Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester: A Potential Therapeutic Cancer Agent?

Background: Propolis and its major phenolic compound, caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), have garnered considerable scientific interest due to their anti-inflammatory properties and potential therapeutic applications.

Objectives: This narrative review explores the potential utility of CAPE in cancer treatment.

Methods: We comprehensively reviewed relevant studies from scientific databases (PubMed and Web of Science) from 2000 to 2022. Our search focused on keywords such as cancer, natural drugs, caffeic acid phenethyl ester, CAPE, cancer cell lines, antitumor effects, and propolis.

Results: CAPE exhibits diverse biological benefits, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, and potentially anti-carcinogenic properties. Numerous studies have demonstrated its wide-ranging antitumor effects on various cancer cell lines, including growth inhibition, apoptosis induction, tumor invasiveness prevention, malignancy suppression, and anti-angiogenic activity.

Conclusion: Following comprehensive preclinical toxicity assessments, further evaluation of CAPE's efficacy and safety through clinical trials is highly recommended to elucidate its potential health benefits in diverse forms of human cancer.

 

Comments:

Your narrative review provides a comprehensive overview of the potential utility of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) in cancer treatment. The focus on its diverse biological benefits, ranging from antimicrobial and antioxidant properties to anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic effects, adds depth to the discussion. The exploration of CAPE's impact on various cancer cell lines, including its ability to inhibit growth, induce apoptosis, prevent tumor invasiveness, suppress malignancy, and exhibit anti-angiogenic activity, highlights its multifaceted potential in cancer therapy.

The conclusion rightly emphasizes the importance of further research, especially through clinical trials, to evaluate CAPE's efficacy and safety in treating different forms of human cancer. The call for comprehensive preclinical toxicity assessments before advancing to clinical trials reflects a responsible approach to ensure the well-being of patients. This narrative review serves as a valuable resource for researchers and clinicians interested in the potential therapeutic applications of propolis and CAPE in cancer treatment.

Related Products

Cat.No.	Product Name	Information
S7414	Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester	Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE, Phenylethyl Caffeate) is a potent and specific inhibitor of NF-κB activation, and also displays antioxidant, immunomodulatory and antiinflammatory activities.

Related Targets

NF-κB