Xanthine-containing Herbs
Summary
Xanthine-containing Herbs
introduction:
Several herbs contain methylxanthines (theophylline, caffeine, theobromine). These substances have several pharmacological actions including CNS stimulation, relaxation of smooth muscle (especially bronchial muscle), myocardial stimulation, peripheral vasoconstriction and diuresis. They are infrequently used by herbalists as mild stimulants; widespread consumption of tea and coffee beverages is the most common mode of consumption. Frequently, they are added to "natural" energy-boosting products, occasionally with misleading labels such as "caffeine free".
pharmacology of xanthines:
The mechanism of action of xanthines is not fully understood but thought to involve several factors including adenosine receptor antagonism, modulation of intracellular calcium, phosphodiesterase inhibition, with central, vagal vasomotor and respiratory center actions. Toxicity is low, side effects include insomnia, anxiety, restlessness, tachycardia and extrasystoles and tachypnea.
Note: Xanthine-containing herbs are grouped by some authors with other types of herbal central nervous stimulants such as sympathomimetic herbs, here treated as a separate group, see Sympathomimetic Herbs
overview of interactions:
herb affecting drug toxicity: Ephedrine
and Epinephrine
herbal concerns: Hypertensive and Tachycardic Herbs
herb affecting drug toxicity: Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors
herbal concerns: Sympathomimetic Herbs
herbal concerns: Vasoconstrictor Herbs
herbal concerns: Sedative Herbs
Herbs
herb affecting drug toxicity: Ephedrine
and Epinephrine
mechanism: Xanthine-containing herbs may additively interact with Epinephrine to further elevate catecholamine levels.
herb affecting drug toxicity: Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors
mechanism: Xanthine-containing herbs may additively interact with Monoamineoxidase inhibiting drugs to further elevate catecholamine levels.
herbal concerns:
Indirect interaction with other herbs may take place through various synergistic physiologic mechanisms with herbs in the following groups:
Hypertensive and Tachycardic Herbs
Sympathomimetic Herbs
Vasoconstrictor Herbs
herbal concerns:
Xanthine-containing herbs, especially consumed as beverages, may antagonize effects of Sedative herbs
Common herbs containing Xanthines:
Camellia sinensis (Tea)
Coffea arabica (Coffee beans)
Cola nitida (Kola)
Ilex paraguariensis (Maté)
Paullinia cupana (Guarana)
Theobroma cacao (Cacao)
Restricted or unusual herbs containing Xanthines:
Banisteriopsis inebrians
Davilla rugosa
Euonymus europaeus
Erodium spp.
Genipa spp.
Lippia multiflora
Maytenus spp.
Sterculia spp.
Tylophora mollissima
Villaresia spp.
Please read the disclaimer concerning the intent
and limitations of the information provided here.
The information presented in Interactions is for
informational and educational purposes only. It is based on scientific
studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, case
reports, and/or traditional usage with sources as cited in each
topic. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all
individuals and different individuals with the same medical conditions
with the same symptoms will often require differing treatments. For
many of the conditions discussed, treatment with conventional medical
therapies, including prescription drugs or over-the-counter
medications, is also available. Consult your physician, an
appropriately trained healthcare practitioner, and/or pharmacist for
any health concern or medical problem before using any herbal products
or nutritional supplements or before making any changes in prescribed
medications and/or before attempting to independently treat a medical
condition using supplements, herbs, remedies, or other forms of
self-care.
Do not rely solely on the information in this article.
References
Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. Second edition., Sandy, OR: Eclectic Institute Inc, 1998.
Hardman J, et al. (eds.) Goodman &Gilman's Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics.
Ninth edition. McGraw Hill, 1996.
McGuffin M, et al. (eds.) AHPA Botanical Safety Handbook . CRC Press, 1997.
Mills SY. Out of the Earth: The Essential Book of Herbal Medicine. London:
Arkana, 1991.