Caffeine is a xanthine alkaloid compound that acts as a stimulant in humans.

Caffeine is sometimes
called guaraninewhen found in guarana, mateine when found in mate, andtheine when found in tea. It
is found in the leaves and beans of the coffee plant, in tea, yerba mate, and guarana berries, and in
small quantities in cocoa, the kola nut and the Yaupon Holly. Overall, caffeine is found in the beans,
leaves, and fruit of over 60 plants, where it acts as a natural pesticide that paralyzes and kills certain
insects feeding upon them.

Caffeine is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant, having the effect of temporarily warding off
drowsiness and restoring alertness.

Beverages containing caffeine, such as coffee, tea, soft drinks and energy drinks enjoy great
popularity: caffeine is the world's most widely consumed psychoactive substance. In North America,
90% of adults consume caffeine daily.[1] Many natural sources of caffeine also contain widely varying
mixtures of other xanthine alkaloids, including the cardiac stimulants theophylline and theobromine
and other substances such as polyphenols which can form insoluble complexes with caffeine.

Caffeine is a naturally occurring chemical that has stimulant and mild diuretic
(increasing urination) properties. It is a bitter alkaloid that acts on the central
nervous system to increase alertness and vigilance, as well as to extend
wakefulness. This is accomplished by binding certain receptors in the brain,
which inhibits the sleep-promoting actions that normally increase with prolonged
wakefulness.

Caffeine is found in coffee beans, tea leaves, cocoa beans, and kola nuts and is
commonly added to soft drinks, foods, and medications.