Viscum Album Research Articles

Rainfall interception by common mistletoe (Viscum album L. ssp. album): An additional water loss from infected forests

AbstractMistletoes have a global distribution and are the largest group of parasitic plants living within the canopies of woody plants. In European forests, Viscum album L. ssp. album (common mistletoe) is a common sight and, despite being considered a pest, can play beneficial roles in the ecosystem. However, mistletoe infections are becoming more severe and widespread throughout Europe, including recent reports of large‐scale host tree mortality events. These mortality events are hypothesized to be a result of increased water stresses from severe mistletoe infections in tandem with drought. In this study, we estimate an additional water loss from mistletoe‐infected forests that has not yet been described: interception, or the storage and evaporation of rainfall. Results from rainfall simulations on mistletoes sampled from Gostynin Forest District (central Poland) indicate mistletoes can store 0.16–1.32 mm of rainwater. Inputting this additional water storage capacity from mistletoes into a rainfall interception model suggests that, depending on the severity of the infection, mistletoes could reduce annual rainwater supply beneath the canopy by 2–11%. In forests experiencing water stress from mistletoe infection and climate change, the rainfall interception by mistletoes represents an additional water loss of a magnitude worthy of future investigation.

Dihydroflavonoid glycosides from Viscum album and their inhibitory effects on hepatic lipid accumulation and target identification

Five undescribed dihydroflavonoid glycoside derivatives, namely albvisosides A‒E, together with two known compounds were isolated from the roots and stem leaves of Viscum album L. var. album. (European mistletoe). Their structures were determined by HRESIMS, 1D and 2D NMR, and ECD analysis. Albvisoside B exhibits significant inhibitory effect on hepatic lipid accumulation in HepG2 cells at very low concentrations (EC50: 0.7 nM). Using proteome integral solubility alteration assay, the direct targets or downstream effectors of albvisoside B were elucidated. As a result, 97 proteins were identified based on ligand-induced alterations in the protein thermal stability. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that albvisoside B primarily ameliorated oleic acid-induced lipid accumulation by regulating the selenoamino acids metabolism signaling pathway. RPL3, ADAM17, and RPL14 were likely to be involved in mediating the lipid-lowering effect of albvisoside B.

Formation of Self-organized Structures in Drying Droplets: a Promising Analytical Tool for Homeopathy Basic Research

The droplet evaporation method (DEM) is based on the evaporation-induced pattern formation in droplets and is applied mainly for diagnosis [1].
 Here, we present a series of experiments performed by our team showing DEMs potential also for homeopathy basic research, in particular, for the investigation of (i) low potencies, (ii) low potency complexes (physical model), and (iii) the action of high potencies (plant-based model).
 
 DEM differentiated significantly between Luffa, Baptisia, Echinacea, and Spongia until 4x [2]. Furthermore, the patterns varied in function of the number of succussion strokes (0, 10, or 100) applied during potentization [3]. The performance of chaotic succussions vs. laminar flow vs. slight mixing during the potentization of Viscum album quercus 3x influenced the DEM patterns; the chaotic succussions reduced, whereas laminar flow enhanced the patterns complexity vs. the unsuccussed control.
 The addition of Mercurius bijodatus 9x to Luffa 4x changed significantly the DEM patterns, even if the material quantity present in the 9x potency lied far beyond that of ultrapure water.
 Leakages obtained by placing healthy or damaged wheat-seeds into Arsenicum album 45x or Zincum metallicum 30c vs. water created significantly different DEM structures [4, 5]. The damaged seeds put into the potency created structures characterized by a higher complexity than those obtained from damaged seeds put into control water. Furthermore, the potency action seemed to correlate positively with the number of succussion strokes applied during potentization, as could be shown by means of DEM patterns and germination rate using the same wheat-seed model [6].
 
 In all our studies, the pattern evaluation was computerized or based on deep-learning algorithms and the robustness of the experimental system was checked by means of systematic control experiments.
 DEM together with other similar methods has also been reviewed by our team for what concerns the application in homeopathy basic research [7].

The Argentine Mistletoes Ligaria cuneifolia (Ruiz & Pav.) Tiegh (Loranthaceae) and Phoradendron liga (Gillies ex Hook. & Arn.) Eichler (Santalaceae). Thirty Years of Research.

Ligaria cuneifolia (Ruiz & Pav.) Tiegh (Loranthaceae) and Phoradendron liga (Gillies ex Hook. & Arn.) Eichler (Santalaceae) are regarded as Argentine mistletoes based on their similarities with the European counterpart, Viscum album L. (Santalaceae). These two species are the most used medicinal plants to treat high blood pressure in the Argentinian population. To provide scientific grounds to their traditional use and therapeutic potential, they were selected as herbal drug candidates. The main findings would support the anti-hypertensive action, the anticholesterolemic and antioxidant features of L. cuneifolia, and immunomodulatory properties for both species. Quercetin-O-glycosides, galloyl glycosides, and proanthocyanidins are present in L. cuneifolia while P. liga shows C-glycosyl flavones and 3-deoxyproanthocyanidins. This review summarizes the phytochemical characterization, medicinal properties and reveals promising results warranting future efforts for further investigation.

Deep learning applied to analyze patterns from evaporated droplets of Viscum album extracts

This paper introduces a deep learning based methodology for analyzing the self-assembled, fractal-like structures formed in evaporated droplets. To this end, an extensive image database of such structures of the plant extract Viscum album Quercus10^{-3} was used, prepared by three different mixing procedures (turbulent, laminar, and diffusion based). The proposed pattern analysis approach is based on two stages: (1) automatic selection of patches that exhibit rich texture along the database; and (2) clustering of patches in accordance with prevalent texture by means of a Dense Convolutional Neural Network. The fractality of the patterns in each cluster is verified through Local Connected Fractal Dimension histograms. Experiments with Gray-Level Co-Occurrence matrices are performed to determine the benefit of the proposed approach in comparison with well established image analysis techniques. For the investigated plant extract, significant differences were found between the production modalities; whereas the patterns obtained by laminar flow showed the highest fractal structure, the patterns obtained by the application of turbulent mixture exhibited the lowest fractality. Our approach is the first to analyze, at the pure image level, the clustering properties of regions of interest within a database of evaporated droplets. This allows a greater description and differentiation of the patterns formed through different mixing procedures.

Impact of white mistletoe (Viscum album ssp. abietis) infection severity on morphology, anatomy and photosynthetic pigment content of the needles of cilicican fir (Abies cilicica)

White mistletoe (Viscum album ssp. abietis, Santalaceae) is a hemi-parasitic plant and is regarded as one of the most significant biotic factors affecting fir forests. Mistletoe affects its host in many ways, including changes in leaf development. This paper studies and quantifies the effect of white mistletoe on morphological, anatomical traits and photosynthetic pigment content of cilicican fir (Abies cilicica (Antoine & Kotschy) Carrière, Pinaceae) needles growing on uninfected branches of infected and uninfected trees in relation to varying mistletoe infection severity. Morphological (needle length and width, area and weight, and specific leaf area), anatomical (needle width and thickness, epidermis and central vein thickness, needle cross sectional and mesophyll area, epidermis plus hypodermis and central vein area, xylem and phloem area, transfusion and resin duct area), stomatal (number of stomata rows, stomatal band width, stomata length and density) traits and photosynthetic pigment content (chlorophyll a and b, total chlorophyll (a+b), total carotenoid) were measured in one-year-old needles growing on uninfected branches from a total of 48 cilicican fir trees. Of the trees, 10 were uninfected, 13 lightly infected, 14 moderately infected and 11 severely infected. The results indicated that morphological dimension of needles decreased steadily with increasing infection severity. Stomatal size of needles decreased gradually while stomatal density increased gradually with increasing infection severity. Reduced anatomical dimension were only evident in needles from moderate and severe infection classes, while chlorophyll content decreased in only severely infected trees.

Phytophages and mycobiots of white mistletoe

Aim. The aim of the study was to investigate the natural antagonists of white mistletoe (Viscum album L.), which may affect the number and speed of spread of this species. Methods. The plant material of V. album, collected in urban plantations of Kyiv, was used in the study. The research was conducted mainly in park zones and urban plantations of Podilskyi district. Samples of affected white mistletoe were collected by the route method during 2019-2021. Plant material was also inspected during the sanitary cutting of utilities. Results. Different species of vertebrates and invertebrates, fungi, lichens and bacteria that form close ecological links with V. album were analyzed. It has been established that several species of fungi can parasitize on V. album, showing a fairly high level of specialization. Hyperparasitic disease has also been reported. Conclusions. A list of species associated with white mistletoe was identified and the possibility of their use in the development of biological methods to control the semi-parasite was assessed.

In-Vitro Growth Kinetics of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Cytotoxicity Tests Using Low-Diluted Viscum Album.

The use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) in cytotoxicity tests is an in-vitro alternative model for predicting initial doses. Homeopathic medicines may stimulate the immune system to combat a pathology effectively and have been used for over two centuries. Viscum album (VA) extracts are widely used in the treatment of cancer, due to their immunomodulatory, cytotoxic and pro-apoptotic properties. This study aimed to evaluate the in-vitro growth kinetics of canine MSC in relation to cytotoxicity, cell differentiation and expression of pluripotentiality markers, using a VA preparation at the D1D2 (1×10-1, 1×10-2 potency (VAD1D2). MSC were obtained from adipose tissue sampled from a healthy dog that was undergoing an elective veterinary procedure and with its owner's permission. The experiments were performed in three groups: MSC treated with VAD1D2 or diluent or untreated (control). The cytotoxicity was evaluated by MTT assay. The differentiation was induced in three lineages, and apoptotic cell labeling was performed by an Annexin-V test. At the concentration of 10 μL/mL of VA, the number of cells after in-vitro culture was maintained when compared with the control (untreated) group. A significant and gradual decrease in cell viability was recorded as VA concentrations increased. The apoptosis analysis showed that VA at 20 μL/mL presented absolute percentages of initial apoptosis twice as high as at 10 μL/mL, which was similar to the control (untreated group). The results suggest that the use of efficient methods to assess the in-vitro cytotoxicity of VA-based homeopathic medicines using MSC lineages may predict the potential action at different concentrations. These findings demonstrated that VAD1D2 interferes with canine MSC growth kinetics.

Herb-anticancer drug interactions in real life based on VigiBase, the WHO global database

Cancer patients could combine herbal treatments with their chemotherapy. We consulted VigiBase, a WHO database of individual case safety reports (ICSRs) which archives reports of suspected Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) when herbal products are used in conjunction with anti-cancer treatment. We focused on the possible interactions between antineoplastic (L01 ATC class) or hormone antagonists (L02B ATC class) with 10 commonly used herbs (pineapple, green tea, cannabis, black cohosh, turmeric, echinacea, St John’s wort, milk thistle and ginger) to compare ADRs described in ICSRs with the literature. A total of 1057 ICSRs were extracted from the database but only 134 were complete enough (or did not concern too many therapeutic lines) to keep them for analysis. Finally, 51 rationalizable ICSRs could be explained, which led us to propose a pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic interaction mechanism. Reports concerned more frequently women and half of the rationalizable ICSRs involved Viscum album and Silybum marianum. 5% of the ADRs described could have been avoided if clinicians had had access to the published information. It is also important to note that in 8% of the cases, the ADRs observed were life threatening. Phytovigilance should thus be considered more by health care professionals to best treat cancer patients and for better integrative care.

The photosynthesis apparatus of European mistletoe (Viscum album).

European mistletoe (Viscum album) is known for its special mode of cellular respiration. It lacks the mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase complex (Complex I of the respiratory chain) and has restricted capacities to generate mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Here, we present an investigation of the V. album energy metabolism taking place in chloroplasts. Thylakoids were purified from young V. album leaves, and membrane-bound protein complexes were characterized by Blue native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis as well as by the complexome profiling approach. Proteins were systematically identified by label-free quantitative shotgun proteomics. We identified >1,800 distinct proteins (accessible at https://complexomemap.de/va_leaves), including nearly 100 proteins forming part of the protein complexes involved in the light-dependent part of photosynthesis. The photosynthesis apparatus of V. album has distinct features: (1) comparatively low amounts of Photosystem I; (2) absence of the NDH complex (the chloroplast pendant of mitochondrial Complex I involved in cyclic electron transport (CET) around Photosystem I); (3) reduced levels of the proton gradient regulation 5 (PGR5) and proton gradient regulation 5-like 1 (PGRL1) proteins, which offer an alternative route for CET around Photosystem I; (4) comparable amounts of Photosystem II and the chloroplast ATP synthase complex to other seed plants. Our data suggest a restricted capacity for chloroplast ATP biosynthesis by the photophosphorylation process. This is in addition to the limited ATP supply by the mitochondria. We propose a view on mistletoe's mode of life, according to which its metabolism relies to a greater extent on energy-rich compounds provided by the host trees.

Medicinal Plants used in Four Local Government Areas of South-Western Nigeria for the Management of Diabetes and its Comorbidities: An Ethnopharmacological Survey.

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus (DM) continues to pose a major global health threat with serious economic burden in sub-Saharan Africa, especially Nigeria. This condition is often worsened as most diabetic patients have other accompanying comorbidities such as hypertension, stroke, heart disease and obesity, further putting a strain on their wellbeing. In spite of the several orthodox medicines for the treatment of diabetes and its comorbidities, complication arising from the use of such agents have limited therapeutic success. It is therefore imperative to search for safer alternative and affordable treatment options from plants. 
 This study aimed at accessing and documenting the medicinal plants used in four local government areas of South-Western Nigeria for the management of diabetes and its comorbidities. Semi-structured questionnaires were used to obtain information from traditional medical practitioners, village elders and herb sellers. The data obtained were analyzed and discussed in relation to previously published literature. Fifty-three respondents mostly males (77.4%) provided information on medicinal plants useful for the management of diabetes and its comorbidities. A total of 77 medicinal plants used concomitantly belonging to 44 plant families were mentioned by the respondents. 53 medicinal plants are being used for managing diabetes, 35 for hypertension, 28 for stroke, 17 for heart diseases and 25 for obesity. The frequently used plant species were Vernonia amygdalina Delile with use-mention-index (UMi) of 0.208, Citrus aurantifolia (Christm.) Swingle (UMi 0.170), Viscum album L. (UMi 0.151), Carica papaya L. (UMi 0.151) and Allium sativum L. (UMi 0.132). Citrus aurantifolia was the only plant mentioned for the management of the five ailments. Most diabetic patients often have one or more accompanying comorbidities. A safe and efficacious single herbal preparation that can manage both diabetes and its comorbidities may provide scientific breakthrough and relief from the side effects associated with the use of different synthetic drugs that is often experienced by sufferers of DM with accompanying comorbidities.

Green, Sustainable Synthesis of γ-Fe2O3/MWCNT/Ag Nano-Composites Using the Viscum album Leaf Extract and Waste Car Tire for Removal of Sulfamethazine and Bacteria from Wastewater Streams.

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) decorated with Ag nanoparticles (NPs) are bifunctional adsorbent nanomaterials with antibacterial activity. They can be magnetically recovered from wastewater in case of coupling with γ-Fe2O3. In this study, for the first time, an environmentally friendly technique was applied to prepare a nanocomposite (NC) material composed of γ-Fe2O3/MWCNT/Ag by using Bridgestone disposable tires and Viscum album leaves extract. γ-Fe2O3/MWCNTs/Ag NC was employed for the removal of sulfamethazine (SMT) from aqueous solutions. Under the optimized conditions determined via the Taguchi method, the highest SMT adsorption capacity of the γ-Fe2O3/MWCNT/Ag NC was measured to be 47.6 mg/g. The experimental data fitted well with the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and the Langmuir isotherm. The thermodynamic parameters implied that the adsorption process was endothermic. In addition to adsorption of the drug pollutant, the NC demonstrated a superior antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria. The reusability test also showed that over 79% SMT can be removed using γ-Fe2O3/MWCNTs/Ag NC even after four adsorption cycles. Taken together, γ-Fe2O3/MWCNTs/Ag NC was proven to be a promising antibacterial nano-adsorbent for wastewater treatment.

Assessment of oxidative DNA damage, apoptosis and histopathological alterations on zebrafish exposed with green silver nanoparticle

ABSTRACT The effect of green synthesis approaches in NP synthesis and their possible toxicity in aquatic environments has been very limitedly studied. In this study, VA-Ag / AC NPs were synthesised using Viscum album plant as a reducing agent and Chenopodium album (CA) plant as an active carbon source. TEM (Transmission Electron Microscope) and XRD (X-ray crystallography) analysis of the synthesised VA-Ag / AC NPs were performed to detect their morphological and chemical properties. The inducing of oxidative stress and the effectiveness of VA-Ag/AC NPs in neurotoxic pathways and teratogenic changes in aquatic organisms have been investigated. In addition, a modelling was created to elucidate the toxicity mechanism. The results revealed that green synthesised VA-Ag/AC NPs nanoparticles are approximately 1600 times less toxic than nanoparticles synthesised by different methods. It had been determined that only high doses of VA-Ag/AC NPs nanoparticles cause neurological, histopathological and morphological changes. The findings in this study for VA-Ag/AC NPs, which are the evidence of the complexity of their mode of action at the cellular level, are a first in the aquatic ecosystem and require different findings regarding the stability and safety of such synthesis products.

Chemical Composition, Physical Properties, and Aroma Profile of Ethanol Macerates of Mistletoe (Viscum album)

Maceration parameters such as alcohol and mistletoe content were studied to obtain high-quality macerates to produce biska, a traditional Istrian herbal spirit. An ethanol–water solution containing 25, 40, 55, and 70 v/v% ethanol and 20, 40, and 80 g/L mistletoe was macerated and pH, total acids, extract content, and color parameters were measured. Volatile compounds were determined by GC/MS. More than 150 different volatile compounds were detected. The composition of the ethanol–water solution and mistletoe content affects the values of total extract, total acids, and color. Samples with lower alcohol content have a higher number of different acids, aldehydes, alcohols, esters, and ketones, while macerates with higher alcohol content are rich in hydrocarbons and terpenes. Ethyl decanoate; ethyl hexynoate; ethyl octanoate; benzaldehyde; hexanal; octanal; and the terpene compounds limonene, cymene, menthone, humulene, eucalyptol, linalol, and borneol contribute significantly to the aroma of the macerates due to a low odor threshold. Ylangene and α- and β-bourbonene are tentatively determined new terpene molecules that are not found in the mistletoe literature, as well as thujone, which was also detected. For the preparation of aromatic macerates, 40–50 v/v% ethanol and about 40 g/L mistletoe should be used.

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)

Ethnopharmacological relevanceViscum album L. (European mistletoe), a member of the Santalaceae, is a hemiparasitic, evergreen shrub growing on deciduous and coniferous trees. In traditional and folk medicine, mistletoe was used for the treatment of central nervous system disorders such as epilepsy, hysteria, insomnia, nervous excitability, neuralgia, headache, dizziness and fatigue. However, relatively little is known of its neuropharmacological activity. Aim of the studyThe aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of treatment with aqueous and hydroethanolic extracts from Viscum album L. parasitizing birch, linden and pine, on MAO-A and MAO-B activity as well as serotonin, dopamine and serotonin receptor 5-HTR1A levels in Galleria mellonella (Lepidoptera) larvae. Materials and methodsThe phytochemical composition of the extracts was characterised using UPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS. To investigate the neuropharmacological activity of Viscum album L. extracts, Galleria mellonella (Lepidoptera) larvae were used as a model organism. The inhibitory potential of the extracts against MAO-A and MAO-B was determined by fluorometry. The serotonin, dopamine and serotonin receptor 5-HTR1A levels in larvae hemolymph after treatment were quantified by ELISA. ResultsUPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS analysis allowed the identification of 88 compounds, either full or in part. Most of the characterised phytochemicals were flavonoids, hydroxycinnamic acids and lignans. Screening found that aqueous and hydroethanolic mistletoe extracts inhibited the enzymatic activity of either MAO-A or MAO-B or both. Additionally, mistletoe extract administration increased the levels of serotonin and serotonin receptor 5-HTR1A. None of the tested extracts had any significant effect on dopamine level. ConclusionsA key novel finding was that the aqueous and hydroethanolic extracts from Viscum album L. inhibited monoamine oxidase activity and increased the levels of serotonin and serotonin receptor 5-HTR1A in Galleria mellonella (Lepidoptera) larvae. These properties may be due to the presence of phenolic constituents, particularly flavonoids. Further research based on bioassay-guided fractionation of mistletoe is needed to identify CNS-active molecules.

Assessment of Antidiabetic Potential and Phytochemical Profiling of Viscum album, a Traditional Antidiabetic Plant

The traditional antidiabetic plant Viscum album (V. album) was collected from the oak plant in the wild at Maidan, Khyber District, of Pakistan, for assessment of its antidiabetic potential and phytochemical profile. Lowering of blood glucose level, antioxidant effect, lipids profile, liver function marker enzymes, and kidney function markers were evaluated in extract and glibenclamide treated groups, in normal as well as in diabetic control groups. An elevated level of blood glucose level, lipids (Cholesterol, TG, LDL), liver function marker enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP), and kidney function markers (bilirubin, creatinine, urea) were observed in alloxan-induced diabetic rats; however, a HDL level was decreased. Administration of V. album hydroalcoholic extract for 28 days renovated significantly ( p < 0.05 ) all the above biochemical parameters. The antioxidant enzymes SOD, CAT, and GPX were also considerably restored. In vitro, antioxidant assay indicated that the extract of 2,000 µg/mL scavenges free radicals of DPPH 68.4%, ABTS 69.5%, and H2O2 50.6%. The extracts revealed the presence of saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids, terpene, tannins, phenols, protein, amino acids, sterols, and glycosides. The extract has shown phenolic contents 421 ± 4.8 mg GAE/100 g d. w and flavonoids content 127 ± 1.4 mg equiv. Rut/100 g d. w. The findings of this research recommend V. album could be a potent source of natural antidiabetic constituents.

Effects of Acute Mistletoe (Viscum album L.) Ingestion on Aerobic Exercise Performance

Mistletoe (Viscum album L.; VA) has been traditionally used in folk medicine to combat fatigue and stress. Evidence has shown that chronic consumption of VA results in an enhancement of oxidative metabolism and exercise performance. However, no studies have investigated how acute VA consumption influences performance. The purpose of this brief report was to investigate the effects of acute VA ingestion on rowing exercise performance. Physically active females were recruited for this study. In a crossover, counterbalanced design, participants completed two trials each with a different treatment: (1) VA (2000 mg) and (2) placebo (PL; gluten-free cornstarch; 2000 mg). A total of 30 minutes prior to exercise, participants consumed their treatment. The participants were familiarized with the rowing ergometer and warmed up for 5 min at 50% of age-predicted heart rate max. Immediately following the warm-up, the participants completed a 2000 m rowing time trial. Blood lactate (La) was obtained with a lactate meter via finger prick before and after exercise. Power output, trial time, heart rate, rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and La were analyzed. The findings revealed no significant differences for the relative power output (p = 0.936), trial time (p = 0.842) or heart rate (p = 0.762). Rating of perceived exertion was lower with VA ingestion (p = 0.027). La was significantly higher post-exercise regardless of treatment (p < 0.001). However, post-exercise La was lower with VA ingestion (p = 0.032). Findings do not support VA as an ergogenic aid but suggest ingestion may alter metabolism resulting in less La formation and subjective fatigue.

Romanian Viscum album L.-Untargeted Low-Molecular Metabolomic Approach to Engineered Viscum-AuNPs Carrier Assembly.

Viscum is one of the most famous and appreciated medicinal plants in Europe and beyond. The symbiotic relationship with the host tree and various endogenous and ecological aspects are the main factors on which the viscum metabolites’ profiles depend. In addition, European traditional medicine mentions that only in two periods of the year (summer solstice and winter solstice) the therapeutic potential of the plant is at its maximum. Many studies have investigated the phytotherapeutic properties of viscum grown on different species of trees. However, studies on Romanian viscum are relatively few and refer mainly to the antioxidant and antiproliferative activity of mistletoe grown on Acer campestre, Fraxinus excelsior, Populus nigra, Malus domestica, or Robinia pseudoacacia. This study reports the first complete low-molecular-weight metabolite profile of Romanian wild-grown European viscum. A total of 140 metabolites were identified under mass spectra (MS) positive mode from 15 secondary metabolite categories: flavonoids, amino acids and peptides, terpenoids, phenolic acids, fatty acids, organic acids, nucleosides, alcohols and esters, amines, coumarins, alkaloids, lignans, steroids, aldehydes, and miscellaneous. In addition, the biological activity of each class of metabolite is discussed. The development of a simple and selective phyto-engineered AuNPs carrier assembly is reported and an evaluation of the nanocarrier system’s morpho-structure is performed, to capitalize on the beneficial properties of viscum and AuNPs.

The effect of white mistletoe (Viscum album subsp. abietis (Wiesb.) Abromerit) on diameter increment in Kazdağı fir stands

In this study, the effects of white mistletoe (Viscum album subsp. abietis (Wiesb.) Abromerit) on diameter increment in Kazdağı fir (Abies nordmanniana subsp. equi-trojani (Asc. & Sint. ex Boiss.) Coode & Cullen) stands distributed in Kastamonu region of Turkey were investigated. For this purpose, a total of 183 sample trees (77 healthy (uninfected) and 106 infected) were selected from mistletoe-infected stands. Mistletoe infected sample trees were classified according to the mistletoe intensity groups as lightly-, moderately- and heavily-infection levels. Increment cores were taken from the sampled trees, and annual ring widths were measured for evaluation period which is the last 30 years of sample trees. Underbark diameter increments were determined for the last 10, 20 and 30 years and for also last three 10-year periods. Mistletoe infected trees were compared to healthy trees according to the mean diameter increments. As a result, it was determined that there were statistically significant differences between underbark diameter increments of infected and uninfected trees. Increment losses of infected trees compared to uninfected trees were calculated as 21%, 28% and 33% for the last 30, 20 and 10 years, respectively. Similarly, significant differences were also observed for the last three 10-year periods and it was revealed that the underbark diameter increment losses were 11%, 24% and 33%, respectively. The results show that increment losses increase gradually with infection and the presence of white mistletoe negatively affects diameter increments with an increasing acceleration from the past to the present.

Viscotoxin and lectin content in foliage and fruit of Viscum album L. on the main host trees of Hyrcanian forests

Mistletoe (Viscum album L.) is a hemiparasitic plant that absorbs water and nutrients from the host tree. Mistletoe contains two groups of cytotoxic, immunomodulatory and antitumor proteins, viscotoxins and lectins. This study evaluated the quantity and quality of viscotoxins and total lectins in the stems with leaves (foliage) and fruit of mistletoe on Parrotia persica and Carpinus betulus in September with immature green berries and in December with mature white berries. Viscum album L. plants were harvested from host species located in the Hyrcanian forests of Iran in 2019. The highest level of viscotoxins was detected in the December foliage of V. album settled on C. betulus (9.25 mg/g dry weight [DW]), and the highest content of lectins was found in the December foliage of V. album settled on P. persica (0.79 mg/g DW) and C. betulus (0.73 mg/g DW) respectively. The immature green berries of V. album from both host species contained much higher concentrations of viscotoxins and lectins than the mature white berries. Four isoforms of viscotoxins, viscotoxin A1, A2, A3 and B could be identified in all samples of both host species. Viscotoxin A3 was the predominant viscotoxin isoform followed by viscotoxin A1.