Caffeine

Caffeine (1,3,7-trimethylxanthine) is found in coffee beans and leaves, tea leaves, cocoa beans, and cola nuts. It is most commonly extracted from tea leaves (1.3-3.5% caffeine) and as a by-product of decaffeinated coffee production. Due to its stimulating effect on the central nervous system, caffeine and beverages containing it are used as heart and circulatory stimulants. Caffeine’s action is based on its inhibitory effect on phosphodiesterase, which breaks down cAMP into AMP in cells producing adrenaline, thus prolonging the action of adrenaline.

Caffeine

Source | Glossary of Most Commonly Used Biomedical Terms and Concepts | Lithuanian University of Health Sciences | Academician Professor Antanas Praškevičius, Professor Laima Ivanovienė