Best Types of Honey for Cancer Patients: What Research Says

Introduction

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This article is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Cancer patients should always consult with their oncology team before making any changes to their diet or using complementary therapies. Research suggests that certain types of honey may have beneficial effects on cancer patients, but more studies are needed to confirm these findings.

What the Research Actually Shows

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Studies have found that honey has potential benefits in cancer care, particularly in wound healing and pain management (J Bardy et al., 2008; A Saha et al., 2012). For example, a systematic review of honey uses in oncology care found that topical application of honey was effective in promoting wound healing and reducing pain in cancer patients (J Bardy et al., 2008). Another study found that Gelam honey was selectively cytotoxic to liver cancer cells, suggesting its potential as a chemotherapeutic agent (OO Erejuwa et al., 2014).

A review of recent clinical research on honey and health highlighted its potential benefits in healing and cancer treatment (S Samarghandian et al., 2017). The authors noted that honey’s antibacterial and antioxidant properties make it an attractive complementary therapy for cancer patients. However, they also emphasized the need for more high-quality studies to confirm these findings.

Mechanism of Action

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Honey’s potential benefits in cancer care are thought to be due to its high antioxidant and antibacterial content (OO Erejuwa et al., 2014). Antioxidants can help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, which may contribute to cancer development and progression. Honey’s antibacterial properties may also help prevent infections in cancer patients, particularly those with compromised immune systems.

The exact mechanisms of action of honey in cancer care are not fully understood and require further research. However, studies suggest that certain types of honey, such as Manuka or Gelam honey, may have anti-cancer properties due to their high content of polyphenols and other bioactive compounds (NH Othman, 2012).

What We Know vs. What We Don’t Know

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While some studies suggest that honey may have beneficial effects on cancer patients, more research is needed to confirm these findings. The current evidence is largely based on in vitro and animal studies, and few clinical trials have been conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of honey as a complementary therapy in cancer care.

There are also potential risks and side effects associated with using honey for cancer care, such as allergic reactions or interactions with certain medications (A Saha et al., 2012). Cancer patients should always consult with their oncology team before using honey as a complementary therapy to minimize these risks.

Practical Takeaways

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Based on the current evidence, here are some practical takeaways for cancer patients:

• Consult with your oncology team before using honey as a complementary therapy.
• Choose raw, unfiltered honey such as Manuka or Gelam honey, which may have higher antioxidant and antibacterial content.
• Use honey topically to help manage wounds and skin irritation, or orally to help soothe the digestive tract.
• Be aware of potential risks and side effects, such as allergic reactions or interactions with certain medications.

References

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J Bardy et al. “A systematic review of honey uses and its potential value within oncology care.” Journal of Clinical, 2008. PubMed | Full Text PDF | DOI

S Samarghandian et al. “Honey and health: A review of recent clinical research.” Research, 2017. PubMed | Full Text PDF | DOI

OO Erejuwa et al. “Effects of honey and its mechanisms of action on the development and progression of cancer.” Molecules, 2014. PubMed | Full Text PDF | DOI

A Saha et al. “The role of honey in healing of bedsores in cancer patients.” Asian Journal of Cancer, 2012. PubMed | Full Text PDF | DOI

NH Othman. “Honey and cancer: sustainable inverse relationship particularly for developing nations—a review.” Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative, 2012. PubMed | Full Text PDF | DOI

This article is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Cancer patients should always consult with their oncology team before making any changes to their diet or using complementary therapies.