Loranthus

botanical
Best with a meal

What is it

Loranthus refers to a group of parasitic mistletoe-family plants. In Chinese herbalism, mulberry mistletoe (Loranthus parasiticus, often equated with Taxillus chinensis, sang ji sheng) is used for joint and circulatory support.

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Joint / circulatory support (traditional)

Mixed

Traditional use is well documented; modern controlled trials on Loranthus species are limited.

How it works

Loranthus species contain flavonoids, lignans, and triterpenoids. Preclinical studies suggest anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, and antioxidant effects, and the herb is traditionally indicated for low back pain, joint stiffness, and pregnancy support in TCM. Human clinical evidence is limited and often derived from multi-herb formulas.

Dosage

There is no RDA. Traditional Chinese doses are roughly 9-15 g of dried herb in decoctions. DSLD does not provide a median dose for this entry.

When and how to take it

Traditional preparations are taken in divided doses with meals.

1 commercial form

Loranthus / mulberry mistletoe stem extract

Composition varies by species and host tree.

Used in TCM formulas more than as a single supplement.

Safety

Generally well tolerated at traditional doses. Important: mistletoe species vary widely in composition; European mistletoe (Viscum album) contains toxic lectins not characteristic of Loranthus, but mis-sourcing is a real risk.

Who should be cautious

Avoid unless source identity is certain. Pregnancy: traditional use exists in TCM for some indications, but Western guidance is generally to avoid given variability. Caution if on cardiovascular medications.

Interactions

Possible additive effects with antihypertensives and anticoagulants. Theoretical interactions with hormone medications.

Frequently asked questions

Is loranthus the same as European mistletoe?⌄

No. They are related plants in the mistletoe family but have very different constituent profiles and toxicity.

Is it safe in pregnancy?⌄

Modern Western practice generally avoids mistletoe-family herbs in pregnancy due to variability and limited safety data.

References

  • Loranthus on Wikidata — Wikidata link
  • Loranthus on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link
  • Research on Loranthus (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.