Propolis as a Complex Compound May Contain Many Active Ingredients Like Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester (CAPE)

Abstract

We have read with great interest the article “Propolis induced mania with psychotic features: A case report” b y O z c a n e t a l . i n B u l l e t i n o f C l i n i c a l Psychopharmacology. The authors reported that high dose of propolis may have been the triggering factor of the manic symptoms with psychotic features. We would like to add some valuable information for both propolis and its active component, caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) (Figure 1) to explain why such type of symptoms might occur after propolis ingestion. For a better understanding of the cellular mechanisms of these potential psychiatric side effects, the authors should have mentioned the ingredients of propolis mixture, which have different physical, chemical, and functional properties. Propolis has been used in folkloric medicine for