What is Caffeine

Caffeine is a bitter, white, powdered, water soluble alkaloid.

The term, alkaloid, was first proposed by W. Meissner, in 1819 and means literally "alkali-like." Alkaloid is generally applied to basic, nitrogen-containing compounds of plant origin. Further qualifications usually are added to this definition; the compounds have complex molecular structures, and, manifest significant pharmacological activity.

The term alkali was originally applied to the hydroxides and carbonates of sodium and potassium, but since has been extended to include the hydroxides and carbonides of other alkali metals and ammonium. Alkali metals are elements of group 1a of the periodic table characterized by valence of one (1); hydrogen, lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium, cesium, and francium. Alkaline earths are of group 2a, characterized by valence of two (2); beryllium, magnesium, calcium, strontium, barium, and radium.

Among the numerous compounds called alkaloids are the methylxanthines, with three distinguished compounds: caffeine, theophylline, and theobromine. These compounds are found in about fifteen percent of all plants, and more specifically; cola nuts, coffee, tea, and cacao beans. 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: 1,3,7-trimethylxanthine, sometimes referred to as Theine. Found in; coffee, tea, cola nuts. A stimulant of the central nervous system, cardiac muscle, and respiratory system. It is a diuretic and delays fatigue.

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Physiological Effects

Caffeine's metabolic rate is about 50 percent in 2 hours for the average person. This rate is self adjusting, meaning if you drink more regularly, the metabolic will change and is different for body shape, characteristics, health, etc. Generally, caffeine increases the metabolic rate for an amount increase in caffeine.

It combines easily with other foods and does different things to different people. It has a tendency to cleanse the liver and kidneys. This is not fully understood. However, it is believed by some that it easily combines with acidic compounds which are purged by the organs. Fatty acids being one of many acidic compounds which are thus purged. It is one of the reasons why coffee is given to a drunk in order to sober them up. Because alcohol is slightly acidic, it makes sense to give those organs a help to purge the substance.

Caffeine also tends to wake a person up. It is a stimulant. This also is a reason why coffee is given to drunks.

Effects of caffeine on the body are generally immediate. It stimulates all the organs and tissues.

CELLS: Caffeine acts directly on individual cells by affecting the chemical reaction within them. Caffeine acts indirectly by increasing the release from the adrenal glands of epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine (noradrenaline) hormones which also stimulate cell activity.

BRAIN: Small amounts of caffeine stimulate the brain cells, helping to reduce drowsiness and fatigue. Concentration is improvedand reaction times are speeded up. Large amounts cause over stimulation, anxiety, irritability, and restlessness.

SKELETAL MUSCLES: Stimulation by caffeine improves their performance during exercise, but excessive stimulation can cause twitching.

HEART: With small amounts of caffeine the heart muscle is stimulated, augmenting is pumping action. Thus, causing blood to circulate faster and blood pressure is increased for a short time. Too much stimulation can result in palpitations.

STOMACH: Small amounts of caffeine actually help digestion by increasing the production of acid. Too much can cause abdominal pain and nausea.

KIDNEYS: Caffeine increases the production of urine.

Caffeine And Other Drugs

Caffeine is commonly mixed with other drugs in order for the preparation to take affect faster. In some cases, caffeine is added for it's direct effect. However, contrary to some beliefs, caffeine is not a pain killer.

Side Effects

One side effect that coffee has is it's affect on bleeding. Heavy coffee drinkers have a common malady. Their hemorrhoids bleed badly. If this is the case, stop drinking coffee. The problem, if caused by coffee, will go away. After a while, one may have a cup now and again.

As coffee is a stimulant affecting the heart, people who drink lots of coffee have a tendency to be more prone to heart attacks. This may or may not be an effect of the caffeine drug. It is possible that heavy coffee drinkers have higher degrees of stress which cause them to drink or other conditions which tend to go along with a person who abuses any drug.

Coffee is also addicting. It is every bit as addicting as any other drug which the body likes. It can be a real pain to kick the habit of drinking all the time. Headaches, nausea, and irritability are side affects of trying to stop drinking coffee. Or, not having a caffeine fix in the morning.

Like most other addicting drugs, one builds up a tolerance to caffeine. Thus, in order to get the same affect, it takes more and more of the drug. Unlike most other addictive drugs, one will have a hard time drinking enough cups of coffee to acquire a lethal dose.

Lethal Dose: A lethal dose of caffeine for the average person is about 75 milligrams per pound, or about 90 milligrams per quart of blood. Generally speaking, this is about 200 cups of coffee in a day for an average size person. Children are more susceptible to caffeine poisoning than adults; about 20 milligrams per pound, 35 milligrams per quart.

An overdose condition will result in restlessness, nervousness, excitement, insomnia, nausea, vomiting, flushed face, diuresis, gastrointestinal disturbance, muscle twitching, rambling flow of thought, dissociated speech, tachycardia or cardiac arrhythmia, and psychomotor agitation. A serious overdose will cause delirium, seizures, supraventricular & ventricular tachyarrhythmias, hypokalemia, and hyperglycemia.

Overdosing on caffeine will probably be very unpleasant but not likely to kill or cause permanent damage.