Caffeine is found in a number of foods, most notably tea and coffee. Caffeine is widely consumed and it is almost ubiquitous in the diet of the population of the world. Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant that is thought to inhibit the phosphodiesterase enzyme which can potentiate the activity of cellular cAMP. As cAMP is involved in the regulation of cell function, including potentiating the cellular effects of adrenaline, caffeine can have a significant stimulatory effect. Caffeine also targets the adenosine receptor by binding to adenosine A1 and adenosine A2a receptors. Inhibition of the adenosine A1 receptor activates adenylate cyclase, which causes the generation of cellular levels of cAMP and protein kinase A, and these mechanisms cause stimulation of the central nervous system. Caffeine causes an increase in energy metabolism and this can make it a useful weight loss substance. Caffeine can also affect muscle tissue, and part of this is a chronotropic effect, whilst part of this is an inotropic effect. The chronotropic and inotropic effects of caffeine make it a useful substance for improving athletic performance. Caffeine is also a diuretic and can cause vasodilation and relaxation of smooth muscle.
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