Caffeine Alkaloids Research Articles

Analysis of tea samples with a multisensor system and capillary electrophoresis

Potential of an “electronic tongue” multisensor system in identification of various tea samples and in quantitative analysis of separate tea components was studied. As a reference method for quantitative analysis of antioxidants of the polyphenolic type served micellar electrokinetic chromatography with a UV detector. The contents of epicatechin gallate, epigallocatechin gallate, epicatechin, epigallocatechin, gallic acid, gallocatechin gallate, and caffeine alkaloid in various tea samples were quantitatively estimated.

Complicated Hypertension Related to the Abuse of Ephedrine and Caffeine Alkaloids

Ephedra containing products (ECPs), which most often contain additional sources of caffeine alkaloids, may be an under-recognized cause of hypertension. ECPs, especially when used in combination or at higher than recommended doses, can cause life-threatening cardiovascular and neurological complications. We present a case of hypertensive encephalopathy with new onset generalized tonic-clonic seizure secondary to concomitant use of two OTC supplements containing a mixture of ephedrine and caffeine alkaloids.

Analytical Raman spectroscopic study of cacao seeds and their chemical extracts

A Raman spectroscopic study of cacao seeds and their extracts has been successful in the identification of biomarker bands for theobromine, a member of the caffeine group of alkaloids. Unlike caffeine detected in guarana, the spectral signatures of theobromine suggest that it occurs as the free base in cacao. No theophylline or caffeine alkaloids were detected in cacao. Raman spectroscopic monitoring of the heptane and ethyl acetate organic extracts of pulverised cacao seeds demonstrates the removal of the fatty and waxy components whereas the methanol extract is found to remove and concentrate the highly coloured aromatic polyphenolic compounds. The theobromine alkaloid is still detectable in the solid residues from the extractions. This study suggests that Raman spectroscopic monitoring of cacao seed processing should be investigated further for the purposes of industrial process analytical control.

Production of caffeine alkaloid by Claviceps sorghi

The ergot disease of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), caused by the fungus Claviceps sorghi, restricted to the Indian sub-continent, is a disease in which the pathogen infects the florets, colonizing the unfertilized ovaries. Losses are higher in hybrid seed production fields due to a higher susceptibility of male sterile lines. The sclerotia of C. sorghi have never been found to contain alkaloids with a tetracyclic ergoline ring system, which is normal in most ergot pathogens. In this work, we show that sclerotia of C. sorghi contain caffeine alkaloid and the ability to produce it in vitro.

EFFECT OF CAFFEINE ON SLEEP: EEG STUDY IN LATE MIDDLE AGE PEOPLE

1 The effect of caffeine alkaloid base (300 mg) on whole night sleep was investigated by electrophysiological techniques in six late middle age subjects (mean age 56 years), comparison being made with decaffeinated coffee and with no drink prior to sleep, using each condition five times in a balanced order on non-consecutive nights. 2 After caffeine the mean total sleep time decreased on average by 2 h, the mean sleep latency increased to 66 minutes. The number of awakenings increased and the mean total intervening wakefulness was more than doubled after caffeine. 3 In the first 3 h of sleep a decreased amount of stage 3 + 4 was observed, accompanied by an increased amount of stage 2 and of intervening wakefulness, without a significant change in the amount of rapid eye movement sleep. 4 The change in sleep pattern observed suggests an increased capability for arousal and decreased ability to develop or sustain deeper stages of non-rapid eye movement sleep after caffeine.

Effect of Caffeine‐Dextrose on Flxatlonal and Reading Efficiency

Fourteen male optometry students were tested under control conditions (taking neither stimulant nor placebo) on reading comprehension, duration (speed), total number of fixations, and span of fixation. They then were divided randomly into two equal groups. One group ingested two tablets, each containing 200 mg caffeine alkaloid and 150 mg of dextrose; the other, two placebo tablets containing sugar and pepper. Results showed no difference between the two control groups, indicating about equal base for initiating the experimental procedure, and no difference between control and placebo, reflecting the ineffectiveness of this placebo as a stimulant. Significant difference between control and caffeine-dextrose appeared in three of the four efficiency measures, implying a need for still higher dosage to bring out significant improvement in duration. Significant difference between the two experimental mean-percent improvements indicated that caffeine-dextrose, at the present composition and dosage, does enhance the fixational and reading efficiency.

Report of a Human Fatality Due to Caffeine

Abstract Caffeine (1-, 3-, 7-trimethylxanthine) is probably the most widely used and socially acceptable drug in the world today. The United States alone uses more than three billion pounds of coffee annually. A cup of brewed coffee beverage will contain from 100 to 150 mg of the alkaloid per 8 oz portion, while tea contains 30 to 50 mg per 8 oz portion and cola drinks contain about 1 mg per oz. In addition to the consumption of caffeine in beverage form, many prescription, as well as over-the-counter drugs contain varying amounts of caffeine. An example of the former is Cafergot® (Sandoz Pharmaceuticals) while No-Doz® (J. B. Williams Co.) and analgesics such as Empirin® (Burroughs-Wellcome & Co.) or diuretic preparations such as Aqua-Ban® (The Thompson Medical Co.) exemplify the latter. Caffeine is not generally considered to be a drug of misuse although it has mild cortical stimulatory properties. Excessive consumption of the compound is generally prevented by another of its pharmacological properties, that of potent gastric irritation. The individual bent on misuse usually vomits before a lethal amount of the drug can be consumed. In rate instances, however, it is possible to ingest enough caffeine to cause death. Such an instance occurred in Benton County, Indiana in 1964, when an individual contemplating suicide ingested a minimum of 6.5 g and possibly as much as 9–12 g of caffeine alkaloid.

CAFFEINE-INDUCED ULCEROGENESIS IN THE RAT

The present investigation has demonstrated that administration of caffeine alkaloid (6.25 mg/kg, 25 mg/kg, and 100 mg/kg) by stomach tube induces acute gastric ulcers in the fundus, pylorus, and antrum of fasting male and female rats. The ulcers are histologically characterized as superficial erosions of the glandular mucosa. Statistical evaluation of ulcer indices indicated a linear, log dose–response relationship for caffeine alkaloid, and a similar ulcerogenic effect in both male and female rats.

CAFFEINE-INDUCED ULCEROGENESIS IN THE RAT

The present investigation has demonstrated that administration of caffeine alkaloid (6.25 mg/kg, 25 mg/kg, and 100 mg/kg) by stomach tube induces acute gastric ulcers in the fundus, pylorus, and antrum of fasting male and female rats. The ulcers are histologically characterized as superficial erosions of the glandular mucosa. Statistical evaluation of ulcer indices indicated a linear, log dose–response relationship for caffeine alkaloid, and a similar ulcerogenic effect in both male and female rats.

Rectal use of ergotamine tartrate and caffeine alkaloid for the relief of migraine.

IN 1894 Thomson1 recommended the treatment of periodic neuralgia of the head by a rectal infusion of tincture of ergot. Despite the reported success of this method the derivatives of ergot were not widely employed in the treatment of headache of the migraine type until 1928, when Tzanck2 used ergotamine tartrate for migraine in Europe; Lennox3 introduced it into this country in 1934, recommending both oral and parenteral administration. The rectal route seems to have been neglected until the past three years, when several observers4 , 5 reported the efficacy of ergotamine tartrate and caffeine alkaloid for migraine when used in the . . .

Clinical Observations on the Rectal and Oral Use of Various Ergot Derivatives in Headache

CLINICAL observations have recently been reported on the use of Cafergone, a new anticephalalgic agent for oral use consisting of 1 mg. of ergotamine tartrate and 100 mg. caffeine alkaloid. Several observers1 2 3 4 5 6 reported excellent results with Cafergone orally in vascular headache, and it was the consensus of most that Cafergone is effective in the treatment of migraine, especially when taken early and in adequate dosage, and that it is also of value in combating psychogenic headache. The results were especially encouraging in headache caused by overindulgence, as well as in that associated with fever and photophobia. In patients in whom . . .

Reaction time behavior after caffeine and coffee consumption.

Five female subjects possessing equal normal (established normal) reaction time, equal age, height and weight were used in this investigation. Each subject was habituated to one cup of coffee per day prior to the experimental period. By means of Metfessel's psychodometer the reaction time of each subject was studied under normal, caffeine-treated, coffee-treated, and capsulated starch control conditions. Results show that both caffeine (3.3 to 3.6 mgms/kgm) and the equivalent quantity in black coffee reduce the reaction time to the maximum extent of 8% and 4% respectively. Some reduction in reaction time is maintained for at least a 3-hour period. The caffeine alkaloid was more effective than the coffee beverage except during the first half hour, when the reverse order was observed. The most effective period was 1½ to 2 hours after treatment. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)