Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester (CAPE) in Romanian

Propolis is an important bee product, rich in biologically active compounds. 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-inϐlammatory and the most important anti-cancer properties. Taking into account that CAPE is an excellent compound in cancer, hepatitis and other oxidative stress diseases treatment, knowing the amount of this compound in Romanian propolis is a very challenging proposal. To identiϐiy and qualtify the amount of CAPE in the samples, chromatographic determinations were made according to existing method developed in APHIS Laboratory.The analyzed propolis samples show that beside different phenolic acids and ϐlavonoiuds, 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. 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