Bee Propolis (Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester) Against Cancer

Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) is the vital natural phenolic chemical composite present in a variety of plants which is also abundantly present in the honeybee hives as propolis. It is the combination of caffeic acid and phenethyl alcohol. There are many studies reported the pharmacological and physiological activities of CAPE in a variety of in-vitro and in-vivo models. CAPE has shown clinical significance as anti-mitogenic, anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic, antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and immunomodulatory activities. CAPE or bee propolis leads to an abrupt cell cycle, which mitigates NF-kB signals, induces apoptosis, and inhibits angiogenesis in cancer cells. CAPE has the ability of anti-angiogenic substances that may reduce tumor invasion and neovascularization. The purpose of this chapter was to summarize the anticancer potential of bee propolis but other activities such as neuroprotective, and hepatoprotective, along with the nutraceutical application of CAPE will be discussed.