New research suggests that manuka honey, prized for its antibacterial properties, may have a tumor-promoting role in cancer. A study published in Cell in April found a potential link between methylglyoxal and cancer, a compound believed to be responsible for the therapeutic properties of manuka honey. This discovery raises questions about the popular natural remedy and its implications for health-conscious individuals.
What Is Manuka Honey?
Bees produce manuka honey by pollinating the manuka bush, a flowering shrub native to New Zealand and southeastern Australia. The honey made from the nectar of the flowers is highly regarded and known for its unique antibacterial properties and potential health benefits. The honey is often used in skincare products, wound dressings, and as a natural sweetener. Manuka honey is also prized for its rich flavor and thick texture.
What Is Methylglyoxal?
Our cells produce methylglyoxal as a byproduct of glycolysis, which occurs when our bodies break down glucose to create energy. Methylglyoxal is also found in foods rich in carbohydrates and naturally occurs in various types of honey. It is especially abundant in manuka.
Existing Research on Manuka Honey and Cancer
Many proponents revere manuka honey for its supposed anti-cancer properties, and there is existing evidence to support this connection. A review published in 2013 in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine highlighted several of manuka honey’s inherent properties, including its apoptotic, antiproliferative, and antitumor necrosis factor components.
Dr. Zev Schulhof, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon at Iconic Implants, explained to The Epoch Times in an email, “Some studies have shown that this type of honey can induce apoptosis in cancer cells, which causes them to die.” He continued, “It has also been found to cause DNA fragmentation in cancer cells.”
Some people turn to manuka honey as a holistic alternative for cancer care. However, Dr. Schulhof cautioned, “It’s important to note that manuka honey isn’t a substitute for treatments such as chemotherapy.”
This means that while manuka honey may have some beneficial effects on cancer, it could also potentially promote the growth of existing tumors.
The authors ultimately assigned methylglyoxal with a dual role when it comes to cancer: “On one hand, MGO [methylglyoxal] inhibits tumor growth by inducing cytotoxicity and impairing the expression or activity of factors having a pivotal role in invasiveness. On the other hand, recent studies demonstrate that MGO can support tumor growth essentially through the evasion from programmed cell death and the increased migration.”
Review of the Methylglyoxal and Cancer Study Findings
The study published in Cell earlier this year found that when methylglyoxal is released in the body during the breaking down of sugar, it can also suppress a particular gene expression that prevents the formation of tumors. In other words, elevated methylglyoxal levels in the body may lead to an increased risk of developing cancer.
5 Proven Benefits of Manuka Honey
Though many people praise the purported health benefits of manuka honey and use it regularly for this reason, much of the evidence is anecdotal. However, there are several proven benefits:
1. Antibacterial and Antimicrobial Properties
One area where manuka shines and has the research to back it up is in its antibacterial activity. A review published in 2018 in AIMS Microbiology credits its methylglyoxal content for this property. In 2017, a study published in the Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences found that manuka honey with higher levels of methylglyoxal is effective against drug-resistant bacteria.
2. Wound Healing and Skin Care
Though further research is needed, some evidence suggests that manuka honey plays a role in regenerating tissue during wound healing. It is often applied topically to treat cuts and burns. One study, published in Turkish Neurosurgery found that manuka honey may also reduce the formation of scar tissue.
3. Gut Health
There is research supporting manuka honey’s ability to help fight off H. pylori infections, a contributor to ulcers, as well as salmonella and E. coli. It also promotes the flourishing of beneficial bacteria in the gut.
