Caffeic acid analog

PhytochemicalPhenolic acidBest with a meal

What is it

Caffeic acid analogs are derivatives of caffeic acid, a common plant polyphenol. The most notable in supplements is caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), the major bioactive of bee propolis. Caffeic acid itself is widely distributed in plant foods (coffee, fruits, vegetables, herbs).

Evidence for 2 uses

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects

Limited Evidence

Propolis (which contains CAPE among other compounds) has modest evidence for antioxidant effects and topical anti-inflammatory uses; isolated CAPE has impressive preclinical data and limited clinical data.

Cancer prevention or adjunct treatment

Mixed Evidence

Promising preclinical data but no controlled human trials support clinical claims.

How it works

CAPE and related caffeic acid analogs are potent NF-kB inhibitors and antioxidants in laboratory studies. They show anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and anticancer activity in cell culture and animal models. CAPE in particular has attracted interest as a possible adjunctive cancer-prevention or treatment-support agent, although clinical evidence in humans is limited. Most dietary exposure to caffeic acid comes from coffee, which provides 0.5-2 g/day in regular drinkers as chlorogenic acid (a caffeic acid-quinic acid ester). Supplement-form CAPE products usually deliver propolis extract or isolated CAPE.

Dosage

No RDA. Propolis extracts standardized to CAPE content vary; typical doses are 100-500 mg of propolis extract per day. Isolated CAPE is rarely sold as a standalone consumer product.

When and how to take it

Most propolis or CAPE supplements are taken once or twice daily with food. No specific timing recommendation.

2 commercial forms

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Propolis extract (CAPE-containing)

Most common source in supplements.

CAPE is well absorbed but rapidly metabolized.

Isolated CAPE

Not commonly available as a standalone consumer product.

Rapidly hydrolyzed in vivo to caffeic acid.

Safety

Generally well tolerated at typical doses. Propolis (the main delivery vehicle for CAPE in supplements) is a recognized allergen, particularly in people with bee or beekeeping exposure. Side effects of propolis include skin reactions, oral irritation, and rarely anaphylaxis.

Who should be cautious

Avoid propolis-derived products if you have a known bee, propolis, or balsam of Peru allergy. Pregnancy and breastfeeding cautions apply for concentrated CAPE products; dietary caffeic acid from foods is fine.

Interactions

Theoretical interactions with anticoagulants and antiplatelet medications. CAPE inhibits some CYP enzymes in vitro; clinical relevance is unclear.

Food sources

Coffee (chlorogenic acid)

Amount
50-100 mg per cup
%DV
—

Apples, blueberries, sunflower seeds (caffeic acid)

Amount
trace to mg
%DV
—

Propolis

Amount
variable
%DV
—

Frequently asked questions

Is CAPE the same as caffeine?⌄

No. Despite the name, CAPE is unrelated to caffeine. It is a caffeic acid derivative from propolis.

Does propolis allergy matter?⌄

Yes. Propolis is a significant allergen, particularly in people exposed to bees or beekeeping products.

References

Caffeic acid analog on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Caffeic acid analog on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Caffeic acid analog (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.