Xanthine

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Xanthine (xanthic acid or 3,7-dihydro-purine-2,6-dione) is an alkaloid found in most human body tissues and fluids as well as in other organisms.

Substituted xanthine refers to a number of compounds which are derived from xanthine including caffeine and theobromine. These are commonly used for their effects as both stimulants and bronchodilators.

Chemistry

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Xanthine is comprised of a purine base and two ketone groups. The hydrogen atoms bound to the amino groups can be substituted by other functional groups to derive drugs of various potency, pharmacology and efficacy.

Substitutions

• Caffeine
• Theobromine

Pharmacology

Xanthines act through several mechanisms, but their most important effect is to counteract a substance called adenosine that naturally circulates at high levels throughout the body (especially in the nervous system). In the brain, adenosine generally plays a protective role, part of which is to reduce neural activity levels. The principal mode of action behind xanthines are as nonselective antagonists of adenosine receptors. Xanthine molecules are structurally similar to adenosine, and are thus capable of binding to adenosine receptors on the surface of cells without activating them, thereby acting as a competitive inhibitor.

See also

• Responsible use
• Stimulant
• Amphetamine
• Cathinone