A study has revealed that Manuka honey, a unique type of honey produced in New Zealand and Australia, could offer a promising alternative to traditional cancer treatments, particularly for those with ER-positive breast cancer.
Breast cancer cells taken out during a biopsy or surgery are tested to see if they have certain proteins that are oestrogen or progesterone receptors. If your breast cancer cells have these receptors (proteins), this means that when the hormones oestrogen and progesterone attach to the receptors, they stimulate the cancer to grow.
In a groundbreaking study published in the journal Nutrients, researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Centre found that Manuka honey significantly reduced tumour growth in mice with ER-positive breast cancer cells.
ER-positive breast cancer is a type of breast cancer that is fuelled by oestrogen, a female hormone. This means that treatments that target oestrogen, such as hormone therapy, can be effective in managing this type of cancer.
The honey’s remarkable anti-cancer properties are attributed to its distinct chemical composition, which sets it apart from other commercially available honeys.
Manuka honey has been shown to possess potent antibacterial properties, even against the stubborn bacteria that cause infections in cystic fibrosis patients.
“The findings offer hope for the development of a natural, less toxic alternative to traditional chemotherapy,” said lead author of the study, Dr Diana Márquez-Garbán.
“While further research is necessary, this study lays a strong foundation for exploring the potential of natural compounds in cancer therapy.”
The study also discovered that Manuka honey, when combined with the anti-oestrogen drug tamoxifen, exhibited even greater anti-cancer effects, particularly against triple-negative breast cancer. In vivo experiments demonstrated an impressive 84 per cent reduction in tumour growth.
“These findings suggest that natural compounds like Manuka honey, with their significant anti-tumour activity and selectivity towards hormone receptor-positive breast cancers, may be further developed as a supplement or potential alternative to cytotoxic anticancer drugs,” the researchers concluded.
To ensure the authenticity and quality of Manuka honey, New Zealand and Australian producers adhere to strict standards set by government agencies.
The Manuka Honey Science Definition test, a rigorous five-stage process, is used to verify the presence of specific chemical markers that distinguish genuine Manuka honey from counterfeits.
While the initial findings on Manuka honey’s potential to combat breast cancer are encouraging, more research is needed to fully realise its therapeutic potential.
Larger-scale clinical trials are essential to confirm its efficacy in human patients and to determine the optimal dosage and treatment regimens. Understanding the specific mechanisms through which Manuka honey exerts its anti-cancer effects can help scientists tailor its use and potentially identify new therapeutic targets.
Additionally, exploring the effectiveness of combining Manuka honey with other treatments, such as hormone therapy, could enhance its therapeutic benefits.
Long-term safety and toxicity data are also crucial to ensure its safe and effective use.
Finally, ensuring that Manuka honey is accessible and affordable to patients is essential for its widespread adoption as a valuable tool in breast cancer treatments.
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