Propolis Component Helps Prevent Brain Injury

Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester Protects Rabbit Brains Against Permanent Focal Ischemia by Antioxidant Action: A Biochemical and Planimetric Study
Brain Research, Article in Press

Abstract: The present study was conducted to investigate whether caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), an active component of propolis extract, has a protective effect on brain injury after focal permanent cerebral ischemia, and to determine the possible antioxidant mechanisms…

The results showed that treatment with CAPE significantly reduced the percentage of infarction in the ipsilateral hemisphere compared with the ischemia group. CAPE treatment significantly attenuated the elevation of plasma MDA, CAT and XO content (p < 0.05), whereas it significantly increased the levels of plasma GSH and NO (p < 0.05). Therefore, subacute CAPE administration plays a protective role in focal pMCAO due to attenuation of lipid peroxidation and its antioxidant activity.

All of these findings suggest that CAPE provides neuroprotection against cerebral ischemia injury through its antioxidant action.