Manuka Honey’s Association with Methylglyoxal and Cancer Sparks Inquiry

August 1, 2024 TruthUSA

Renowned for its distinctive antibacterial properties, emerging evidence suggests that manuka honey may play a role in promoting tumors in cancer.

A study published in Cell in April uncovered a potential connection between methylglyoxal and cancer. Many believe that the therapeutic properties of manuka honey are driven by its abundant levels of this compound. This discovery has piqued the interest of health-conscious individuals in the implications for manuka honey and has raised questions about this popular natural remedy.

The latest research on manuka honey in the realm of cancer offers insight into its safety, effectiveness, and role in promoting health.

What Is Manuka Honey?

Bees produce manuka honey by pollinating the manuka bush, a flowering shrub that is native to New Zealand and southeastern Australia. This honey, derived from the nectar of the flowers, is highly valued for its unique antibacterial properties and potential health advantages. Manuka honey is commonly used in skincare products, wound dressings, and as a natural sweetener. It is also prized for its rich flavor and thick consistency.

What Is Methylglyoxal?

Our cells produce methylglyoxal as a byproduct of glycolysis, a process that occurs when our bodies break down glucose to produce energy. Methylglyoxal is also present in carbohydrate-rich foods and naturally occurs in various types of honey, particularly in manuka.

The methylglyoxal in manuka honey originates from a compound found in the nectar of the flowers known as dihydroxyacetone. The honey produced by bees has high dihydroxyacetone levels but low methylglyoxal levels. However, once stored, this ratio shifts, with dihydroxyacetone levels decreasing and methylglyoxal levels rising in the honey. In food, methylglyoxal can be produced from the dehydration of dihydroxyacetone.

The concentration of methylglyoxal in manuka honey can be up to 100 times higher than in other types of honey. The honey is graded based on its “unique manuka factor” (UMF) rating, with the level of methylglyoxal it contains often serving as an indicator of its quality, potency, and potential health benefits. The UMF rating reflects its antibacterial potency and is directly linked to its methylglyoxal and phenols content.

Current Research on Manuka Honey and Cancer

Many advocates uphold manuka honey for its purported anti-cancer properties, and existing evidence supports this connection. A review published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine in 2013 highlighted several intrinsic properties of manuka honey, 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 individuals turn to manuka honey as a holistic option for cancer care. Nevertheless, Dr. Schulhof cautioned, “It’s important to note that manuka honey isn’t a substitute for treatments such as chemotherapy.”

The interaction between manuka honey and cancer continues to be a subject of ongoing research. A review published in 2021 in Frontiers in Oncology emphasizes that despite evidence supporting the anti-cancer and tumor growth-inhibiting properties of manuka honey, emerging research indicates that it may also play a role in promoting tumors in cancer.

This suggests that while manuka honey may have positive effects on cancer, it could also potentially support the growth of existing tumors.

The authors ultimately attributed a dual role to methylglyoxal in cancer: “On one hand, MGO [methylglyoxal] inhibits tumor growth by inducing cytotoxicity and impairing the expression or activity of factors that are crucial for invasiveness. On the other hand, recent studies show that MGO can essentially support tumor growth by evading programmed cell death and increasing migration.”

Review of the Methylglyoxal and Cancer Study Findings

The study published in Cell earlier this year revealed that when methylglyoxal is released in the body during the breakdown of sugar, it can also suppress a specific gene expression that hinders tumor formation. In essence, elevated levels of methylglyoxal in the body may elevate the risk of developing cancer.

Due to its high methylglyoxal content, excessive intake of manuka honey may counteract its potential anti-cancer benefits until further research is conducted.

5 Proven Benefits of Manuka Honey

While many extol the alleged health benefits of manuka honey and use it regularly for this reason, much of the evidence is anecdotal. However, there are several established benefits:

1. Antibacterial and Antimicrobial Properties

One area where manuka stands out and has evidence to support it 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.

A 2020 systematic review of 16 research articles concluded that manuka honey therapy is effective as an alternate treatment for microbial infections in wounds, including multi-drug-resistant strains of bacteria.

2. Wound Healing and Skin Care

While further research is needed, some evidence suggests that manuka honey plays a role in tissue regeneration during wound healing. It is frequently applied topically to treat cuts and burns. One study, published in Turkish Neurosurgery, found that manuka honey may also reduce scar tissue formation.

3. Gut Health

Research supports manuka honey’s ability to combat H. pylori infections, a contributor to ulcers, as well as salmonella and E. coli, promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.

4. Dental and Oral Health

Manuka honey’s antibacterial properties aid in fighting oral infections. A review published in 2020 demonstrated that manuka honey significantly combated harmful bacteria in the mouth. A clinical trial published in 2004 suggested that manuka honey could serve as a treatment for gingivitis and periodontal disease.

5. Cough and Sore Throat Relief

Research published in BMJ Evidence Based Medicine shows that manuka honey is effective in alleviating symptoms of upper respiratory infections, such as cough and sore throat, and may improve their severity and frequency.

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