Caffeic acid phenethyl ester

Phenethyl_caffeate.svg

Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) is a naturally occurring phenolic compound found in various plants and is a component of propolis, a resinous substance collected by honeybees from tree buds and other botanical sources. CAPE is known for its potential biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties.

Chemical Structure and Properties

Caffeic acid phenethyl ester is an ester of caffeic acid and phenethyl alcohol. Its chemical formula is C17H16O4, and it has a molecular weight of 284.31 g/mol. The compound is characterized by the presence of a catechol moiety and an ester linkage, which contribute to its biological activities.

Sources

CAPE is primarily found in propolis, a substance produced by honeybees from the resin of trees and other botanical sources. Propolis is used by bees to seal gaps in their hives and has been used in traditional medicine for its purported health benefits.

Biological Activities

Anti-inflammatory

CAPE has been shown to inhibit the activity of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), a protein complex that plays a key role in regulating the immune response to infection. By inhibiting NF-κB, CAPE can reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and other mediators of inflammation.

Antioxidant

CAPE exhibits strong antioxidant properties, which help in scavenging free radicals and reducing oxidative stress. This activity is attributed to its ability to donate hydrogen atoms and stabilize free radicals.

Anticancer

Research has indicated that CAPE may have anticancer effects by inducing apoptosis (programmed cell death) in various cancer cell lines. It also inhibits the proliferation of cancer cells and can interfere with tumor growth and metastasis.

Potential Applications

Due to its diverse biological activities, CAPE is being investigated for potential therapeutic applications in the treatment of inflammatory diseases, cancer, and other conditions associated with oxidative stress. However, more research is needed to fully understand its mechanisms of action and to develop effective clinical applications.

Safety and Toxicity

While CAPE has shown promise in preclinical studies, its safety and toxicity profile in humans is not fully established. Further studies are required to determine the appropriate dosages and potential side effects.

See Also

• Caffeic acid
• Propolis
• Phenolic compounds
• Antioxidants
• Anti-inflammatory agents
• Cancer treatment