Immunomodulatory and clinical effects of Viscum album (Iscador M and Iscador P) in children with recurrent respiratory infections as a result of the Chernobyl nuclear accident.
Ninety-two children 5 to 14 years of age living in areas exposed to the radioactive fallout from Chernobyl with recurrent respiratory infections (RRIs) were treated after randomization with either Viscum album praeparatum mali or pini (Iscador M or P). The dosage was two subcutaneous injections a week for 5 weeks with individual doses of 0.001 mg to 1.0 mg. Both Viscum album preparations were effective in significantly reducing clinical symptoms. One year after a single treatment course, the frequency of RRI relapses decreased by 78% and 73%, respectively. Immunomodulatory effects were assessed by investigation of lymphocyte subsets, natural killer (NK) cell activity, phagocytic and oxidative activity of polymorphonuclear leukocytes, and antiviral activity of serum before and 1 week after treatment. Viscum album therapy resulted in normalization of initial immune indices either below or above the normal ranges. High levels of antiviral activity before treatment were significantly decreased by Viscum album mali. Viscum album treatment should be studied further in children with RRI.
Chernyshov
V P
VP
Institute of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Academy of Medical Sciences, Kiev 1st Clinical Center, Arlesheim, Switzerland.
Heusser
P
P
Omelchenko
L I
LI
Chernyshova
L I
LI
Vodyanik
M A
MA
Vykhovanets
E V
EV
Galazyuk
L V
LV
Pochinok
T V
TV
Gaiday
N V
NV
Gumenyuk
M E
ME
Zelinsky
G M
GM
Schaefermeyer
H
H
Schaefermeyer
G
G
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / Q000276:immunology / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007111:Immunity, Cellular / Q000187:drug effects; D016867:Immunocompromised Host; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous; D008297:Male; D014784:Mistletoe; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000276:immunology / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010940:Plant Proteins; D010946:Plants, Medicinal; D011210:Power Plants; D011847:Radioactive Fallout / Q000009:adverse effects*; D018788:Radioactive Hazard Release; D012008:Recurrence; D012141:Respiratory Tract Infections / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology; D014455:Ukraine
D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; D010936:Plant Extracts; D010940:Plant Proteins; D011847:Radioactive Fallout; C077177:viscum album peptide