Fitoterapia. 2002 Nov; 73 Suppl 1(): S53-63.

Phytochemical compounds involved in the anti-inflammatory effect of propolis extract.

Borrelli F, Maffia P, Pinto L, Ianaro A, Russo A, Capasso F, Ialenti A.

Department of Experimental Pharmacology, University of Naples 'Federico II', Via D. Montesano 49, 80131, Naples, Italy.

Two ethanolic propolis extracts (EPE) with and without the caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), CAPE and galangin (major components of propolis) were investigated for anti-inflammatory activity in rats using carrageenin foot oedema, carrageenin pleurisy and adjuvant arthritis. In our experiments, EPE with CAPE and CAPE alone significantly inhibited carrageenin oedema, carrageenin pleurisy and adjuvant arthritis. In contrast EPE without CAPE and galangin did not exhibit anti-inflammatory effects in acute and chronic inflammation. These results suggest that the anti-inflammatory activity of propolis is due to CAPE.