What is caffeine and its structure?
Chemical Structure of Caffeine Caffeine is an alkaloid and is formed by pyrimidinedione and imidazole rings which are fused together. It should be noted that pyrimidinedione is a 6-member ring having 2 nitrogen atoms while an imidazole ring is a 5-member ring having 2 nitrogen atoms. Caffeine is the world’s most widely consumed psychoactive drug. Unlike most other psychoactive substances, caffeine remains largely unregulated and legal in nearly all parts of the world.Caffeine is naturally found in coffee, tea, cocoa beans, and some plants like guarana. It may be added to energy drinks, colas, and some sports or weight-loss supplements. Coffee has the highest caffeine content, with 90 mg per 200 ml cup of brewed coffee.Although this drug is most commonly sourced from coffee beans, it can also naturally occur in certain types of tea and cacao beans and as an additive to soda and energy drinks. Caffeine consumption primarily alleviates fatigue and drowsiness but has numerous additional therapeutic applications.Studies have found caffeine can do both good and harm. People who regularly drink coffee may be less likely to develop chronic illnesses, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease and some cancers. A few studies suggest they are less likely to die from heart disease and other illnesses.Caffeine metabolism occurs primarily in the liver, catalyzed by hepatic microsomal enzyme systems (Grant et al.
Why is caffeine used in drugs?
Caffeine promotes gastric acid secretion and increases gastrointestinal motility. It is often combined in products with analgesics and ergot alkaloids, relieving the symptoms of migraine and other types of headaches. Finally, caffeine acts as a mild diuretic. Caffeine is a diuretic, which means it can lead to dehydration—and dehydration can make symptoms like shakiness and a racing heart feel even more intense. Sipping water helps rehydrate your body, dilute the caffeine in your system and supports your kidneys to flush it out faster.Water is the drink of choice for heart health. If you’re thirsty, drink water. When the weather is warm or we’re exercising, our bodies need more water than usual. Unflavoured milk, tea and coffee can be enjoyed in moderation.
What organ is most affected by caffeine?
When you drink caffeine, it is rapidly absorbed in the stomach and then the gastrointestinal tract, and then it gets metabolized by some of the enzymes in the liver,” Dr. Fernandes said. Then it causes some hormones—called neurotransmitters—within the nervous system to be more stimulated or excited. If your overall health is good and you don’t have any other health conditions, the most common signs you’re having too much caffeine include: Having trouble sleeping. Anxiety, restlessness or irritability. Experiencing stomach problems or heartburn.In small doses, caffeine can make you feel refreshed and focused. In large doses, caffeine can make you feel anxious and have difficulty sleeping. Like many other drugs, it’s possible to develop a tolerance to caffeine, which means you need bigger and bigger doses to achieve the same effect.Too much caffeine can cause unwanted side effects, including heart palpitations, elevated heart rate, elevated blood pressure, anxiety, gastrointestinal upset and dehydration, Dr. Ruff says. In children, the effects of caffeine can include irritability, insomnia and nervousness, according to the AAP.
What is the dirty little secret about caffeine?
Caffeine routinely leads to jitteriness, nervousness, sweating, insomnia, and rapid heartbeat. If mild, such symptoms can be well worth the benefits. But consuming too much caffeine can have serious health impacts. High doses—more than 1,000 milligrams a day—can result in a state of intoxication known as caffeinism. Regular use of more than 600 mg of caffeine a day might cause long-term effects such as sleep problems, thinning of bones and fractures, more anxiety, and stomach acidity. It can also increase blood pressure, and if you already have high blood pressure, it can get worse.Consuming caffeine first thing in the morning spikes your already high cortisol levels. While you could argue this makes the best use of the morning cortisol peak, it can contribute to unpleasant side effects like jitters and anxiety.Drinking coffee with caffeine has been linked with improved mood and a lower risk of depression in some groups. Drinking 3 to 4 cups of coffee a day is linked to a lower risk of stroke in some studies. And coffee may help protect against cancers of the mouth, throat and digestive system.It is an idea that has been popularised by online influencers: Avoid consuming caffeine for 90 to 120 minutes after waking up, they say, and you will perk up more naturally, thwart the dreaded afternoon slump and have better sleep.
Is caffeine a painkiller?
Caffeine plays an important role in pain modulation through their action on adenosine receptors which are involved in nociception. The use of caffeine as adjuvant treatment was well-established in the literature and caffeine is currently available in some over the counter medications. Caffeine and Nerve Irritation Caffeine can also reduce the blood flow to the nerves, which can impair their function and healing. According to one study, caffeine can worsen nerve pain by activating a receptor called adenosine A2A. This receptor is involved in regulating pain perception and inflammation.