Basic information of Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester (CAPE) Phenethyl caffeate:
Synonyms: 2-Propenoic acid, 3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-, 2-phenylethyl ester, (E)-; CAPE; Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester
Molecular formula: C17H16O4
Molecular weight: 284.3
CAS No.: 115610-29-2
Melt Point: 128.0C to: 129.0C
Solubility: Soluble in DMSO, 100% ethanol, methanol, acetone or acetonitrile; insoluble in water.
Appearance: White to off-white crystalline solid.
Color: White
Molecular structure:
Sources:
Propolis
Beneficial Uses
Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), an active component of propolis from honeybee hives, is known to have
Propolis is a resinous substance that bees collect from tree buds or other botanical sources. It is used as a sealant for unwanted open spaces in the hive. Propolis is used for small gaps (approximately 6.35 millimeters (0.3 in) or less), while larger spaces are usually filled with beeswax. Its color varies from green to reddish brown depending of its botanical source; the most common being dark brown.
For centuries, beekeepers assumed that bees sealed the beehive with propolis to protect the colony from the elements, Such as rain and cold winter drafts. However, 20th century research has revealed that bees not only survive, but also thrive, with increased ventilation during the winter months throughout most temperate regions of the world.
Composition:
The composition of propolis will vary from hive to hive, district to district, and from season to season.
Normally it is dark brown in color, but it can be found in green, red, black and white hues, depending on the sources of resin found in the particular hive area. Bees are opportunists, and will gather what they need from available sources. Occasionally bees will even gather various caulking compounds of human manufacture, when the usual sources are more difficult to obtain. Therefore, various potential medicinal properties may be present in one hive's propolis and absent from another. The properties of the propolis depend on the exact plant sources used by an individual hive, and the distributors of propolis products cannot control such factors. This may account for the many and varied claims regarding its potential medicinal properties and the difficulty in replicating previous scientific studiesinvestigating these claims). Even propolis samples taken from within a single colony can vary, making controlled clinical tests virtually impossible.
The source of propolis varies in a major way with latitude. In temperate climates bees collect resins from trees, mostly poplars and to a lesser extent conifers. The biological role of propolis in trees is to seal wounds and defend against bacteria, fungi and insects. In tropical regions, bees gather propolis from flowers, especially Clusia, that have adapted propolis to attract pollinators. The chemical composition of temperate propolis and tropical propolis are different. Poplar propolis is rich in flavanoids. Clusia propolis contains polyprenylated benzophenones.
In Chile propolis contains viscidone, a terpene from Baccharis species. "Typical" propolis has approximately 50 constituents, primarily resins and vegetable balsams (50%), waxes (30%), essential oils (10%), and pollen (5%). Propolis is sticky at and above room temperature. At lower temperatures it becomes hard and very brittle.
"Sinapic acid, isoferulic acid, caffeic acid and chrysin were isolated from the alcoholic extraction of propolis and identified by spectrometric methods. The first three compounds were shown with inhibitive effect of against Staphylococcus aureus, while chrysin was ineffective."
Functional of propolis
Propolis is marketed by health food stores as a traditional medicine, and for its claimed beneficial effect on human health.
SNatural medicine practitioners often utilize propolis for the relief of various conditions, including inflammations, viral diseases, ulcers, superficial burns or scalds. Some such therapies are based on the traditional practices of Traditional Chinese Medicine, ayurveda or homeopathy. Propolis is also believed to promote heart health and reduce the chances of cataracts.Old beekeepers recommend a piece of propolis kept in the mouth as a remedy for a sore throat. Propolis lozenges can be bought in France.
Though claims have been made for its use in treating allergies, propolis may cause severe allergic reactions if the user is sensitive to bees or bee products.
Few of these folkloric claims have been clinically evaluated at the level of large-scale, randomized, double-blind studies.
Some in-vitro or rat-model studies are available in published biomedical literature. The composition of propolis is variable, depending on season, bee species and geographic location, so caution must be applied in extrapolating results(below).
Depending upon its precise composition propolis may show powerful local antibiotic and antifungal properties. Studies indicate that it may be effective in treating skin burns. Propolis also exhibits immunomodulatory effects.
Propolis has attracted the attention of the dental community, although there is currently no conclusive evidence to support the argument that propolis actively protects against caries and other forms of oral disease.
Propolis can also be used to treat canker sores, and its use in canal debridement for endodontic procedures has been explored in Brazil.
Anti-microbial activity of propolis:
Bacterial effects of Propolis for Upper Respiratory Infections:
Anti-oxidant activity of Propolis:
Antibacterial effect of Propolis on Oral Bacteria & Dental Plaque:
Protective action of Propolis on Cartilage:
Reference
1.Hydroxylated aromatic inhibitors of HIV-1 integrase: T.R. Burke Jr., et al.; J. Med. Chem. 38, 4171 (1995) Abstract
2.Caffeic acid phenethyl ester is a potent and specific inhibitor of activation of nuclear transcription factor NF-kappa B: K.
3.Natarajan, et al.; PNAS 93, 9090 (1996) Abstract
4.Apoptosis and altered redox state induced by caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) in transformed rat fibroblast cells: C. Chiao, et al.; Cancer Res. 55, 3576 (1995) Abstract
5.Inhibitory effects of caffeic acid phenethyl ester on the activity and expression of cyclooxygenase-2 in human oral epithelial cells and in a rat model of inflammation: P. Michaluart, et al.; Cancer Res. 59, 2347 (1999) Abstract
6.Caffeic acid phenethyl ester induces leukocyte apoptosis, modulates nuclear factor-kappa B and suppresses acute inflammation: Z. Orban, et al.; Neuroimmunomodulation 7, 99 (2000) Abstract
7.Caffeic acid phenethyl ester inhibits T-cell activation by targeting both nuclear factor of activated T-cells and NF-kappaB transcription factors: N. Marquez, et al.; J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther. 308, 993 (2004) Abstract
8.Caffeic acid derivatives: in vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory properties: F.M. da Cunha, et al.; Free Radic. Res. 38, 1241 (2004) Abstract
