PS268 Chapter Notes - Chapter 8: Asthma, Xanthine, Lethal Dose
Document Summary
Coffee plant (coffea arabica) originally grown in middle east. Plant produces a xanthine (a family of psychostimulants) within its bean known as caffeine. Bean was originally chewed or boiled in water, but today is typically roasted (improves flavour, aroma, and colour) Bean can also be decaffeinated through use of harsh solvents. Coffee consumption in north america estimated at over 100 litres per person per year. Tea plant camellia sinensis originally from china, contains caffeine and other xanthine stimulant known as theophylline. Typical caffeine content is about 40-60 mg. Theophylline used as an asthma medicine in high doses dilates airways when inhaled. From cacao plant (theobroma cacao), originally from south and central america. Contains small amounts of caffeine as well as the xanthine theobromine. About 4 mg of caffeine in average cup of cocoa. First cola was coca-cola in late 1800s developed as a nerve tonic. Ingredients included caramel, fruit flavouring, phosphoric acid, caffeine, and secret mixture called merchandise no.
