Page 95 - phytochemistry II -pharmD general

Uses

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

Caffeine is the world's most widely consumed (psychoactive) substance, Most
commonly consumed as beverages, such as coffee, tea, soft drinks and energy
drinks that enjoy great popularity worldwide.

Caffeine has a lipolytic effect on fatty cells, able to break down lipids and
release fatty acids. Also used for skin firming and tightening. It is often
incorporated into body product formulations targeting cellulite and slimming, as
well as in eye creams that claim to reduce puffiness.

It is the most commonly consumed by humans in infusions extracted from
the seeds of the coffee plant and the leaves of the tea, as well as from various
foods and drinks containing products derived from the kola nut and guarana seeds.

Isolation of caffeine from tea leaves

The powdered tea leaves, is extracted by boiling (refluxing) with water. The
extract is filtered, boiled and treated with lead acetate solution (precipitation of
tannin) and filtered. The excess lead in the filtrate is removed by addition of sodium
hydrogen phosphate and filtered. The filtrate is concentrated and caffeine is
extracted with chloroform.

b. Theobromine

Theobromine occurs naturally in seeds of Theobroma cocao
(Sterculiaceae).

Properties

Theobromine is white crystalline powder ,sparingly soluble in water (1:1800),
slightly soluble in alc. (1:400), insoluble in chloroform, benzene and ether.
Theobromine becomes readily soluble in water when mixed with salts of organic
acids e.g. calcium salicylates, sodium acetate or sodium salicylate. Theobromine
is an amphoteric alkaloid forming salts with alkali and acids. It is sublimable at
290OC without decomposition. Theobromine forms insoluble salt with silver nitrate

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