Chemotherapeutic Potentials of Honey in Cancer Management: A Prospect for Integrative Oncology

Abstract

Honey has attracted increasing interest as a natural adjunctive agent in integrative oncology because of its diverse bioactive constituents and potential effects on cancer-related cellular mechanisms. This review synthesized evidence on the anticancer properties of honey, including its mechanisms of action, effects in different cancer models, and possible supportive role alongside conventional cancer therapies. A literature search was conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE and Google Scholar from database inception to December 2025, supplemented by manual searching of reference lists. Search terms included combinations such as “honey AND cancer,” “Manuka honey AND apoptosis,” and “honey AND chemotherapy.” Eligible studies included in vitro, animal, and clinical investigations assessing whole honey of any botanical origin in cancer models. Non-English articles and studies focusing on other bee products were excluded. After duplicate removal and stepwise screening, 107 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis. Evidence suggests that honey may inhibit tumor cell proliferation through prooxidant and pro-apoptotic effects, enhance immune responses by modulating macrophages, T lymphocytes, natural killer cells, and cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1, and IL-6, and suppress inflammatory pathways including COX-2. Honey may also influence estrogen receptor signaling in breast cancer. In addition, it has shown potential in reducing chemotherapy-induced complications such as oral mucositis, nephrotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, and suppressed hematopoiesis. Overall, honey appears promising as a supportive adjunct in oncology, but larger randomized clinical trials are needed to standardize preparations, determine optimal dosing and administration routes, and clarify molecular targets in humans.