Honeybee venom could kill breast cancer in an hour – study
Scientists at the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research in Western Australia are exploring a new study that could potentially birth a cure for cancer.
The research is on a compound in honey bee venom called melittin, which has been found can target and kill cancer cells within an hour, reports Brighter Side News.
The website reviews hundreds of news stories daily and then highlights the best, most impactful stories on discoveries, technologies, and scientific achievements, among other topics.
It says scientists are exploring the potential of bee venom, focusing specifically on its molecular structure and how it can be harnessed in the fight against breast cancer, the most common cancer affecting women globally.
“This research could serve as a foundation for developing and refining potent new therapies that utilise a resource both abundant and cost-effective to produce in various global communities,” the page reports.
Melittin is the main component and the major pain-producing substance of honeybee venom.
It is a basic peptide consisting of 26 amino acids.
“Its amphipathic properties enable it to interact with the phospholipids in cell membranes, ultimately leading to cell death,” Brighter Side News states.
According to the website, scientists at the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research tested melittin venom collected from over 300 honeybees and bumblebees against triple-negative and HER2-enriched - two aggressive and difficult-to-treat types of breast cancer- and reached a startling revelation.
“Their findings revealed that melittin could destroy breast cancer cells within just an hour, remarkably sparing healthy cells,” it said.
Currently, chemotherapy is the best-known cancer treatment procedure globally, with varied rates of success among patients.
The new study could potentially aid in the development of treatment for the most aggressive types of cancer, including breast.
The research findings revealed that besides killing cancer cells, melittin can also inhibit molecules that are overexpressed in cancer cells and halt the spread of malignant growth.
“The study further demonstrated that when melittin was combined with chemotherapy drugs, it facilitated the formation of pores in the cancer cell membrane, potentially increasing the effectiveness of these therapies in penetrating and destroying cancer cells."
Scientists at the university said future experience will be required to formally assess the maximum tolerant doses and toxicities and optimum delivery of melittin.
