A preclinical study suggests another possibility in the treatment of breast cancer

A study led by researchers at the Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center at UCLA Health found that Manuka honey may be a natural alternative for the prevention and treatment of breast cancer—especially estrogen (ER)-positive breast cancer, the most common subtype. of breast cancer. , makes up about 70-80% of all breast cancers.

In preclinical tests, researchers found:

• Manuka honey significantly reduced tumor growth in mice with ER-positive breast cancer cells by 84%, without affecting normal breast cells or causing significant side effects.
• A higher concentration of Manuka honey resulted in a greater reduction in cancer cell growth.
• Manuka honey reduced the levels of signaling pathways that are regulated in cancer, such as AMPK/AKT/mTOR and STAT3, which are involved in tumor cell growth and survival.
• Manuka honey reduced the proliferation of cancer cells but did not affect the growth of normal human mammary epithelial cells, indicating that it may specifically target cancer cells.
• Manuka honey induced apoptosis or cell death of breast cancer cells.
• Manuka honey increases the effectiveness of existing treatments, such as tamoxifen, an antiestrogen drug commonly used in the treatment of ER-positive breast cancer, when used in combination.

Experts suggest that alternative therapies are urgently needed to prevent the development of endocrine resistance and to improve long-term survival in breast cancer.

Endocrine resistance is a major contributor to the fact that breast cancer is now the leading cause of cancer-related death among women worldwide.

New research has shown that Manuka honey, long known for its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, is also rich in compounds such as flavonoids, phytochemicals, complex carbohydrates, vitamins, amino acids and minerals.

These compounds have shown anti-cancer potential at the molecular level by inhibiting the pathways activated in cancer that promote proliferation, growth and metastasis of tumor cells.

Researchers theorize that one of Manuka honey’s mechanisms of action is to block estrogen receptors, making it possible to be 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 on mice and ER-positive MCF-7 and triple-negative MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell lines, which are two of the types most common breast cancer.

In these models, oral administration of Manuka honey led to a significant reduction in tumor growth compared to control groups. This significant inhibition of tumor progression confirms the potential effectiveness of honey as a treatment for the prevention or treatment of cancer.

The findings suggest that Manuka honey could be developed into a natural supplement or even a stand-alone treatment for ER-positive breast cancer, especially for patients resistant to traditional treatments.

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

Although more research is needed to fully understand the benefits of natural compounds in cancer treatment, this study establishes a solid foundation for further research in this area, says the doctor.

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