Breast cancer: Honey extract reduced tumor growth by 84% in mice

Manuka honey is made by bees that collect the nectar of the Manuka tree, which is native to Australia and New Zealand.

For this study, researchers used cancer and breast cancer cell types to determine how Manuka honey might affect breast cancer.

“Manuka honey contains many unique nutrients and bioactive compounds that can contribute to health benefits such as ‘.proper nutrition‘,” Richard Pietras, MD, PhD, professor of medicine in the Division of Hematology-Oncology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, and Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, director of the Stiles Program in Integrative Oncology, and author of the superior of this study said Medical News Today.

“As we mentioned in the published manuscript, there have been several traditional, ancient and classical reports about the anti-tumor effects of Manuka honey, which is also described as having. antioxidant and to heal the wound property. This collection of information narrowed our interest in pursuing the antitumor efficacy of Manuka honey in experimental models of this disease,” he said.

During their research, Pietras and his team found that Manuka honey caused an 84% reduction in tumor growth in mice with ER-positive breast cancer cells without affecting healthy cells. well of the breasts or cause serious side effects.

“In one of the most rigorous trials we’ve done, administration of Manuka honey alone inhibited the growth of ER-positive breast tumors by 84%, resulting in a noticeable reduction of tumor size.” Pietras said.

“Although promising, our findings highlight the need for further research into the use of natural ingredients, such as Manuka honey, for anti-tumor efficacy and potential chemoprevention and research on the molecular pathways underlying these actions.”
– Richard Pietras, MD, PhD

The scientists found that a high amount of Manuka honey was associated with a significant reduction in the growth of cancer cells.

“Dose escalation studies are common in drug development studies for discovery purposes high tolerance level (MTD),” Pietras explained. “It is important to know the dose of the drug that does not cause unacceptable side effects. Our goal was to determine the safe levels of Manuka honey. Further work will be needed to determine the MTD in vivo for effective and safe anti-tumor action.”

In addition, researchers found that using Manuka honey helped reduce levels of road signs which are often developed in cancer, including AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), Ak strain changes (AKT), Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), involved in tumor cell growth and survival.

“The progression of breast cancer involves multiple, complex pathways,” Pietras explained. “In the case of ER-positive breast cancer, estrogens binding to and activating the estrogen receptor (ER) are the main drivers of uncontrolled tumor growth. Binding of ERs to specific sites on DNA leads to the initiation of a gene transcription program that orchestrates many downstream activities to support cancer development. ”

“The mechanisms of antitumor activity of Manuka honey and its compounds are suggested to include activity as selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), inhibitors of growth factor receptor signaling pathways and the possibility of preventing the spread of breast cancer stem / progenitor cells that play an important role in tumor regeneration and spread after treatment with conventional treatment methods in the clinic, “he added.

In this study, Pietras said, he and his team investigated the potential antitumor effects of Manuka honey on estrogen positive and negative breast cancer.

“We have also identified potential ways to demonstrate the effectiveness of Manuka honey,” he continued. “Activation of important intracellular signaling pathways such as AMPK and inhibition of downstream mTOR signaling – a ubiquitous kinase enzyme that controls cell growth, proliferation, metabolism to support the growth of tumor – as well as STAT3 that plays an important role in the regulation of cell death, angiogenesis, metastasis, and immune responses also appear to be molecular targets involved in the antitumor activity of eggs of Manuka bees.”

After reviewing the study, Bhavana Pathak, MD, a hematologist and clinical oncologist at MemorialCare Cancer Institute Orange Coast and Saddleback Medical Centers in Orange County, CA, said. MNT he found the study very interesting and promising.

“I am concerned about the effect of consuming a compound that can increase glucose, which is not normally recommended for cancer. However, its overall effect is the one that should be considered,” Pathak continued.

“One treatment is no longer acceptable, first it depends on the patient’s biology and then it depends on the patient’s choice,” he added. “With fewer side effects, this could be an alternative for those looking for a natural supplement or opting out of treatment altogether. The next steps are testing in humans and determining the safe dosage and effect of the treatment .”

MNT and spoke with Monique Richard, MS, RDN, LDN, FAND, RYT-200, registered dietitian and owner of Nutrition-In-Sight, about this study.

“Despite the many agreements and beneficial properties resulting from the unique ingredients of Manuka honey, the results of the study on the prevention of tumor growth surprised me,” said Richard. “It is important to note that the study was on mice, however, the findings encourage further research to see if the results can be replicated.”

“It is possible that Manuka honey’s long list of ‘anti-‘ benefits – antibacterial, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory – could be extended with ‘antitumor,’ ‘antiproliferative,’ and ‘antimetastatic ‘ potential additive effects. This potent gooey liquid from New Zealand’s Manuka bush pollen is Mother Nature’s gold and has the potential to aid in the treatment of breast cancer without the dangerous toxic side effects.”
– Monique Richard, MS, RDN, LDN, FAND, RYT-200

For readers who wish to include Manuka honey in their diet for the many ‘anti-‘ benefits, Richard recommends following a “less is more” approach:

• try it with a cup of green or black tea
• add hot oatmeal or overnight oats
• mix with nut butter or yogurt
• drizzle over fruit, whole-grain toast, or popcorn
• add to smoothies, roasted vegetables (think carrots, turnips, or potatoes), or granola
• Use in salad dressing, marinade or glaze

“There’s no need to be shy like Winne-the-Pooh with a jar of Manuka honey as it’s high in carbohydrates as it’s mainly glucose-aka sugar, but a teaspoon or a drizzle it can contribute in a special way while providing health benefits.. Other good options to improve the taste and take advantage of this natural treasure are many they are the main ones to reap the fruits of this honey,” he said.