Decrease of Activated Lymphocytes Four and Nine Hours after a Subcutaneous Injection of a <i>Viscum album</i> L. Extract in Healthy Volunteers

Abstract

The immunomodulatory substance, VaQuFrF (an aqueous extract of Viscum album L. of the oak tree) is used as an adjuvant and as monotherapy in the treatment of cancer and AIDS. After subcutaneous injection, there is a local inflammatory reaction at the injection site and systemic elevation of activated lymphocytes. The immunomodulatory effect of VaQuFrF in the first 24 h after subcutaneous injection on blood leukocyte and lymphocyte subpopulation was investigated. Because a significant natural circadian variation of these cellular parameters exist, the influence was studied in regard to this. In two groups of healthy volunteers, one group receiving VaQuFrF, the following parameters were measured every 2–3 h over a period of 24 h: leukocytes, band form, segmented and eosinophilic granulocytes, monocytes, total lymphocytes and CD4-, CD8-, CD3/25- and CD8/38-positive lymphocytes in count and percentage. In regard to the natural circadian variation 24 h after injection of VaQuFrF, a statistically significant fall in the absolute numbers and percentage of CD3/25- and CD8/38-positive lymphocytes was observed. Also, monocytes in percent and absolute numbers show a transient fall 6–9 h, lymphocytes only in absolute and CD4-positive lymphocytes only in percentage 2 h after injection. The results demonstrate that there is increased extravasation of (activated) lymphocytes and monocytes after subcutaneous injection of 1 mg VaQuFrF.

Safety of higher dosages of Viscum album L. in animals and humans - systematic review of immune changes and safety parameters

“…24 hours later the cell numbers and activities had normalised or increased [76,77,118,119]. After application of recombinant ML, a slightly different pattern was observed: a decrease of splenocytes' NK-cytotoxicity and of the number of circulating LGLs was observed 48 hours after injection, while lymphocytes increased and neutrophils showed no change [91].…”

Viscum album (mistletoe) extract prevents changes in levels of red blood cells, PCV, Hb, serum proteins and ESR in high salt-fed rats

“…The increased level of globulin in the salt-fed rats would possibly be due to liver production of globulin sequel to cirrhosis from excessive salt loading. Cirrhosis of the liver has been associated with increased liver gamma-globulin producing cells and hence elevated plasma levels of globulin (Stoss et al, 1998). It is also possible that the increase in total protein observed in the salt loaded group could be due to both increase in globulin concentration and the attractive forces of sodium (cations) on the plasma protein to help achieve ionic equilibrium of plasma.…”