Abbreviations CAPE | ||
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Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) is a natural phenolic chemical compound. It is the ester of caffeic acid and phenethyl alcohol.
Contents
Natural occurrences
CAPE is found in a variety of plants. It is also a component of propolis from honeybee hives.
Potential pharmacology
A variety of in vitro pharmacology and effects in animal models have been reported for CAPE, but their clinical significance is unknown. A study using CAPE showed a positive effect on reducing carcinogenic incidence. It is known to have antimitogenic, anticarcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties in vitro. Another study also showed that CAPE suppresses acute immune and inflammatory responses and holds promise for therapeutic uses to reduce inflammation. This anti-cancer effect was also seen when mice skin was treated with bee propolis and exposed to TPA, a chemical that induced skin papillomas. CAPE significantly reduced the number of papillomas.
