Breast cancer: consuming this honey helps in healing!

Manuka honey, traditionally known for its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, could offer new hope in the fight against breast cancer, according to a study conducted by researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

This honey, produced in New Zealand, is distinguished by its richness in flavonoids, phytochemical compounds, complex carbohydrates, vitamins, amino acids, and minerals, which potentially give it anticancer properties. Scientists have explored its effectiveness in the prevention and treatment of breast cancer, particularly for estrogen-sensitive types, which are the most common.


As part of this study, experiments were conducted on mice with ER-positive breast cancer cells, which represent 70 to 80% of breast cancer cases. The results showed that oral administration of Manuka honey reduced tumor growth by 84% without affecting normal breast cells or causing major side effects.

This result is promising, as it suggests a specific action of the honey on cancer cells, thus reducing the risk of toxicity often associated with traditional treatments.

In addition to reducing the proliferation of cancer cells, Manuka honey also seems to enhance the effectiveness of existing treatments, such as tamoxifen, a commonly used anti-estrogen drug for ER-positive breast cancer. This synergy between honey and traditional treatments could offer a less toxic alternative to chemotherapy, especially for patients who develop resistance to standard treatments.

Researchers hypothesize that one of the mechanisms of action of Manuka honey could be blocking estrogen receptors, making cancer cells more vulnerable. However, they emphasize the need for further research to better understand the potential benefits of natural compounds in cancer therapy.

According to Diana Marquez-Garban, associate professor of medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and lead author of the study, these results pave the way for new therapeutic perspectives for breast cancer. The development of natural supplements or treatments based on Manuka honey could thus offer an additional option to patients, particularly those who do not respond to conventional therapies.