Description

Caffeine is a kind of bitter alkaloid, which is white crystal powder. It is soluble in water, slightly soluble in ethanol and chloroform. Caffeine is odorless and has a slightly bitter taste. Caffeine has physiological and pharmacological effects, which can stimulate the central nervous system and make people more alert. Caffeine is the main ingredient of many drugs, such as analgesics, anti-tussive drugs, and diuretics.

Caffeine originally comes from coffee beans and tea leaves. Other natural sources include kola nuts and guarana berries. People can also make caffeine with chemicals. Caffeine is in soft drinks, energy drinks and chocolate. It is also in some medicines, such as pain relievers, cold and allergy medicines and weight-loss products.

Caffeine is used to increase mental alertness and wakefulness, fight drowsiness, and enhance task performance.