Propolis is a natural substance,which has been widely used in foods and health care products to prevent diseases. Its various and prominent biological activities play an important role in human health.Caffeic acid phenethyl ester(CAPE) is the main active component of propolis, which has been widely studied for its various pharmacological effects such as antioxidative,anti-inflammation,immunomodulatory,antibacterial,antitumoral and so on. This article systemically reviewed the recent progress in the separation and extraction, structure and synthetic methods,pharmacological activity,and other aspects of Caffeic acid phenethyl ester,which will help further development and application of the medicinal value of Caffeic acid phenethyl ester.