Alkaloids
1.
Secondary compound:
not directly related to a plant’s survival or metabolism, as are the primary
compounds like sugars, proteins, nucleic acids, etc.
2.
Mainly produced by
plants
3.
Nitrogenous
4.
Usually alkaline
(basic)
5.
Bitter
tasting
6.
Has a pronounced
effect on the physiology of the central nervous system
Caffeine
1. Belongs to a class of chemicals or secondary compounds called alkaloids.
a. mainly produced by plants
b. nitrogenous compounds
c. usually alkaline (basic) and bitter tasting
d. have a pronounced effect on the physiology of the central nervous system.
e. called secondary compounds (or plant products) because they are not directly related to a plant’s survival or metabolism, as are the primary compounds, such as sugars, proteins, nucleic acids, etc.
2.
Caffeine
is a stimulant to the central nervous system.
a. it is known to speed the heart beat, increase blood pressure, stimulate respiration, and constrict blood vessels.
1.because many headaches are caused by dilated blood vessels, caffeine may alleviate headaches by constricting the blood vessels.
2. it is therefore found in many over-the-counter and prescription drugs; it enhances the pain-relieving (analgesic) effects of aspirin
3. combined with ergotamine in several drugs, caffeine is used for early preventive treatment of migraine.
b. caffeine has long been used to alleviate drowsiness and fatigue, promoting alertness and endurance.
c. caffeine also improves short-term athletic performance by drawing on fat reserves for energy and by increasing motor skills of conditioned reflexes.
d. caffeine acts as an appetite suppressant and is included in many diet pills for this reason.
e. caffeine acts as a mild diuretic
3. Caffeine and negative effects
a. caffeine may cause insomnia in some people.
b. it may cause nervousness, irritability, and rapid heartbeat.
c. there may be a link between caffeine and birth defects (pregnant women shd restrict their intake of caffeine)
d. there may be a link between caffeine and infertility in women
e. caffeine is addictive and may cause withdrawal symptoms
4.
Caffeine is found in many soft
drinks, also
a. as such, there is concern about caffeine consumption of children who drink large quantities of soft drinks. Two cans of many soft drinks contain the equivalent amount of caffeine found in a cup of coffee.
5.
Over 2 million lbs. of caffeine is produced from the decaffeination of
tea and coffee each year in the