Caffeine

Caffeine is a bitter alkaloid constituent in a number of different plants. It is best known for its stimulant effects due to its competitive inhibition of the neurotransmitter adenosine.

Caffeine provides a number of useful effects on the body, including:

• Increasing alertness by reducing the effect of the inhibitory neurotransmitter adenosine.
• Increasing athletic performance by promoting increased calcium ion flow in muscle, therby increasing the force of muscle contraction.
• Increasing athletic performance by promoting the oxidation of fatty acid fuel in muscle, thereby reducing dependence on carbohydrates for energy and improving endurance.

Consuming excess caffeine is associated with a number of unwanted effects (called caffeinism) that include: tremors, agitation, anxiety, insomnia, heart rhythym disturbances, sweating, and bowel distress. Some people are genetically predisposed to suffer these effects more than others.

Caffeine is mainly metabolized (broken down for elimination) by the Cytochrome P450 enzyme CYP1A2 in the liver. Some people are genetically predisposed to have a slower or faster rate of metabolism. Persons with a slow metabolism may experience difficulty sleeping if they consume caffeine later in the day.

Because a number of pharmaceutical drugs are also metabolized by CYP1A2, drug-interactions with caffeine may occur. Please discuss any concerns you have in this regard with your pharmacist or licensed health care provider.

Caffeine is a natural product, which is found in a number of herbs, including:

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  Coffee [1 cup is about 120mg of caffeine]
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  Tea
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  Chocolate
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  Cola (kola nut)
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  Guarana seed

•       [BOTM743]   Various authors: Debra Brammer, Eric Yarnell. Botanical Medicine 744 notes. Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine (2000-2007).
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  [WebMD]
• [PMID: 22293536]
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  [FDA]