Manuka honey has potential of nutraceutical for breast cancer, reveals preliminary research

There is an urgent need for alternative treatments to help prevent the development of endocrine resistance and improve long-term breast cancer survival. Endocrine resistance is a major factor contributing to breast cancer being the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women worldwide. New research has shown that Manuka honey, long known for its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, is also rich in compounds like flavonoids, phytochemicals, complex carbohydrates, vitamins, amino acids, and minerals. These compounds have demonstrated anticancer potential at a molecular level by inhibiting pathways activated in cancer that induce tumor cell proliferation, growth, and metastasis. Researchers theorize that one of the mechanisms of action of Manuka honey is to block estrogen receptors, making it potentially effective as a nutraceutical against hormone-sensitive breast cancer.

To understand the potential of Manuka honey as a natural treatment for breast cancer, the research team conducted a series of experiments in mice and in ER-positive MCF-7 and triple-negative MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell lines, which represent two of the most common types of breast cancer. In these models, oral administration of Manuka honey resulted in a significant reduction in tumor growth compared to control groups. This significant inhibition of tumor progression underscores the honey's potential effectiveness as a treatment for cancer prevention or treatment.

The findings suggests that Manuka honey could potentially be developed into a natural supplement or even a standalone treatment for ER-positive breast cancer, particularly for patients who experience resistance to traditional therapies.

“The findings provide hope for development of a natural, less toxic alternative to traditional chemotherapy,” said Dr. Diana Marquez-Garban, associate professor of medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, and the study’s first author. “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.”

Reference:

Márquez-Garbán, D.C.; Yanes, C.D.; Llarena, G.; Elashoff, D.; Hamilton, N.; Hardy, M.; Wadehra, M.; McCloskey, S.A.; Pietras, R.J. Manuka Honey Inhibits Human Breast Cancer Progression in Preclinical Models. Nutrients 2024, 16, 2369. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16142369.