Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester: A Potential Anticancer Bioactive Constituent of Propolis

Background: Currently, synthetic therapeutic drugs used in cancer treatment are targeting cancerous tissues that also affect noncancerous dividing cells, which exhibit side effects that decrease the immune response and affect the quality of life. Traditional/ natural products are well proven for a variety of therapeutically active chemical constituents. Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) is one of the bioactive molecules found in the natural product propolis is now attracting researcher’s interest because of its anticancer potential. Objective: The aim of this review is to summarize and critically analyze the current evidence on the therapeutic effects of CAPE in various types of cancer cells, both in terms of in vitro and in vivo, along with supportive anti-inflammatory & antioxidant activity in cancer therapy. Methods: This study focused on the mechanism pathways, synergism of CAPE. Various conventional and advanced targeted nanotechnology based formulation approaches developed for the delivery of CAPE as a promising therapeutic agent were also discussed in detail in terms of challenges and future opportunities. Conclusion: Overall study summarized and demonstrated the excellent therapeutic potential, mechanisms, and formulation approaches of CAPE as a therapeutic bioactive molecule. Study and research further can be initiated for the investigation of biopharmaceutical aspects for therapeutic and clinical applications.