Methylxanthines

In the present volume of the Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology well known experts describe the actions of different xanthines with a focus on caffeine and theophylline. A special chapter is devoted to theobromine, an active component of chocolate, the actions of which are less well characterized. This book also presents the pharmacology of one xanthine derivative, propentofylline, as an example of a xanthine that has gone through extensive development for a novel therapeutic area.

This volume of the Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology features contributions from recognized experts on the actions of different xanthines, focusing on caffeine and theophylline. There is a special chapter on theobromine, an active component of chocolate.

This report from the Committee on Military Nutrition Research reviews the history of caffeine usage, the metabolism of caffeine, and its physiological effects. The effects of caffeine on physical performance, cognitive function and alertness, and alleviation of sleep deprivation impairments are discussed in light of recent scientific literature. The impact of caffeine consumption on various aspects of health, including cardiovascular disease, reproduction, bone mineral density, and fluid homeostasis are reviewed. The behavioral effects of caffeine are also discussed, including the effect of caffeine on reaction to stress, withdrawal effects, and detrimental effects of high intakes. The amounts of caffeine found to enhance vigilance and reaction time consistently are reviewed and recommendations are made with respect to amounts of caffeine appropriate for maintaining alertness of military personnel during field operations. Recommendations are also provided on the need for appropriate labeling of caffeine-containing supplements, and education of military personnel on the use of these supplements. A brief review of some alternatives to caffeine is also provided.

The first part of the report deals with occurrence of methylxanthines in foods, beverages, and medicines, and estimates of caffeine intake. In addition, a short review of the pharmacological and toxicological actions of caffeine is given. The second and main part of the report reviews available information from epidemiological studies on the potential health hazards to the human foetus associated with parental intake during pregnancy of caffeine and related methylxanthines in foods, beverages and medicines. The studied adverse effects are influence on fertility, spontaneous abortion, congenital malformation, pre-term delivery, foetal growth retardation, foetal behaviour and effects on neonates, infants and young children. The conclusion of the report demonstrates the need for limiting caffeine exposure during pregnancy. The Nordic Working Group on Food Toxicology and Risk Evaluation (NNT) recognizes that the human exposure to caffeine and related compounds causes a spectrum of pharmacological effects, for instance cardiovascular, renal, neurological and behavioural effects. The increasing use of caffeine and related methylxanthines in various foods and beverages consumed by children and adolescents cause concern. NNT recommends that a full hazard characterization of caffeine and related methylxanthines should be performed with the aim to reach a conclusion about the upper safe level of intake of these compounds.

This is a technically detailed state-of-the-art text on phosphodiesterase inhibition and the practical applications of theophylline and other phosphodiesterase inhibitors in asthma and chronic obstructive airways disease. It contains important new information on the mechanisms of drug action and on the inhibition of individual isoenzymes of the phosphodiesterase enzyme family as a potentially useful, safe, and non-toxic approach to asthma therapy.

Coffee, tea, and chocolate are among the most frequently consumed products in the world. The pleasure that many experience from these edibles is accompanied by a range of favorable and adverse effects on the brain that have been the focus of a wealth of recent research. Coffee, Tea, Chocolate, and the Brain presents new information on the

Caffeine-found in tea, coffee, mate, cola beverages, cocoa, and chocolate products-is an integral part of the diet of many people. Caffeine answers questions for a broad range of readers interested in the effects beverages and foods containing this dietary methylxanthine have on human health, nutrition, and physiological functioning. The composition, processing, consumption, health effects, and epidemiological correlations of caffeine are examined in detail. It is often said that too much caffeine is "bad for you." How much is too much? Get the facts on consumption of caffeine-containing products with this authoritative text. Chapters 1 and 2 offer an introductory, concise overview of the chemistry and analysis of methylxanthines. In Chapters 3 through 8, each natural product-tea, coffee, mate, and cocoa and chocolate products-is described in terms of botany, cultivation, processing, composition, and consumption patterns. Consumption of caffeine is also examined in detail in Chapter 9. Chapter 10 provides an easy-to-read overview of the basic physiology and biochemistry of caffeine. The ergogenic, cognitive, and emotional effects of caffeine are discussed in Chapters 11 and 12. Chapters 13 through 16 deal with specific health effects-serum cholesterol, cancer and fibrocystic breast disease, calcium and bone health, and human reproduction. For physicians, nutritionists, other health professionals, food scientists, and everyone interested in the effects of caffeine on the human body, Caffeine is a convenient, single-source reference.

Most bioactive compounds have antioxidant activity, particularly tocochromanols, phenolics (flavonoids and phenolic acids), methylxantines and capsaicinoids. Some of these compounds have also other properties important for human health. For example, vitamin E protects against oxidative stress, but it is also known for its “non-antioxidant” functions, including cell signalling and antiproliferation. Selenium compounds and indoleamins are the components of the antioxidant enzymes. Selenium makes vitamin E acquisition easier and controls its physiological functions. In taking part in enzymatic reactions and protecting the cell against free radicals, selenium shows immunomodulative, antiphlogistic, and antiviral activity. Capsaicinoids possess not only antioxidant, but also antibacterial, analgesic, weight-reducing and thermoregulation properties. Studies have also demonstrated their gastroprotective and anticancer properties. Analytical Methods in the Determination of Bioactive Compounds and Elements in Food explores both the influence of particular compounds on human health and the methods used for their determination. Chapters describe various aspects of food and plant analysis, including chromatographic and non‐chromatographic approaches as well as hyphenated techniques. Readers of this book will gain a comprehensive understanding of the important groups of bioactive compounds relevant to human health.

Medicinal Foods as Potential Therapies for Type-2 Diabetes and Associated Diseases: The Chemical and Pharmacological Basis of their Action focuses on active pharmacological principles that modulate diabetes, associated risk factors, complications and the mechanism of action of widely used anti-diabetic herbal plants—rather than just the nutritional composition of certain foods. The book provides up-to-date information on acclaimed antidiabetic super fruits, spices and other food ingredients. Sections cover diabetes and obesity at the global level, the physiological control of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, the pathophysiology of type-2 diabetes, the chemistry and pharmacology of a variety of spices, and much more. This book will be invaluable for research scientists and students in the medical and pharmaceutical sciences, medicinal chemistry, herbal medicine, drug discovery/development, nutrition science, and for herbal practitioners and those from the nutraceutical and pharm industries. Provides background knowledge on type-2 diabetes and its pathophysiology and therapeutic targets down to the molecular level Explores, in detail, the chemistry or secondary metabolites of the indicated foods that potentially modify diabetes and/or associated diseases Examines the pharmacological findings on medicinal foods, including available clinical trials

Using the most well-studied behavioral analyses of animal subjects to promote a better understanding of the effects of disease and the effects of new therapeutic treatments on human cognition, Methods of Behavior Analysis in Neuroscience provides a reference manual for molecular and cellular research scientists in both academia and the pharmaceutic