Honeycomb 'Kills Breast Cancer'
Scientists in Australia say research has found honey poisoning kills breast cancer cells.
Toxins - containing a chemical called melittin - are used on its own in two complex forms.
The discovery is not a secret, but scientists warn that re-testing is needed.
Breast cancer is a disease that mainly affects many women around the world.
While there are thousands of chemicals that can fight the disease in experiments, experts say only a few can be processed to treat humans.
Honeycomb has previously been found to contain antibodies to other organisms such as melanoma.
This study by Harry Perkins Medical Center in Western Australia was published in the journal Nature Precision Oncology for review.
What did the study find?
More than 300 bees have been tested.
The venom was found to be "extremely strong", according to Ciara Duffy, a 25-year-old graduate and specialist who led the study.
There is a chemical in the venom that is seen to kill itself within an hour, without any serious damage to the organism.
Studies have also shown that melittin can inhibit the regeneration of cancer cells.
While this ingredient is found in honey, it can also be produced in a concentrated form.
Traditionally, a third type of breast cancer - which is the most dangerous - can be treated with surgery and hair removal. It occurs in 10 to 15 percent of cancers.
Can it be used in the future?
On Wednesday, one of the scientific leaders described the study as something of "extreme joy."
"It again provides a good example of how chemicals derived from the insect species can cure diseases that afflict humans," said Professor Peter Klinken.
But researchers warn that they need to re-work to see if the honey poisoning really can end cancer.
Some researchers agree. "It's a good thing," said Professor Alex Swarbrick, of Garvan Medical Center in Sydney.
'' Many chemicals kill breast cancer cells that can be found in insects or animals.
"But there is still work to be done to re-evaluate these findings," he told the BBC.
Cancer is a deadly disease that are affecting the globe at large