Coffee

Products

Dried coffee beans, coffee powder, coffee capsules and other products are available in grocery stores.

Stem plant

The parent plant is the coffee shrub or coffee tree from the Rubiaceae family (redbud family). The two main species are for Arabica coffee and for Robusta coffee. is also called.

Medicinal drug

The so-called coffee beans are used as “medicinal drug” (Coffeae semen), which are contained in the coffee fruits. They are the seeds of the coffee bush freed from the seed coat. They are roasted in the heat, during which the water evaporates. The seeds become larger, acquire the brown color and the typical coffee aroma.

Ingredients

The ingredients include:

Caffeine is mainly responsible for the pharmacological effects of coffee. The caffeine content is variable and depends on various factors, such as the cup size, the type of coffee and the method of preparation. It is approximately between 50 to 150 mg of caffeine per cup.

Effects

Coffee stimulates the central nervous system, respiration and cardiovascular system. It keeps you awake, promotes concentration and performance, has diuretic properties and stimulates digestion. The effects are due to antagonism at adenosine receptors (A1 and A2a subtypes). Adenosine is a neuromodulator that exerts predominantly inhibitory effects. Caffeine is very well absorbed and rapidly crosses the blood–brain barrier into the nervous system. It is almost completely metabolized and excreted primarily by the kidneys. The half-life is about 3 to 5 (to 10) hours in adults. Moderate consumption of coffee is considered harmless and even beneficial to health (e.g., Higdon, Frei, 2006).

Indications for use

As a stimulant and as a stimulant against fatigue and drowsiness.

Preparation

The coffee drink is an extract of ground coffee beans with hot water. The water runs through the powder or is pressed through under pressure. Immediately afterward, the extract is usually filtered. However, it is also possible to infuse or boil the coffee, as in the preparation of tea. The coffee powder can also remain in the beverage (Turkish coffee).

Interactions

Caffeine is metabolized primarily by CYP1A2. Corresponding drug-drug interactions with CYP substrates, CYP inhibitors, and CYP inducers are possible. Other interactions may include those with stimulants, other stimulants containing caffeine, centrally depressant drugs, and cardiac active agents (eg, sympathomimetics).

Adverse effects

  • Restlessness, irritability, nervousness, sleep disturbances, anxiety.
  • Rapid heart rate, hypertension, arrhythmias.
  • Increased urination
  • Nausea, indigestion

Regular consumption leads to mild dependence and tolerance. Abrupt discontinuation may cause withdrawal symptoms such as a caffeine withdrawal headache and irritability. See under coffee withdrawal.

Overdose

Coffee should not be overdosed because it can cause heart arrhythmias and other health problems. Symptoms of overdose include tremor, restlessness, insomnia, nausea, vomiting, rapid pulse, confusion, visual disturbances, delirium, convulsions, hypokalemia, and hyperglycemia.