Caffeine

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

Caffeine provides many beneficial 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, thereby 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 many unwanted effects (called caffeinism) that include tremors, agitation, anxiety, insomnia, heart rhythm disturbances, sweating, and bowel distress. Some people are genetically predisposed to suffer these effects more than others.

Caffeine is primarily metabolized (broken down for elimination) by the Cytochrome P450 enzyme CYP1A2 in the liver [Thorn2012  🕮 ]. 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 CYP1A2 also metabolizes many pharmaceutical drugs, drug interactions with caffeine may occur. Please discuss any concerns you have with your pharmacist or licensed healthcare provider.

Caffeine is a natural product that is found in several herbs, including [WebMD]:

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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).
•       [Thorn2012]   Caroline F Thorn, Eleni Aklillu, Ellen M McDonagh, Teri E Klein, Russ B Altman. PharmGKB summary: caffeine pathway. Pharmacogenet Genomics. 2012 May;22(5):389-95. doi: PMID: 22293536 DOI:  10.1097/FPC.0b013e3283505d5e PCMID: PMC3381939