A Comprehensive Review on Pharmacological Potentials of Caffeine

Caffeine is a versatile compound with significant pharmacological actions, primarily through its role as a non-selective antagonist of adenosine receptors, leading to increased neural activity and neurotransmitter release. It exhibits stimulant effects, such as increased alertness and improved cognitive function, and has bronchodilatory properties useful in treating asthma and COPD by inhibiting phosphodiesterase type 4. Caffeine also acts as a diuretic by preventing sodium reabsorption in renal tubules, aiding in fluid overload management. Additionally, caffeine shows potential anticancer properties by enhancing the effects of chemotherapeutic agents and inducing apoptosis in cancer cells, though further research is needed to confirm its clinical efficacy and safety. These diverse actions make caffeine a valuable subject in medicinal chemistry research for developing new therapeutic approaches.