A promising preliminary study has found that Manuka honey has potential in the prevention and treatment of breast cancer.
The research, which was carried out by the UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Centre, found that Manuka honey could reduce solid tumour growth by 84%.
This effect was observed in both ER-positive breast cancer mice models and triple-negative MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell lines, which are the two most common modes of breast cancer currently affecting individuals globally.
The impact of Manuka honey on tumour growth was also dose-dependent, finding that higher doses had a better preventative effect.
Notably, there was no observable impact on the surrounding healthy cells in the study, suggesting that Manuka honey may be able to specifically target cancer cells.
The researchers also observed a reduction in the activity of signalling pathways which are often altered in solid tumours, including AMPK/AKT/mTOR and STAT3; these, in their aberrant form, are commonly associated with cancer growth and survival.
Although there are a number of treatment options for those with breast cancer, there is an unmet need for patients with the disease, as many will develop endocrine resistance.
This phenomenon can significantly worsen treatment prognosis, potentially leading to the death of those who develop the cancer type.
Dr Diana Marquez-Garban, an associate professor of medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, commented: “The findings provide hope for the 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.”
