XANTHINE BASES Meaning and
Definition
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Xanthine bases, also known as xanthines, are a class of organic compounds that contain the xanthine ring structure, which consists of two six-membered carbon rings fused together. Xanthine bases are derivatives of xanthine, a naturally occurring purine base found in various sources such as coffee, tea, and certain animal tissues.
There are several well-known xanthine bases, including caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline. These compounds are classified as alkaloids due to their basic properties. Xanthine bases have a bitter taste and act as mild stimulants and diuretics when consumed. They are often used in pharmaceuticals for their bronchodilator and smooth muscle relaxant effects, making them useful in treating respiratory conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Xanthine bases work by competitively inhibiting the action of adenosine, a neurotransmitter that normally promotes relaxation and drowsiness. By blocking adenosine receptors, xanthine bases increase alertness, reduce fatigue, and enhance mental focus. However, they can also have side effects such as increased heart rate, restlessness, insomnia, and gastrointestinal discomfort when used in excessive amounts.
Overall, xanthine bases are important compounds with various applications in medicine and stimulant beverages. Their unique chemical structure and pharmacological properties make them valuable ingredients in the development of therapeutic drugs and the production of stimulating beverages like coffee, tea, and chocolate-containing products.
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Alloxuric bases, nitrogenous substances resulting from the cleavage of nucleins.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for XANTHINE BASES
- xanthines base
- xanthin base
- xanthine baes
- zanthine bases
- canthine bases
- danthine bases
- santhine bases
- xznthine bases
- xsnthine bases
- xwnthine bases
- xqnthine bases
- xabthine bases
- xamthine bases
- xajthine bases
- xahthine bases
- xanrhine bases
- xanfhine bases
- xanghine bases
- xanyhine bases
- xan6hine bases
Etymology of XANTHINE BASES
The word "xanthine" is derived from the Ancient Greek word "xanthos" (ξανθός), meaning "yellow". The suffix "-ine" is commonly used in chemistry to denote a substance. The term "xanthine" was coined in 1848 by German chemist Friedrich Ferdinand Runge to describe a yellow crystalline substance he isolated from urine, which he named "xanthine".
"Bases" in this context refers to chemical compounds that can accept a proton (H+) or donate a pair of electrons. In the case of xanthine, it refers to the nitrogenous bases that are part of its chemical structure.
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