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Effects of mistletoe (Viscum album L.) extracts on cultured tumor cells
Abstract:
Bacterially fermented mistletoe preparations (BFMP) were tested on rat hepatoma tissue culture (HTC) cells and human leukemia Molt 4 cells. A dose-dependent inhibition of the growth rate of the cells was observed. For both cell lines, cytostatic concentrations, expressed in weight of fresh plant, were 0.5 mg/ml culture medium for oak BFMP and 1 mg/ml for apple tree BFMP. However, the action of the two preparations was markedly different on each cell line. Non-viable HTC cells were not stained by trypan blue while non-viable Molt 4 cells were fully colored by this reagent. A lysis of cellular membranes of HTC cells was observed by electron microscopy. Furthermore, oak BFMP inhibited the growth of virus transformed 3T3-SV40 cells more than that of non-transformed 3T3 cells. In contrast to BFMP, non-fermented extracts and a purified mistletoe lectin showed a greater inhibition of the growth of Molt 4 cells than of HTC cells. Samples withdrawn at different times during fermentation gradually lost their inhibitory effect on the growth of Molt 4 cells while their action on HTC cells increased up to the 4th day of fermentation. These results are discussed in relation to the cytotoxic substances of mistletoe already characterized.
Insights
Bacterially fermented mistletoe preparations (BFMP) show varying effects on cancer cells. Oak BFMP effectively inhibited hepatoma and leukemia cell growth, unlike non-fermented extracts.
Area of Science:
- Phytochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Mistletoe extracts are used in complementary cancer therapy.
- Fermentation may alter the cytotoxic properties of mistletoe preparations.
- Understanding the differential effects of mistletoe on various cell types is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of bacterially fermented mistletoe preparations (BFMP) on cancer cell lines.
- To compare the efficacy of oak and apple tree BFMP.
- To elucidate the impact of fermentation on mistletoe's cytotoxic activity.
Main Methods:
- Testing BFMP on rat hepatoma tissue culture (HTC) and human leukemia Molt 4 cells.
- Dose-response studies to determine cytostatic concentrations.
- Electron microscopy to observe cellular changes.
- Comparison with non-fermented extracts and purified mistletoe lectin.
Main Results:
- BFMP demonstrated dose-dependent growth inhibition in both HTC and Molt 4 cells.
- Oak BFMP (0.5 mg/ml) and apple tree BFMP (1 mg/ml) showed cytostatic effects.
- Oak BFMP induced membrane lysis in HTC cells and inhibited 3T3-SV40 cells more than 3T3 cells.
- Fermentation increased activity against HTC cells while decreasing it against Molt 4 cells.
Conclusions:
- Bacterial fermentation significantly modifies mistletoe's cytotoxic profile.
- Oak BFMP exhibits distinct cytotoxic mechanisms compared to apple tree BFMP and non-fermented mistletoe.
- The fermentation process influences the differential activity of mistletoe preparations against various cancer cell lines.