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Herb Groups
Xanthines
Botanicals

Definition

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; widepread 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 Sympathomimetics .

overview of interactions:
• herb affecting drug toxicity: Ephedrine and Epinephrine

• herbal concerns: Hypertensive and Tachycardic group herbs.

• herb affecting drug toxicity: Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors .

• herbal concerns: Sympathomimetics group herbs.

• herbal concerns: Vasoconstrictor group herbs.

• herbal concerns: Sedatives group 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/tachycardic group herbs.
Sympathomimetics group herbs.
Vasoconstrictor group herbs.

herbal concerns:
Xanthine-containing herbs, especially coonsumed as beverages, may antagonize effects of Sedatives herbs group.

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.

Footnotes

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.