Sensing caffeine

Herbal medications are drugs in every sense of the word. They chemically modify bodily processes and can have therapeutic or harmful effects, depending on how they are used. However, there are a few general differences between herbal and pharmaceutical drugs (Tyler 1994). Herbal drugs tend to be more dilute than pharmaceutical drugs (table 1.1). For example, caffeine is available in 200 mg tablets to produce stimulation. Coffee contains 1-2% caffeine, so in order to get the same amount of caffeine one must use 20 g of coffee bean. Similarly, aspirin is... 

Voluntarily and involuntarily, we are exposed to a range of chemicals that affect the nervous system. We spend billions of dollars every year voluntarily purchasing chemicals such as caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine to influence our nervous system. Most stores and many industries are dependent on our desire to influence our nervous system. Many of us are familiar with the undesirable effects of too much caffeine or alcohol, which is a form of neurotoxicity. Fortunately, we quickly recover from the neurotoxic effects of caffeine or alcohol and from these experiences we learn to manage our consumption of these chemicals to minimize any undesirable effects and maximize the desirable effects. In this sense, many of us are experienced neurotoxicologists. 

As with any active agent that produces a withdrawal syndrome, the common-sense approach is to gradually wean oneself from caffeine in order to minimize any symptoms. Those wishing to decrease their use should taper off slowly and perhaps substitute cups of caffeinat-ed drinks with decaffeinated varieties or other caffeine-free beverages. 

Although not a polymorphic phase in the formal sense, the amorphous state can represent an important quantity of measure in a crystalline sample. A general XRPD procedure for such work has been described,31 and similar approaches have been reported for cilastatin sodium,32 caffeine,33 imipenem,34 acetaminophen,35 and a Lumaxis analog.36... 

The caffeine withdrawal headache is somewhat unique, starting with a sense of fullness in the head and progressing to throbbing and diffuse pain that is made worse by movement. The maximum intensity of the pain occurs 3 to 6 hours after beginning. Symptoms of caffeine withdrawal are summarized in Table 65-7. 

By increasing dopamine and y-aminobutyric acid, and influencing brain concentrations of serotonin, theanine can also help inhibit the stimulating effects of caffeine. - Theanine creates a sense of relaxation approximately 30-40 min after ingestion via at least two different mechanisms. First, this amino acid directly stimulates the production of a-brain waves, creating a state of deep relaxation and mental alertness similar to that achieved through meditation. Second, theanine is involved in the formation of the inhibitory neurotransmitter, y-aminobutyric acid, which influences the levels of two other neurotransmitters, dopamine and serotonin, producing the key relaxation effect. ... 

Opiates snch as morphine and codeine are thonght to enhance the release by nenrons of the nenrotransmitter dopamine the release of dopamine leads to a sense of enphoria. These drugs are addictive and are often abused. In general, all antipsychotic medications work by blocking dopamine receptors in the forebrain. Nicotine mimics the action of the nenrotransmitter acetylcholine at receptors having to do with the transmission of signals between antonomic nerve cells and skeletal muscle, see also Caffeine Epinephrine Methylphenidate Neurochemistry Neurotransmitters Norepinephrine. 

Like caffeine, theobromine provokes short, tetanic-like convulsions, followed by a long period of moto-hyperactivity in the mouse. But theobromine is more active in this sense than caffeine when these substances are given intravenously. Conversely, when such tests as the measurement of the finger-tapping rate are employed in man, caffeine is more active than theobromine. 

There are decades worth of research that show clear-cut benefits of caffeine. It sharpens cognitive function, improves accuracy and speed in performing tasks that require sustained attention and concentration, and promotes alertness and a sense of well-being. People with chronic dysthymia or mild depression often find that caffeine boosts their mood. Beware of caffeine if you have heart problems, though, as caffeine can exacerbate cardiac arrythmias. If you re pregnant, check with your doctor about caffeine use. Keep in mind there is more caffeine in brewed coffee than instant and more caffeine in instant coffee than tea. Here are some comparisons from the Center for Science in the Public Interest ... 

Caffeine provides the short-term benefits of increasing speed and accuracy of the cognitive processes, as well as enhancing a sense of well-being. Recent data also point to antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-amyloid activities of caffeine in the brain. (Coffee and tea, especially green tea, also contain other compounds besides caffeine that can contribute to health in a variety of ways.)... 

---