Caffeine, sometimes called theine when found in tea, is a xanthine alkaloid found in the leaves and beans of the coffee tree, in tea, yerba mate, guarana berries, and in small quantities in cocoa, the kola nut and the Yaupon holly.

In plants, caffeine acts as a natural pesticide that paralyzes and kills many insects feeding upon them.

Caffeine is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant, having the effect of warding off drowsiness and restoring alertness.

Caffeine-containing beverages, such as coffee and tea, enjoy great popularity, making caffeine the world's most popular psychoactive substance..

For more information about the topic Caffeine, read the full article at Wikipedia.org, or see the following related articles:

Formaldehyde — The chemical compound formaldehyde (also known as methanal), is a gas with a strong pungent smell. Formaldehyde readily results from the incomplete ...  > read more

Citric acid — Citric acid is a weak organic acid found in citrus fruits. It is a natural preservative and is also used to add an acidic (sour) taste to foods and ...  > read more

Sulfur dioxide — Sulfur dioxide (also sulphur dioxide, sulfurous anhydride or sulphurous anhydride) has the chemical formula SO2. The gas is irritating to the lungs ...  > read more

Methanol — Methanol, also known as methyl alcohol or wood alcohol, is a chemical compound with chemical formula CH3OH. It is the simplest alcohol, and is a ...  > read more

Related Stories

Search ScienceDaily

Is Your Water Safe?