A study published in Cell in April found a potential link between methylglyoxal and cancer. Many believe that manuka honey’s therapeutic properties are driven by its high amounts of this compound. The discovery sparks interest in its implications for manuka honey among health-conscious individuals and raises questions concerning the popular natural remedy.

The latest findings about manuka honey and their significance in the context of cancer research help to understand its safety, efficacy, and role in supporting our health.

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.

The methylglyoxal in manuka honey originates from a compound found in the nectar of the flowers known as dihydroxyacetone. The honey produced by the bees has high levels of dihydroxyacetone but low levels of methylglyoxal. However, once the honey is stored, this relationship inverts, and the dihydroxyacetone level drops while the methylglyoxal level in the honey rises. In foods, methylglyoxal can be generated from the dehydration of dihydroxyacetone.

The amount of methylglyoxal found in manuka honey can be up to 100 times that found in other types of honey. The honey is graded based on its “unique manuka factor” (UMF) rating. The level the honey contains is often used as a measure of its quality and potency and is believed to be indicative of its potential health benefits. The UMF rating indicates its antibacterial strength and is directly related to its methylglyoxal and phenols content.

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.”

The relationship between manuka honey and cancer is an ongoing topic of research. A review published in 2021 in Frontiers in Oncology highlights that, although evidence supports the anti-cancer and tumor growth inhibitive properties of manuka honey, emerging evidence suggests that it may take on a tumor-promoting role in cancer.

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.

Given its high methylglyoxal content, excessive consumption of manuka honey may be counterintuitive as an anti-cancer approach until more is known.

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.

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

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.

4. Dental and Oral Health

Manuka honey’s antibacterial properties play a part in fighting off oral infections as well. A review published in 2020 showed that manuka honey significantly fought off harmful bacteria in the mouth. A clinical trial published in 2004 suggests that manuka honey can function 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 treating the symptoms of upper respiratory infections, such as cough and sore throat, and may improve their severity and frequency.