FANCY honey could help treat and even prevent breast cancer, a new study suggests.
Scientists found Manuka honey contains compounds that can significantly reduce tumour growth in the most common forms of the disease.
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Dr Diana Marquez-Garban, associate professor of medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, said: “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.”
Experts say there is an “urgent need” for alternative treatments to help prevent relapse and improve long-term breast cancer survival.
Existing options, like chemotherapy and endocrine therapy, are effective but toxic and come with numerous side effects.
READ MORE ON PREVENTING CANCER
They can also lead to endocrine resistance, when cancer cells develop ways to evade treatment.
Manuka honey, known for its antimicrobial, antioxidant and healing properties, is also rich in compounds like flavonoids, phytochemicals, complex carbohydrates, vitamins, amino acids, and minerals.
“These compounds have demonstrated anti-cancer potential at a molecular level by inhibiting pathways activated in cancer that induce tumour cell proliferation, growth, and metastasis,” researchers at the UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center said.
They wanted to investigate whether Manuka honey blocked oestrogen receptors, making it effective as a nutraceutical (a nutrient and pharmaceutical) against hormone-sensitive breast cancer.
Scientists conducted a series of preliminary experiments in both mice and human breast cancer cell lines, which represented two of the most common types of the disease.
They found Manuka honey (MGO 550+), which costs £20 a jar in Tesco, reduced tumour growth in mice by 84 per cent compared to the control group, without affecting normal breast cells or causing any major side effects.
What is Manuka honey?
MANUKA honey is a monofloral honey that is produced from the nectar of honey bees (Apis Mellifera) when they pollinate the Manuka bush (Leptospermum scoparium).
Originally, it was unique to New Zealand and some parts of Australia, but it is now produced in many regions around the world.
It differs from ‘normal’ honey due to its origin, taste and medicinal properties.
Manuka honey is made by bees that pollinate the Manuka bush, while regular honey is made by bees that pollinate a variety of flowers.
It also smells very strong and tastes bitter, while regular honey is sweet.
Manuka is known to exhibit antimicrobial, antioxidant and healing properties.
Historically, it has been used to treat wounds, urinary problems and stomach issues, as well as controlling fevers.
It has also shown benefits for skin conditions like eczema and dermatitis, soothing sore throats, and improving digestive health.
Manuka honey is graded using a Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) and methylglyoxal (MGO) score which indicate its quality and purity.
UMF grades typically range from five to 25, but can be as high as 30, while MGO grades range from 30 to 2,100.
The higher the number, the better the quality and the more expensive it will be.
It also reduced how quickly cancer cells copied their DNA and divided while not affecting the growth of normal cells, suggesting it might target cancer cells specifically.
Researchers even found that Manuka honey, which some people spread on toast or stir into cups of tea, induced the death of breast cancer cells, and enhanced the effectiveness of existing treatments such as tamoxifen.
“This significant inhibition of tumour progression underscores the honey’s potential effectiveness as a treatment for cancer prevention or treatment,” the authors said.
“The findings suggest 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 study was published in the journal Nutrients.
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What are the signs of breast cancer?
BREAST cancer is the most common type of cancer in the UK.
The majority of women who get it are over 50, but younger women and, in rare cases, men can also get breast cancer.
If it’s treated early enough, breast cancer can be prevented from spreading to other parts of the body.
Breast cancer can have a number of symptoms, but the first noticeable symptom is usually a lump or area of thickened breast tissue.
Most breast lumps aren’t cancerous, but it’s always best to have them checked by your doctor. You should also speak to your GP if you notice any of the following:
- a change in the size or shape of one or both breasts
- discharge from either of your nipples (which may be streaked with blood)
- a lump or swelling in either of your armpits
- dimpling on the skin of your breasts
- a rash on or around your nipple
- a change in the appearance of your nipple, such as becoming sunken into your breast
Source: NHS