Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) is a natural phenolic chemical compound. It is the ester of caffeic acid and phenethyl alcohol.

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. It has antimitogenic, anticarcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties in vitro. Another study also showed that CAPE suppresses acute immune and inflammatory responses in vitro. 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. Recent study suggest that CAPE can also help in reducing oxidative stress caused by traumatic brain injury.