Plant Chemical Adaptation
Caffeine is a stimulant and the world’s most common drug. Caffeine is a methylxanthine alkaline and is found in nuts, seeds, and leaves of several plants. It is part of the WHO most essential medicines. The chemical formula of caffeine is C8H10H4O2, and it has a mass of 194.19g/mol-2. Caffeine compound acts as an adenosine receptor antagonist with anti-inflammatory and psychotropic activities. Caffeine stimulates the nervous system. It can act this way due to its resemblance to the adenosine molecule, especially in its reaction to the nitrogen base adenine.
Caffeine is found in the leaves, seeds, and nuts of several plants in the form of a plant alkaloid. It acts as a natural insecticide that kills insects that try to feed on the plant. The most common source of caffeine is coffee, tea, and cocoa beans. It is also found in small amounts in guarana and yerba mate plants.
Coffee beans are the most significant source of caffeine. The content concentration varies depending on the type of coffee beans and also the brewing methods. Also, the level of caffeine in the leaves and seeds within the same bush varies. Coffee Arabica is the most concentrated, followed by Robusta varieties.
Tea is the other source of caffeine with half the amount in coffee. The amount of caffeine content varies with the type of tea. The most concentrated are black and oolong tea. Cocoa beans are another source of caffeine. There are very few caffeine contents in cocoa.
Caffeine compound is found in the form of plant alkaline hence protecting the plant. Caffeine acts as a form of insecticide to ward off insects that would feed on beans and leaves. Caffeine is toxic to insects if consumed in high amounts. Besides, during the face where coffee leaves die and fall to the ground, caffeine is used to kill competition. Caffeine found in the leaves contaminates the spoil around the coffee bush, which hinders the germination of other plants.
Additionally, coffee nectar is caffeine spiked, which enhances the insect’s memory. Caffeine gives insects the same effect as a human being. Insects are more likely to remember the flower, therefore increasing the rate of pollination.
Caffeine compound has several effects on human beings that are categorized in the behavioral and impact of health. First, studies show that a high level of caffeine intake increases anxiety in adults. Also, caffeine increases alertness and reduces fatigue in adults. It is essential when dealing with a low arousal situation. Besides, studies show that caffeine may help improve simple and vigilance tasks that require sustained response. However, caffeine is useful when alertness is low. Upon withdrawal of caffeine intake, average adult performance reduces mainly due to an increased negative mood. Significant effects of caffeine are seen in a child with low doses of caffeine, increasing anxiety in children. All the behavioral effects are associated with the central nervous system. Caffeine is a stimulant that increases the level of alertness. Study shows increased caffeine intake reduces the risk of dementia and Alzheimer.
Caffeine harms the reproductive system. Traces of caffeine may cross from the blood to the placenta, causing metabolism and heart rate increase in the fetus due to its stimulating factor. Excessive intake may slow the growth of the fetus and miscarriage. Additionally, caffeine may increase the risk of cardiovascular complications. One is likely to experiences short episodes of high blood pressure due to an increase in adrenaline. Overdose caffeine intake may cause irregular heartbeat and breathing difficulties. It then creates the heart to work harder hence the long-term effects of high blood pressure.