The efficacy and function of ginkgo mistletoe

We can often see ginkgo mistletoe in our daily life, so how should we eat ginkgo mistletoe? What good effects does it have on our body? Let's take a look.

【Alias】 European parasitic

[Source] Medicinal material source: The leafy stems and branches of Viscum ovata, a plant of the Morinaceae family.

【Original form】 Shrub, about 0.5m high. The stems and branches are cylindrical, dichotomously or multiply branched, with internodes 3-7m long and 2.5-6mm thick, and with longitudinal wrinkles when dry. Leaves are opposite, thick and leathery; petiole is about 5mm long; leaf blade is obovate, 3-5cm long, 1.5-2.5cm wide, with nearly rounded tip, cuneate base, and slightly dorsal margin; there are 3-7 basal veins. Dioecious; male inflorescence cymose, terminal, peduncle almost absent, with 3 flowers, the central flower with 2 bracts, lateral flowers with 1 bract each; bracts triangular, 2-3mm long; male flower buds are nearly spherical, about 2mm long, with 4 sepals, triangular; anthers elliptical; female inflorescence cymose spike, terminal or axillary at forked branches, peduncle about 2mm long, with 3-5 flowers, terminal flowers with 2 bracts or none, crossed flowers with 1 bract each; bracts triangular, 2-2.5mm long; female flower buds are ovoid, 2.5-3mm long; receptacle ovoid; 4 sepals, triangular, 1.5-2mm long; stigma papillate. The berry is oval, 8mm long and 6mm in diameter, with a persistent style of about 1mm long, yellow in color, and a smooth skin. The flowering period is from November to March of the following year, and the fruiting period is from July to November.

[Habitat distribution] Ecological environment: Grown in mountain broad-leaved forests at an altitude of 1300-2700m, parasitic on plants such as cherry, mountain ash, walnut, and Yunnan hornbeam.

[Pharmacological action] 1. Enhance immune function. Fresh non-fermented ginkgo mistletoe juice 10 mg/kg was injected intraperitoneally into mice, and the colloidal carbon clearance rate was measured at different time intervals. Initially, there was no effect on the mononuclear phagocyte system. After 48 hours, the phagocyte index increased significantly and returned to normal at 120 hours. The spleen weight decreased 24 hours after injection of the plant juice, increased at 48 hours, and returned to normal at 120 hours. When sheep red blood cells (SRBC) and plant juice (10 mg/kg) or polysaccharide components (120 mg/kg) were injected intraperitoneally into mice, IgM antibody production increased significantly 3 days after immunization, and the number of IgM-PFC in the spleen also increased significantly on the 5th and 9th days. When SRBC was mixed with different doses of plant juice and injected subcutaneously into mice, it induced a delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction after 5 days. Ginkgo mistletoe extract can also promote specific and nonspecific immune functions.

[Toxicity] The LD50 of ginkgo mistletoe juice injected intraperitoneally in mice is about 32 mg/kg, and the single tolerable dose of its polysaccharide components injected intraperitoneally in mice is greater than 2.25 g/kg.

【Nature and flavor】 sweet; bitter; neutral

【Functions and indications】Relieve rheumatism; strengthen muscles and bones; promote lactation. It is used to treat rheumatic pain, weakness of tendons and bones, back pain and weak legs, and low milk supply after childbirth.

[Usage and Dosage] For oral use: decoct in water, 15-30g; or stew with meat.

【Excerpt】 Chinese Materia Medica

Based on the above description of ginkgo mistletoe, it can be seen that ginkgo mistletoe has many benefits for the human body, and there are many ways and uses for it. The pharmacological effects of ginkgo mistletoe can be used to treat corresponding diseases.