A recent study conducted by researchers at the UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center has uncovered the potential of Manuka honey as a natural alternative for breast cancer prevention and treatment. The findings, published in the journal Nutrients, suggest that this unique honey variety could be particularly effective against estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer, which accounts for 70-80% of all breast cancer cases.
Honey’s Sweet Success Against Cancer Cells
In a series of preclinical experiments, the research team observed remarkable results when testing Manuka honey on breast cancer models. The honey significantly reduced tumor growth in mice with ER-positive breast cancer cells by an impressive 84%, without affecting normal breast cells or causing major side effects.
Dr. Diana Marquez-Garban, associate professor of medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and the study’s first author, expressed optimism about the findings: “The findings provide hope for development of a natural, less toxic alternative to traditional chemotherapy. Although more research is necessary to fully understand the benefits of natural compounds in cancer therapy, this study establishes a strong foundation for further exploration in this area.”
The study revealed several key mechanisms through which Manuka honey appears to combat cancer:
1. It reduced levels of signaling pathways (AMPK/AKT/mTOR and STAT3) that are typically overactive in cancer cells.
2. Higher concentrations of the honey led to greater reductions in cancer cell growth.
3. It induced apoptosis, or programmed cell death, in breast cancer cells.
4. The honey enhanced the effectiveness of tamoxifen, a common antiestrogen drug used in ER-positive breast cancer therapy.
Nature’s Potential Answer to Endocrine Resistance
Endocrine resistance, where cancer cells become resistant to hormone therapy, is a major challenge in breast cancer treatment. It contributes significantly to breast cancer being the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women worldwide. The UCLA study suggests that Manuka honey could potentially address this issue.
Manuka honey, known for its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, is rich in compounds such as flavonoids, phytochemicals, complex carbohydrates, vitamins, amino acids, and minerals. These components have demonstrated anticancer potential at the molecular level, inhibiting pathways that promote tumor cell proliferation, growth, and metastasis.
The researchers theorize that one of Manuka honey’s mechanisms of action is blocking estrogen receptors, making it potentially effective against hormone-sensitive breast cancer. This property could make it a valuable tool in combating endocrine resistance.
Why it matters: The development of a natural, less toxic alternative to traditional chemotherapy could significantly improve the quality of life for breast cancer patients. If further research confirms these preliminary findings, Manuka honey could become a powerful addition to the breast cancer treatment arsenal, potentially reducing side effects and improving long-term survival rates.
As promising as these results are, it’s important to note that this study is preliminary and based on preclinical models. Further research, including clinical trials in humans, will be necessary to fully understand the potential benefits and limitations of using Manuka honey in cancer treatment.
The next steps for researchers will likely involve investigating the optimal dosage and administration methods for Manuka honey in cancer treatment, as well as exploring potential interactions with other cancer therapies. Additionally, studies on larger and more diverse patient populations will be crucial to determine the broad applicability of these findings.
If validated through further research, this study could pave the way for new, nature-inspired approaches to cancer treatment, potentially transforming the landscape of breast cancer therapy and offering new hope to patients worldwide.
The in the journal Nutrients.
