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caffein_molecule.gif (14921 bytes)

Molecule of caffeine - ever seen it before?
Click on the image to view the enlarged graphic

Chemical name of Caffeine:
1,3,7-trimethylxanthine
or also known as
3,7-dihydro-1,3,7-trimethyl-1H-purine-2,6,-dione

                   CH3
                  |
                  N
                 / \
           N----C   C==O
          ||   ||   |
          ||   ||   |
          CH    C   N--CH3
            \  / \ /
             N    C
             |   ||
            CH3   O
      
C8H10N4O2

 

These pages discuss the various issues relating to coffee and health. Although we have obtained permission from the various sources to reprint their articles, please do not take these information as a form of authoritative or medical materials. They are presented here purely for reference and reading pleasure.

Most of the materials presented here deals with the issue of caffeine and the effects on pregnancy, general health such as headaches as well as the positive effects of coffee. Though some of the materials are similar in content, they were taken from various sources so that the reader can judge for themselves appropriately.


Health Topics

Page 1    -    General topics about caffeine.

Page 2    -    Caffeine: properties and characteristics.

Page 3    -   What you should know about caffeine.

Page 4    -   I think I have a caffeine problem (a letter).

Page 5    -    Coffee mugs and microbugs

Page 6    -    Caffeine:  can it be used to our advantage?

Page 7    -    Caffeine and woman's health.

Page 8    -    Caffeine myths and facts

Page 9    -    Coffee and Asthma

Page 10    -   Drinking coffee may cut men's gallstone risk


Chemically speaking, what is caffeine?

Caffeine is an alkaloid. There are numerous compounds called alkaloids, among them we have the methylxanthines, with three distinguished compounds: caffeine, theophylline, and theobromine, found in cola nuts, coffee, tea, cacao beans, mate and other plants. These compounds have different biochemical effects, and are present in different ratios in the different plant sources. These compounds are very similar and differ only by the presence of methyl groups in two positions of the chemical structure. They are easily oxidized to uric acid and other methyluric acids which are also similar in chemical structure.

Caffeine:
Sources: Coffee, tea, cola nuts, mate, guarana.
Effects: Stimulant of central nervous system, cardiac muscle, and respiratory system, diuretic. Delays fatigue.

Theophylline:
Sources: Tea
Effects: Cariac stimulant, smooth muscle relaxant, diuretic, vasodilator.

Theobromine:
Sources: Principle alkaloid of the cocoa bean (1.5-3%) Cola nuts and tea.
Effects: Diuretic, smooth muscle relaxant, cardiac stimulant, vasodilator.
(Information from Merck Index)

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Last modified: March 30, 2000