Benefits of Manuka Honey in Fighting Breast Cancer
Italian
Benefits of Manuka Honey in Fighting Breast Cancer
A new study conducted by researchers from the Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of California, Los Angeles, has revealed the potential benefits of Manuka honey as an adjuvant and preventive treatment for breast cancer, especially in cases of hormonal (hormone-sensitive) breast cancer, which is the most common type of breast cancer and accounts for 70-80% of all cases.
According to the study: What is the effect of Manuka honey on breast cancer?
In previous clinical trials, researchers found the following:
Significant reduction in tumor growth: Manuka honey significantly reduced tumor growth, by 84% in mice suffering from hormonal breast cancer cells, without affecting normal cells or causing significant side effects.
Increased effectiveness with increasing dose: When using higher concentrations of Manuka honey, more effective results were observed in reducing the growth of cancer cells.
Inhibition of growth signaling pathways: Manuka honey works to reduce the levels of signaling pathways associated with cancer growth such as AMPK/AKT/mTOR and STAT3, which play a role in the growth and survival of cancer cells.
Targeting cancer cells specifically, but not healthy cells: While Manuka honey reduced the spread of cancer cells, it did not affect the growth of normal breast cells, suggesting that it may specifically target cancer cells.
Manuka honey stimulates cancer cell death.
Enhancing the effectiveness of conventional treatments: Using Manuka honey with tamoxifen, an anti-estrogen drug used to treat estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer, increases the effectiveness of the treatment.
Recent studies on Manuka honey offer promising prospects in the field of breast cancer treatment and improving long-term survival, especially with the increasing challenge of hormone resistance; one of the main factors that makes breast cancer the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women worldwide.
Strengths of using Manuka honey
The unique composition of Manuka honey, which is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatories, such as flavonoids, phytochemicals, complex carbohydrates, vitamins, amino acids, and minerals, makes it a strong candidate for deeper and broader studies.
Anti-cancer properties: Research suggests that components of Manuka honey can block pathways that are active in cancer and contribute to the proliferation, growth and spread of cancer cells.
Blocking estrogen receptors: This property makes it a promising treatment for hormonal breast cancer, as it blocks the action of estrogen, which stimulates the growth of some types of tumors.
Fewer side effects: Compared to conventional chemotherapy, Manuka honey may provide less toxic treatment options.
Natural and available: Manuka honey is a natural product, making it attractive to many patients who prefer alternative or complementary therapies.
Mechanism of study
To investigate the effectiveness of Manuka honey as a natural treatment for breast cancer, researchers conducted a series of laboratory experiments on mice with breast cancer and laboratory breast cancer cells of the two most common types: estrogen receptor positive (MCF-7) and triple negative (MDA-MB-231).
The results showed a significant reduction in tumor size in mice fed Manuka honey compared to control mice, suggesting that Manuka honey could be used as an adjuvant or preventive treatment for breast cancer.
Future Research Directions
The results suggest that Manuka honey could be developed as a natural dietary supplement or even a stand-alone treatment for estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer, especially for patients who are resistant to conventional treatments.
“These findings offer hope for the development of a natural and less toxic alternative to conventional chemotherapy,” said Dr. Diana Marquez-Garban, professor of medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. “Although more research is needed to understand the full benefits of natural compounds in cancer treatment, this study provides a strong foundation for further exploration in this area.”
Research Team
Dr. Diana Marquez-Garban and Dr. Richard Petras are professors at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and members of the Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center at the same university.
Other authors, all from UCLA, include Christian Yanes, Gabriela Larena, Dr. David Elachoff, Nalu Hamilton, Mary Hardy, Madhuri Wadra, and Susan McCloskey. This research was funded in part by the UCLA Breast Cancer Research Program, the UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center Breast Cancer Award, the Hickey Foundation, the National Cancer Institute, Manuka Health, and the Stiles Program in Complementary Oncology.
About the Creator
Kisama Riyo
I have always been interested in poetry and essay, especially rhyme style, so I decided to post my essay here and see if I have any talent in poetry or not.
Keep reading
More stories from Kisama Riyo and writers in Education and other communities.
Benefits of dates for diabetics
Are dates good for diabetics? Dates are very high in sugars compared to other nutrients, which requires monitoring total sugars when consumed by diabetics and others trying to control their blood sugar levels. However, they often do not cause a sharp rise in blood sugar levels when consumed in moderate amounts. In general, eating dates in limited amounts may have several benefits for diabetics, most notably: Dates are a rich source of dietary fiber, with the amount of fiber in 100 grams or a handful of dates being about 7 grams. This fiber is known to help promote digestive health and reduce the risk of constipation. It has been found that eating dietary fiber may significantly benefit patients with constipation problems, and that this may reduce the cost of treating and controlling constipation in Canada, according to a clinical study published in the Journal of Food and Nutrition Research in 2015. In fact, the recommended amount of fiber varies from person to person; for men, it is 38 grams per day, for women 25 grams per day, and for pregnant women 20-35 grams per day. Dates are a rich source of antioxidants. Dates contain a high percentage of antioxidants, reaching about 80400 micromol/100 grams, where the antioxidant content in dates is the highest compared to similar types of fruits; such as figs and dried peaches. It is worth noting that they provide many health benefits to the body, such as reducing the risk of many diseases. The most important antioxidants found in dates are the following: Flavonoids: (Flavonoids), which are powerful antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation. Carotenoids: (Carotenoids), as evidence confirms their importance in promoting heart health. Phenolic acid: which may help reduce the risk of some diseases, as it has anti-inflammatory properties. The importance of antioxidants for diabetics lies in the possibility of reducing complications of the disease, whether obtained from food or from nutritional supplements, according to a review published in the Asian and Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine in 2016. The recommended amount of antioxidants ranges from 8,000-11,000 units per day at least to prevent the risk of oxidative stress, and this required value increases in cases of illness, smoking, exposure to air pollution, or sleep disorders. Dates may help control blood sugar levels Dates contain magnesium, which may play a role in controlling blood sugar levels in diabetics. A regular and high intake of magnesium in diabetics may help improve glucose metabolism and blood sugar control, as shown by a clinical study published in the journal Diabetes/Metabolism Research and Reviews in 2020. It is worth noting that a medium-sized date contains about 3 milligrams of magnesium, while the recommended amount of magnesium for men is about 400-420 mg, for women about 310-320 mg, and for pregnant women is between 350-360 mg. Dates may help reduce insulin resistance Eating dates may help reduce insulin resistance because they contain the following beneficial elements: Potassium: Dates contain potassium, which may play an important role in reducing insulin resistance. Low potassium levels in healthy people have been shown to be associated with higher blood sugar and insulin levels, according to research published by the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in 2011. Phytoestrogen: Dates contain high levels of phytoestrogen, which may reduce insulin resistance and help control blood sugar levels in diabetics and those suffering from obesity. The role of phytoestrogen, which can be obtained from food sources, was noted in a study published in the World Journal of Diabetes in 2015. The potassium content in dates is about 47 milligrams, while the recommended daily intake of potassium for men is about 3,400 milligrams, for women about 2,600 milligrams, and for pregnant women about 2,500-2,900 milligrams depending on age.Can diabetics eat dates? Diabetics must follow a special diet prescribed by their doctor, which helps keep blood sugar levels within the normal range. In fact, diabetics can eat dates in moderation, while informing their doctor, paying attention to the size of the date that the person eats, as it varies from one type to another, and thus the appropriate amount for them is determined according to the size. The amount of dates that diabetics can eat should not exceed the amount allowed for type 1 and type 2 diabetes, which is 1-2 dates per day. The same applies to pregnant women, as they should be eaten in moderation, especially if the risk of gestational diabetes is high, as the pregnant woman should consult a doctor about the safety of eating dates during pregnancy. Dates are also considered a very important fruit for the health of children, including infants, and can be introduced to their food gradually, starting with one date by mashing it with other types of fruits, and gradually increasing to 2-3 dates per day, but large amounts of dates should be avoided for the child due to the health damage it may cause; Warnings about eating large quantities of dates Although dates contain many elements and benefits, and dates do not conflict with any specific medication, they should be eaten in moderation; because eating a lot of them may have many negative effects, including: Weight gain: This is because dates contain a high percentage of sugar and calories. Feeling full and uncomfortable: Because dates contain fiber, they take longer to digest, so eating them in large quantities after eating a large meal may lead to a feeling of discomfort and fullness in the stomach. Article summary Dates are a nutritional source of many dietary fibers, antioxidants, and many elements, such as potassium, magnesium, and others, which studies have proven to have many benefits for diabetics. On the other hand, dates contain a lot of calories, so they should be eaten in moderation by diabetics, noting the importance of the type and size of dates, which greatly affects the recommended amount, so it is recommended to consult a specialist doctor about this matter.
By Kisama Riyo about a year ago in Education
Innovation and Adaptability in Action: How to Thrive in a Fast-Changing World
The modern world changes fast. New tools, new ideas, and new challenges appear every day. People and organizations must respond with speed and purpose. This is why innovation and adaptability matter more than ever. These skills help individuals, teams, and businesses stay strong during change. They support growth, learning, and long-term success. When change feels constant, the right mindset can turn risk into opportunity. Innovation and adaptability are not abstract ideas. They are daily actions. They guide how we solve problems, learn new skills, and adjust plans. They help us move forward when old ways no longer work. In a world shaped by technology, climate issues, and social shifts, these qualities are essential.
By Brian Ferdinand5 days ago in Education
Comments
There are no comments for this story
Be the first to respond and start the conversation.