Caffeic acid phenethyl ester

CAPE (Caffeic acid phenethyl ester) is a constituent of the propolis of honeybee hives and has been shown to contain inhibitory effects on induced papilloma promotion in mice. Studies have shown that CAPE acts as an anti-proliferative agent in over-productive cell growth. It is also shown that CAPE can cause DNA fragmentation and apoptosis which can have toxic results towards cloned rat embryo fibroblast (CREF) cells. In addition, CREF cells depleted of cellular glutathione (GSH) seemed to be more sensitive to CAPE-induced cell death.

CAPE has been reported to have anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties. CAPE also inhibits HIV-1 integrase. The anti-inflammatory characteristics have been thought to be due to suppression of the lipoxygenase pathway of arachidonic acid metabolism by CAPE. Studies have also demonstrated CAPE to be a specific and potent inhibitor of activation of nuclear transcription factor NF kappa B, which is a protein complex that controls the transcription of DNA. CAPE (Caffeic Acid Phenethylester) is an inhibitor of ODC and Tyrosine Kinase.