Antiangiogenic properties of an unusual benzo[k,l]xanthene lignan derived from CAPE (Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester)

Angiogenesis is normally a highly regulatedprocess that occurs during development, reproduction, andwound repair. However, angiogenesis can also become afundamental pathogenic process in cancer and several otherdiseases. To date, the synthesis of angiogenesis inhibitorshas been researched in several ways also starting frombioactive plant compounds. In the present study, we testedboth in an angiogenesis bioassay and in ovarian cell culture,the potential antiangiogenic effect of a natural-derivedbenzo[k,l]xanthene lignan (5). This unusual compoundwas synthesized through the biomimetic dimerization ofCAPE (Caffeic Acid Phenetyl Ester), a bioactive componentof honeybee propolis. The lignan showed a significant,dose-related inhibitory effect on new vessel growth in theangiogenesis bioassay and it inhibited Vascular EndothelialGrowth Factor secretion in ovarian cell culture. Therefore,we indicate the natural-derived benzo[k,l]xanthene lignan 5as a potential new angiogenesis inhibitor.