What is Caffeine?

Molecule of caffeine - ever seen it before?
Chemical name of Caffeine:
1,3,7-trimethylxanthine
or also known as
3,7-dihydro-1,3,7-trimethyl-1H-purine-2,6,-dione

The major pharmacologically active ingredient in coffee is the central nervous system stimulant, caffeine, known chemically as 1,3,7-trimethylxanthine. The dimethylxanthine derivatives, theophylline and theobromine, are also found in a variety of plants.

Caffeine occurs naturally in the leaves, seeds or fruit of more than 60 plant species, of which cocoa-beans, tea, coffee, cola and guarana are the most well known. Caffeine is also added to many popular carbonated drinks, and is a component of a number of pharmacological preparations and over-the-counter medications including analgesics (where caffeine acts as an adjuvant), diet aids, and cold/flu remedies. (Caffeine added to a food or drink must, by law, be included in the ingredients list). In addition, both caffeine and theophylline have bronchodilatory properties, and are used in the treatment of neonatal apnoea (inability of the newborn to breath properly).

Following consumption, caffeine is readily absorbed into the blood and body tissues, and has a half-life of approximately four hours, although estimates for the half-life vary between two and ten hours. Caffeine does not accumulate in the body, being rapidly metabolised and excreted. Smokers break down caffeine more quickly than non-smokers (so the effects do not last so long), while pregnancy tends to slow down the rate at which caffeine is broken down, particularly during the last months. Women taking the contraceptive pill also metabolise caffeine more slowly.

UNDERSTANDING COFFEE, CAFFEINE AND WOMEN'S HEALTH

http://www.coffeescience.org/women.html

http://www.coffeescience.org/studies.html

COFFEE AND BRONCHIAL ASTHMA

http://www.cosic.org/health/index.html

UNDERSTANDING COFFEE, CAFFEINE
AND GASTROINTESTINAL HEALTH

http://www.coffeescience.org/gastro.html
 
UNDERSTANDING COFFEE, CAFFEINE
AND CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE

http://www.coffeescience.org/heart.html