The Sound of Evolution
Caffeine
Mechanism of action:
Caffeine is a methylxanthine compound. In the central nervous system, adenosine binds to adenosine receptors and suppresses neural activity while promoting sleep and vasodilation. Caffeine competitively blocks adenosine A₁ and A₂A receptors, preventing adenosine from exerting its inhibitory effects. As a result, neurons fire action potentials more frequently and release increased amounts of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, norepinephrine, and acetylcholine, thereby maintaining a more excited neural state.
Reference(s):
1. Nehlig A et al. (1992). Caffeine and the central nervous system: mechanisms of action, biochemical, metabolic and psychostimulant effects. Brain Res Brain Res Rev.
2. Ding R et al. (2012). Xanthines down-regulate the drug transporter ABCG2 and reverse multidrug resistance. Mol Pharmacol.
3. Kole J et al. (2013). Caffeine content labeling: A missed opportunity for promoting personal and public health. J Caffeine Res.