Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41302449›Full record

ReviewMolecules (Basel, Switzerland)2025

Phytonutrient Profiles of Mistletoe and Their Values and Potential Applications in Ethnopharmacology and Nutraceuticals: A Review.

Maeleletse G Mopai, Semakaleng Mpai, Johannes Van Staden, Ashwell R Ndhlala

Abstract readReview
In one paragraph

Review in Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

4 authors.

Maeleletse G MopaiDepartment of Plant Production, Soil Sciences and Agricultural Engineering, University of Limpopo, Private Bag X1106, Sovenga 0727, South Africa.ORCID 0000-0003-2726-2230
Semakaleng MpaiDepartment of Plant Production, Soil Sciences and Agricultural Engineering, University of Limpopo, Private Bag X1106, Sovenga 0727, South Africa.ORCID 0000-0003-1290-1554
Johannes Van StadenResearch Centre for Plant Growth and Development, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, Private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa.ORCID 0000-0003-0515-1281
Ashwell R NdhlalaDepartment of Plant Production, Soil Sciences and Agricultural Engineering, University of Limpopo, Private Bag X1106, Sovenga 0727, South Africa.ORCID 0000-0002-7290-3175

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Mistletoe species grow hemiparasitically on a wide spectrum of trees occurring in the tropical, subtropical and temperate zones. Mistletoe has been associated with fertility, vitality and fatality in humans. In the present review, we examine articles published in English and/or with the option to translate them into English on the distribution mechanism, ecological impact and value. This study aimed to interrogate and outline the phytonutrient profiling, ethnomedicinal and ethnopharmacological applications, toxicology and quality control of mistletoes, particularly the Loranthaceae and Viscaceae families. There are at least 1400 species of mistletoe belonging to these two families across the world. Humans have used mistletoe for years, and it has a rich history, mainly in traditional medicine. Recent research interests accompanied by investigations on mistletoe have made a major contribution to our understanding of the survival behavior and mechanisms of the species. This has prompted researchers to intensively investigate and justify its potential and applications in traditional medicine systems to further incorporate it into conventional scientific medicine processes. This study thoroughly outlines the nutritional and phytochemical constituents of various mistletoe species, as well as the factors that play a role in the process. The sections in this study dedicated to elaborating on the nutritional and phytochemical composition of mistletoe show that it is a plant species rich in nutrients and bioactive compounds, especially compared to its host. Its survival mechanism makes it possible for this plant species to contain significant quantities of both nutrients (proximate components and mineral elements) and bioactive compounds (viscin, alkaloids, phenolics and polyphenolics, tannins, flavonoids, terpenoids, glycosides, and saponins). Overall, mistletoe species have potential as medicinal plants, offering a range of health benefits and the ability to treat ailments (both communicable and non-communicable diseases). However, there are insufficient investigations and records of mistletoe's toxicity, safety and quality control. Therefore, it is important to further investigate the potential applications, mechanisms of action, and optimal uses of mistletoe preparations and/or extracts.

Indexed as

Dietary SupplementsEthnopharmacologyMistletoePhytochemicalsPlant ExtractsHumansMedicine, TraditionalPhytochemicalsPlant Extractsbioactive compoundsethnomedicinalhaustoriumhemiparasiticLoranthusphenolic compositionphytochemicalsViscum

Identifiers

PMID41302449
PMCPMC12655753

What Socratic holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the Socratic graph.