How does caffeine work?

Ngo, Annie. “A photo of my hand holding a cup of tea.” 2019

Caffeine is a product that many people use in their everyday lives. It is a product that is found in coffee, tea, and soft drinks (Schlager, N., Weisblatt, J., & Newton, D.E., 2006). It acts as a stimulant in the central nervous system and therefore causes us to feel more awake when we consume this product (Pubchem, n.d.). Caffeine is an odorless white powder that has a bitter taste (Pubchem, n.d.). What is known about caffeine is that this product can become addicting as some people become reliant on this stimulant which allows them to feel more awake. This product is also a diuretic as it causes an increase of urination, which may result in dehydration (Toxnet, n.d.).

 Caffeine is naturally found in plants, such as: coffee beans, tea leaves, and kola plants (Schlager, N. et al, 2006). It can also be produced synthetically in a lab (Meta Cyc 1, n.d.). There are a few methods that can be used to extract caffeine from plants. A common method includes boiling tea leaves in hot water, then evaporating the water which then leaves the caffeine behind (Schlager, N. et al, 2006). Another method which is similar to the first one can also be used, where instead of using hot water, we can use an organic solvent, such as alcohol, to extract the caffeine from the plant (Schlager, N. et al, 2006).

            Adenosine, which is a chemical that is found in our bodies, has a similar structure to caffeine (Schlager, N. et al, 2006). When adenosine is bound to its proper receptors in the central nervous system, it causes the feeling of sleepiness and drowsiness (Schlager, N. et al, 2006). Because caffeine is similar in structure to adenosine, caffeine is able to bind to the adenosine receptors and inhibit the effects of adenosine and promoting the effects of caffeine (Schlager, N. et al, 2006). Caffeine improves the blood flow to our muscles, increases our heart rate, and allows our airways to be more open. This is why we feel more awake after consuming caffeine! (Schlager, N. et al, 2006).

           

References

Meta Cyc 1. (n.d.). Caffeine Biosynthesis. Retrieved from
https://biocyc.org/META/NEW-IMAGE?type=PATHWAY&object=PWY-5037

Pubchem (n.d.) Caffeine. Retrieved from
https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Caffeine#section=Depositor-Supplied-Synonyms

Schlager, N., Weisblatt, J., & Newton, D. E. (2006). Chemical Compounds. Vol. 1. Detroit, MI: UXL. Retrieved from https://link-gale-com.libproxy.mtroyal.ca/apps/pub/5KMX/GVRL?u=mtroyalc&sid=GVRL

ToxNet. (n.d.). Caffeine. Retrieved from
https://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/search/a?dbs+hsdb:@term+@DOCNO+36