Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester (CAPE) in Romanian Propolis
Abstract
Introduction. Propolis is an important bee product, rich in biologically active compounds (Mărghitaș et al., 2013). It is collected by the bees from buds and exudates of different trees and plants and it has been used since ancient times as a natural remedy or in embalming process. Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) is one of the main medicinal components of propolis, possessing important biological activities, such as anti-bacterial, anti-oxidant anti-inflammatory and the most important anti-cancer properties (Son and Lewis, 2002).
Aims. Taking into account that CAPE is an excellent compound in cancer, hepatitis and other oxidative stress diseases treatment; we consider that knowing the amount of this compound in Romanian propolis is a very challenging proposal.
Materials and Methods. Different propolis samples were harvested in Transilvania, Romania, freeze immediately after harvest, finely ground, extracted with 70% ethylic alcohol and analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography. The measurements were done on a Shimadzu equipment, using acetonitril:water as mobile phase. To calculate the amount of CAPE in the samples, a calibration curve of different concentrations of standard compound was constructed. Results were expressed as mg/g propolis.
Results: The analyzed propolis samples show that beside different phenolic acids and flavonoiuds, Romanian propolis is also rich in CAPE. Concentrations ranging from 0.86 to 3.87mgCAPE/g was measured and correlated with high amounts of chrysin. High concentrations of caffeic acid  (1.4 mg/ml) and pinocembrin (2.85 mg/g) were also determined in the analyzed samples.
Conclusion. HPLC analysis of propolis samples from different locations in Romania, has highlighted the fact that they contain large amounts of CAPE. This propolis may be used successfully in the treatment of various diseases, including cancer.
References
- Mărghitaș L., Dezmirean D. and Bobiș O. (2013). Important developments in Romanian propolis research, Evid. Based Complement. Alternat. Med., 2013:159392.
- Son S. And Lewis B.A. (2002). Free radical scavenging and antioxidative activity of caffeic acid amide and ester analogues: structure-activity relationship. J.Agric.Food Chem. 50:468-472.
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