
Xanthine alkaloids
Xanthine alkaloids are natural chemical compounds found in certain plants, such as tea, coffee, and chocolate. They belong to a class called alkaloids and include well-known substances like caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline. These compounds act as stimulants by affecting the central nervous system, helping to increase alertness, reduce fatigue, and sometimes improve mood. They also have other effects, such as relaxing muscles or widening blood vessels. Xanthine alkaloids are widely consumed worldwide and are valued both for their stimulating properties and their medical uses, for example, in treating respiratory issues.