[Value of mistletoe lectin standardized mistletoe extract for evaluating antitumor properties].

It could be shown from several experiments that carbohydrate-binding mistletoe lectins represent the pharmacologically active constituents of mistletoe extracts. On the basis of these findings, it was possible to develop an extract preparation standardized with respect to the mistletoe lectin concentration. This drug is the first mistletoe preparation that fulfills the criteria of the guidelines for the development of drugs (1) regarding its quality and stability of the active ingredients under certain storage conditions. The quality of this preparation has also been shown in several animal models to demonstrate antitumoral potencies.