Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), a natural phenolic compound, is the ester of caffeic acid and phenethyl alcohol. It is found in various plants and is a component of propolis from honeybee hives. CAPE has been studied for its potential pharmacological properties, including antimitogenic, anticarcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects in vitro. Research indicates that CAPE can suppress acute immune and inflammatory responses and has shown anti-cancer properties in animal models, such as reducing the number of papillomas in mice skin treated with bee propolis and exposed to TPA. Additionally, CAPE may help reduce oxidative stress caused by traumatic brain injury.
In terms of its mechanism, CAPE is known to be a potent and specific inhibitor of the nuclear transcription factor NF-kappa B, which plays a crucial role in regulating the immune response and inflammation. This inhibition contributes to its anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activities. Studies have demonstrated that CAPE induces leukocyte apoptosis and modulates NF-kappa B, further supporting its role in acute inflammation suppression.
CAPE’s potential therapeutic applications are diverse. It has been investigated for its ability to inhibit the growth of various cancer cell lines, including androgen-independent prostate cancer cells, where it induces cell cycle arrest and growth inhibition. In colorectal cancer models, CAPE induces apoptosis and inhibits cellular and tumor growth. Furthermore, CAPE exhibits cardioprotective properties, decreases blood pressure, and inhibits 5-lipoxygenase, an enzyme involved in the inflammatory response.
In vivo studies have shown that CAPE can decrease body weight gain and fat mass in animals fed a high-fat diet, potentially by inhibiting adipogenesis. It also reduces levels of AST and lactate dehydrogenase and suppresses lipid peroxidation. These findings suggest that CAPE could be a valuable compound in the development of treatments for inflammatory conditions, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer.
The above information is displayed for information purpose only, and has not been reviewed by EON nor does EON attests or validates the accuracy nor does it constitutes a recommendation or validation.
Other Names | Caffeic acid phenethyl ester, CAPE |
---|---|
IUPAC Name | 2-phenylethyl (E)-3-(3, 4-dihydroxyphenyl)prop-2-enoate |
CAS | 104594-70-9 |
Molecular Weight | 284.31 |
Molecular Formula | C17H16O4 |
SMILES | C1=CC=C(C=C1)CCOC(=O)/C=C/C2=CC(=C(C=C2)O)O |