4. Calms the Nervous System
Mistletoe has demonstrated sedative and calming effects in research models.
Findings show it can:
- Reduce nervous system excitability
- Decrease physical and mental restlessness
- Enhance sleep onset and duration
- Show effects comparable to diazepam (a benzodiazepine) in animal models for sedation and reduced locomotor activity
These effects may be linked to interactions with GABA, the brain’s primary calming neurotransmitter.
This may support:
- Stress and burnout
- Sleep quality
- Nervous system regulation
5. Helps Modulate Pain
Mistletoe has also shown promising pain-relieving (antinociceptive) effects.
It appears to act on both:
- Peripheral pain (inflammation-related)
- Central pain (originating in the nervous system)
Mechanisms include:
- Reducing inflammatory mediators such as:
- Prostaglandins (e.g., PGE2, PGF2α)
- Cytokines
- Modulating pain signaling pathways
- Supporting neurotransmitter balance
In experimental models:
- Pain reduction approached levels seen with diclofenac (a common NSAID) in certain assays
This may help with:
- Chronic pain
- Headaches
- Neuroinflammatory conditions
The Power Behind Mistletoe: Key Compounds
Mistletoe’s effects come from a combination of bioactive compounds working together.
Some of the most important include:
- Flavonoids (e.g., quercetin): Support neurotransmitters, reduce inflammation, and protect brain cells
- Gallic acid: Antioxidant and neuroprotective
- Ellagic acid: Linked to antidepressant and neuroprotective effects
- Caffeic acid: Supports anti-inflammatory pathways
- Lectins and viscotoxins: Unique compounds that contribute to immune and cellular effects
Rather than acting like a single drug, mistletoe works through synergy—multiple compounds targeting multiple systems at once.
What Can Mistletoe Support?
Based on current research, mistletoe may be helpful as part of an integrative approach for:
- Mood and mental health
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Cognitive health
- Brain fog
- Age-related cognitive decline
- Neurological conditions
- Epilepsy (early-stage evidence)
- Pain
- Chronic pain
- Neuroinflammatory pain
- Hormonal health
- Menopause
- Hot flashes
- Osteoporosis and bone health
- Endometriosis
- Menopause
- Metabolic health
- Weight loss
- Insulin sensitivity
- Fat metabolism
- Blood sugar regulation
- Cancer-related support
- Fatigue
- Sleep disturbances
- Mood changes
It’s important to note that mistletoe is best used as part of an integrative plan, alongside appropriate medical care and individualized treatment.
Why Form and Delivery Matter
Not all mistletoe preparations are the same.
Its effects can vary depending on:
- The type of extract used
- The tree it grows on (which affects its chemistry)
- How it’s administered, including:
- Subcutaneous injections
- Intravenous (IV) therapy
- Oral preparations (less commonly used due to absorption differences)
This is why working with a trained practitioner is important to ensure:
- Appropriate dosing
- Proper formulation
- Safe and effective use
Final Thoughts
Mistletoe is a fascinating example of how traditional medicine and modern research can come together.
With effects on:
- Neurotransmitters
- Brain protection
- Inflammation
- Pain pathways
…it offers a multi-targeted approach to supporting the brain and nervous system.
While research is still evolving, mistletoe shows strong potential as a complementary therapy for mood, cognition, and overall neurological health.
Ready to Explore if Mistletoe Therapy Is Right for You?
If you’re curious whether mistletoe therapy could support your brain health, mood, or recovery, our team at Longev Clinic is here to help.
Our naturopathic doctors take an individualized, evidence-informed approach to care—helping you determine whether mistletoe is appropriate for your unique needs and health goals.
Book a consultation with our Longev Clinic team today to learn more about how integrative therapies can support your nervous system and overall well-being.
Explore other mistletoe blogs here.
New to Longév Clinic? Contact us to book a complimentary discovery call.
Book an appointment online here.
References:
Szurpnicka A, Wrońska AK, Bus K, Kozińska A, Jabłczyńska R, Szterk A, Lubelska K. Phytochemical screening and effect of Viscum album L. on monoamine oxidase A and B activity and serotonin, dopamine and serotonin receptor 5-HTR1A levels in Galleria mellonealla (Lepidoptera). J Ethnopharmacol. 2022 Nov 15;298:115604. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115604. Epub 2022 Aug 6. PMID: 35944736.
Szurpnicka A, Zjawiony JK, Szterk A. Therapeutic potential of mistletoe in CNS-related neurological disorders and the chemical composition of Viscum species. J Ethnopharmacol. 2019 Mar 1;231:241-252. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2018.11.025. Epub 2018 Nov 17. PMID: 30458281.
Khatun A, Rahman M, Rahman MM, Hossain H, Jahan IA, Nesa ML. Antioxidant, Antinociceptive and CNS Activities of Viscum orientale and High Sensitive Quantification of Bioactive Polyphenols by UPLC. Front Pharmacol. 2016 Jun 29;7:176. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2016.00176. PMID: 27445814; PMCID: PMC4926526.
Disclaimer:
The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Mistletoe therapy has an established safety profile within oncology settings based on existing clinical research. However, research exploring its potential applications beyond cancer care remains in very early stages, including preclinical, animal, and early-phase human studies. This area of research is still evolving, and findings should be interpreted accordingly. All treatment decisions should be made in consultation with a qualified healthcare provider.
