According to a CBC News report, ancient druids believed mistletoe had magical properties because of the way it grows, never touching the ground and without taking nourishment from the earth. However, University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff researchers are warning there is nothing magical about the use of mistletoe extract for the treatment of cancer, and in fact, it can cause harm.

Serious side effects from the injection of mistletoe extract have been reported in the Christmas issue of the British Medical Journal, including a case concerning a 61-year-old woman who had a tumor-like growth develop under her skin, brought on when she self-injected herself with mistletoe extract. The researchers warn that the use of mistletoe extract has been shown to cause a severe allergic reaction, breathing difficulties, joint pain and kidney failure. Some studies have shown that mistletoe might actually lead to cancer growth.

Edzard Ernst, a professor of complementary medicine at the Universities of Exeter and Plymouth is quoted as saying, "The idea that mistletoe may help treat cancer is based on that the idea that mistletoe, like cancer, is a parasitic growth that eventually kills its host." The researchers of this published study indicated that there are over 30 mistletoe extract preparations available in Europe, and its use by cancer patients is well-known.

From another source, the National Cancer Institute's overview of mistletoe includes the following:

• Mistletoe is a plant that grows on several types of trees and has been used since ancient times to treat many ailments.
• Mistletoe extract has been shown to kill cancer cells in the laboratory and to boost the immune system.
• Animal studies have suggested that mistletoe may be useful in decreasing the side effects of standard anticancer therapy.
• Many human studies using mistletoe to treat cancer have been done in Europe with unclear results, and a few clinical trials in the United States and abroad are in progress.
• Very few bad side effects have been reported from the use of mistletoe extract, though mistletoe plants and berries are poisonous to humans.
• The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved mistletoe as a treatment for cancer or any other medical condition.
  

To read detailed information about the highlighted overview, visit the NCI's FAQ about mistletoe.

Laura Berry is a 53-year-old wife and mother of three wonderful sons -- two are firefighters and one is a junior at the Air Force Academy. She also has two wonderful dauthers-in-law, the world's most precious grandson, and a husband of 34 years who is her best friend. Laura is a breast cancer survivor -- who tells me her story is rather unremarkable. I think, like me, you will disagree.

When were you diagnosed with breast cancer?

I was diagnosed on the date of my 30th wedding anniversary on August 12, 2002, following a most wonderful second honeymoon/vacation. Although it was Stage 2 (it had traveled to my lymph nodes) fortunately I had "classic" menopausal breast cancer -- hormone positive, routinely treated with mastectomy, A&C and Taxotere, then tamoxifen, no radiation required. At the same time, my 34-year-old friend with a 4-year-old daughter was dealing with a more invasive form and I felt a certain amount of guilt about that.

New Zealand health authorities are investigating what they feel to be extravagant health claims by companies trying to sell goji juice as a cure for cancer. In New Zealand, that kind of health claim is illegal. That kind of health claim is illegal in the United States as well.

There might be a single magical berry that can cure cancer, but without rigorous scientific study, who can say for sure? Certainly not the manufacturers of goji juice, or those who seek to profit from the sale of goji juice. Not without scientific proof.

I am inclined to believe it is healthy for you, and does provide antioxidants that do have cancer prevention value, because it is a berry. Most berries have been shown to offer cancer prevention in supplying the body with vital nutrients essential to good health. But that is far cry from believing goji juice is a cure for cancer.

Common sense would keep us from buying into flamboyant claims that can give someone diagnosed with cancer false hope. A cancer diagnosis can create intense levels of fear and sometimes, a willingness to set aside normal and sensible judgment. Most of the nutritional experts are suggesting that given the current price of a goji juice drink, similar berries, fruits and vegetables might be more cost effective in getting the same antioxidant and nutrition value.

University of Florida researchers conducted laboratory studies that show extracts from acai, a Brazilian berry, contain antioxidants that can destroy cultured human cancer cells. “Acai berries are already considered one of the richest fruit sources of antioxidants. This study was an important step toward learning what people may gain from using beverages, dietary supplements or other products made with the berries,” stated Talcott, an assistant professor with UF’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. According to the UF researchers, other fruits including grapes, guavas and mangoes, contain antioxidants known to kill cancer cells.

Six different chemical extracts were made from acai fruit pulp. Four of the extracts were shown to kill significant numbers of leukemia cells. Depending on the extract and concentration, anywhere from about 35 percent to 86 percent of the cells died. Researchers in this study caution this does not mean that acai berries will cure leukemia, only that some of the extract compounds showed favorable results in laboratory tests. Another study is underway to research the effects of acai’s antioxidant abilities on healthy human subjects. If you've not heard about the acai berry before -- you are not alone. But, as this berry gains more media attention for its potent cancer prevention properties, it's destined to become a popular addition to the diet. Some of the celebrity fans of the acai berry include Oprah, Andre Agassi and Sting.