Whole mistletoe extract viscumTT has anti-cancer effects in osteosarcoma in vitro and in vivo

Introduction: Aqueous mistletoe extracts contain lectins and viscotoxins, but no hydrophobic triterpenes. It is widely used in complementary cancer therapy. Here, cyclodextrin solubilized mistletoe triterpenes were analysed in combination with the aqueous compound with regard to its anti-cancer effects on osteosarcoma. Methods: SaOS-2 and 143B-HOS cells were treated with mistletoe lectins (Viscum) or triterpene acids (TT) and the combination (ViscumTT). Apoptosis, cell cycle and apoptosis associated proteins were examined. Results: TT and ViscumTT induced apoptosis in all cells. ViscumTT treatment led to a syner…