Propolis Component May Help Slow or Preventing Progression of Parkinson’s Disease

Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester Prevents 1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine-induced NeurodegenerationNeuroscience, Article in Press

Parkinson’s disease is associated with the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra and decreased striatal dopamine levels. We now report that caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), an active component of propolis, attenuated dopaminergic neurodegeneration and dopamine loss in the MPTP mouse model of Parkinson’s disease.

The neuroprotective effect of CAPE was associated with marked reductions in iNOS and caspase 1 expression. Additionally, CAPE inhibited MPP+-induced neurotoxicity in vitro and directly inhibited MPP+-induced release of cytochrome c and apoptosis inducing factor (AIF) from mitochondria.

Thus, CAPE may have beneficial effects in slowing or preventing the progression of Parkinson’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders.