Publication

Manuka Honey Reveals Anticancer Activity Through Metabolomics

August 16, 2025

🧠 Introduction

Manuka honey (MH), long prized for its antimicrobial and wound-healing properties, is now showing potential as a natural anticancer agent. A new study led by APMAD-affiliated researchers compares the cytotoxic effects of raw and powdered MH on cancer cells, revealing important metabolomic differences that could inform future therapeutic strategies.

🔍 Research Summary

The study evaluated the antiproliferative impact of both raw and powdered Manuka honey (pMH) on several human and murine cancer cell lines. Using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS), the team identified more than 2,400 compounds across the samples, including 90 phytochemicals such as flavonoids, terpenoids, and coumarins.

Both MH forms inhibited cancer cell growth in a dose-dependent manner, with murine MC38 colorectal cells showing the highest sensitivity. Differences in five major metabolite classes—flavonoids, phenols, terpenoids, carbohydrates, and organic acids—were observed between raw and pMH. Notably, these variations aligned with shifts in metabolic pathways related to energy regulation, amino acid metabolism, and cellular stress response.

🌍 Broader Impact

This study bridges traditional natural products and modern precision tools, offering a molecular-level view of how MH may exert anticancer effects. By linking specific metabolic signatures to biological activity, the research aligns with APMAD’s commitment to integrating omics-driven insights into personalized cancer therapies. Future work may explore how these findings can guide dietary or therapeutic interventions for cancer management.

đź“Ž Reference 

@article{Idriss2024,
  title = {Differential in vitro cytotoxic effects and metabolomic insights into raw and powdered Manuka honey through UPLC-Q-TOF-MS},
  volume = {14},
  ISSN = {2045-2322},
  url = {http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-68387-7},
  DOI = {10.1038/s41598-024-68387-7},
  number = {1},
  journal = {Scientific Reports},
  publisher = {Springer Science and Business Media LLC},
  author = {Idriss,  Ienas and Ali,  Abdelmoneim H. and Alam,  Aftab and Fernandez-Cabezudo,  Maria and Ayyash,  Mutamed and al-Ramadi,  Basel K.},
  year = {2024},
  month = jul 
}

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