Biochem/physiol Actions
Caffeic acid phenethyl ester is a specific inhibitor of the nuclear transcription factor NF-κB.
Application
Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) is the active component of propolis, a honeybee hive product.1 Caffeic acid phenethyl ester is a specific inhibitor of the nuclear transcription factor, NF-κB.2 CAPE has been shown to significantly suppress the lipoxygenase pathway of arachidonic acid metabolism during inflammation.3,4 Caffeic acid phenethyl ester inhibits HIV-1 integrase,5,6 and also inhibits proliferation of transformed cells.7,8 It induces apoptosis in transformed fibroblasts,9 and interferes with EGF signal transduction affecting both protein kinase C and ornithine decarboxylase activity.7