Breast cancer and Manuka Honey

Breast cancer and Manuka Honey

Breast Cancer and Manuka Honey 

In recent years, Manuka honey has become a buzzword in the health and wellness community for its antibacterial and healing properties, but exciting new research is shining a light on its potential as a natural ally in the fight against cancer. Scientists are exploring how this honey, produced by bees pollinating the Manuka tree in New Zealand, could be an effective complement to traditional cancer treatments, especially for breast cancer.

The Breakthrough Research on Breast Cancer

A 2024 study conducted by researchers at UCLA’s Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center showed that Manuka honey may significantly reduce tumour growth in breast cancer models. In preclinical trials on mice with estrogen receptor-positive (ER-positive) breast cancer (the most common subtype), the honey led to an 84% reduction in tumour size.

Even more impressive, it achieved this without harming healthy cells or causing severe side effects, which are often seen with treatments like chemotherapy​

 This makes Manuka honey an exciting option for cancer research, as it appears to target cancer cells specifically, inducing their death (a process known as apoptosis) without affecting normal cells. The study also revealed that higher doses of the honey produced even greater reductions in cancer cell growth​(

 

Complementing Traditional Treatments

One of the biggest advantages of Manuka honey is its ability to enhance the effectiveness of existing cancer treatments. The UCLA study discovered that when used alongside tamoxifen—a common antiestrogen drug in breast cancer treatment—Manuka honey improved the drug's cancer-fighting abilities. This is crucial in a world where many cancers, particularly hormone-sensitive ones like ER-positive breast cancer, can develop resistance to endocrine therapies over time​.

The honey works by inhibiting several cancer-promoting pathways, such as AMPK/AKT/mTOR and STAT3, which are involved in cell proliferation and survival. By disrupting these signals, Manuka honey may help prevent tumors from growing and spreading​. 

Why Manuka Honey?

You might wonder, what makes Manuka honey so special? This honey is rich in flavonoids, antioxidants, and other bioactive compounds like methylglyoxal (MGO), which is believed to be responsible for many of its antimicrobial and potentially anticancer properties. It also contains complex carbohydrates, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that contribute to its health benefits.

The combination of these natural compounds has shown anti-inflammatory, immune-boosting, and wound-healing effects, which researchers believe are key to its potential in cancer therapy​. 

A Natural Partner, Not a Replacement

It’s important to note that while these results are promising, Manuka honey should not be considered a replacement for conventional cancer treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery. Rather, it should be viewed as a complementary nutraceutical—a natural addition that can potentially enhance the effectiveness of medical treatments and reduce side effects​. 

Future human clinical trials will be necessary to confirm the results seen in preclinical studies and to better understand the full scope of Manuka honey’s role in cancer care. However, this research is laying the groundwork for a sweet revolution in the way we approach one of the deadliest diseases in the world.

Final Thoughts

Manuka honey’s anticancer potential is a testament to the incredible healing powers of nature. While more research is needed to solidify its role in cancer treatment, early results are highly encouraging. Whether you’re looking to add a natural superfood to your diet or are exploring complementary options for cancer care, Manuka honey is a safe, effective supplement—just make sure you’re choosing a high-grade, monofloral product like the ones sourced from New Zealand.

For those battling cancer, it's crucial to consult with your healthcare provider before incorporating any new treatment, even natural ones, into your regimen.

If you're interested in learning more about Manuka honey's benefits or purchasing genuine high-quality honey, visit The Tiny Honey Company for premium options sourced straight from New Zealand.

 

 

      Other Cancer studies with Manuka Honey 

1. Colorectal Cancer:

  • Study (2018): Manuka honey was found to suppress colorectal cancer cell growth by inducing apoptosis (programmed cell death) and influencing gene expression. This makes it a promising nutraceutical for colorectal cancer treatment.

2. Skin Cancer (Melanoma):

  • Research: Published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, this study showed that Manuka honey could inhibit melanoma cell growth, induce apoptosis, and prevent the spread of tumour cells, indicating its potential as a natural treatment for skin cancer.

3. Combination with Chemotherapy:

  • Studies: When used with chemotherapy drugs like doxorubicin, Manuka honey enhanced the drugs' effectiveness while reducing damage to healthy cells, showing potential as a complementary therapy to conventional treatments.

4. Prostate Cancer:

  • Research: Manuka honey was shown to inhibit prostate cancer cell growth by blocking specific signalling pathways, such as NF-κB, which are critical in cancer progression.

5. Pancreatic Cancer:

  • Study (2014): Manuka honey's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties helped reduce the growth of pancreatic cancer cells, making it a promising adjunct therapy for this aggressive cancer.

6. Lung Cancer:

  • Study (2018): Published in the Journal of Cellular Biochemistry, this study found that Manuka honey inhibited lung cancer cell growth and induced apoptosis. It also disrupted cancer cells' metabolic processes, which are crucial for their survival.

7. Cervical Cancer:

  • Research: In studies on cervical cancer cells, Manuka honey significantly reduced cancer cell proliferation and induced apoptosis, thanks to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

8. Oral Cancer:

  • Study: Research on oral squamous cell carcinoma found that Manuka honey could inhibit cancer cell proliferation and may be used as part of treatment alongside radiation or chemotherapy.

9. Bladder Cancer:

  • Study: Manuka honey effectively inhibited the spread of bladder cancer cells by inducing apoptosis and modulating cancer signalling pathways, showing therapeutic potential for bladder cancer.

10. Gastric (Stomach) Cancer:

  • Research: Manuka honey was shown to reduce cancer cell viability by targeting oxidative stress and inflammation, which are major contributors to gastric tumour growth.

 Disclaimer: This article is based primarily on a 2024 pre-clinical trial that tested the effects of Manuka honey on estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer cells. However, this should not be taken as medical advice. If you are considering whether to use Manuka honey for cancer treatment, we recommend that you speak with your physician first.

Sources:

  • UCLA’s Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, ScienceDaily​
    ScienceDaily
  • Oncology News​
    Oncology News Australia
  • Medical Dialogues​
    Medi Dialogues