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Question about the biochemistry behind tea. (?) (self.askscience)
submitted 3d ago by Tryaldar
Theine binds to adenosine receptors, effectively making them a "blind spot" for adenosine molecules.
Why does caffeine have a faster build-up on its sleep suppressing effects, if theine is the same molecule and binds onto the same receptors? Does it have something to do with the polyphenol-theine complexes-- does the polyphenol part make it "even more difficult" for the body to take them out of the adenosine receptors?
Why does caffeine have a faster build-up on its sleep suppressing effects, if theine is the same molecule and binds onto the same receptors? Does it have something to do with the polyphenol-theine complexes-- does the polyphenol part make it "even more difficult" for the body to take them out of the adenosine receptors?
[deleted] 14 points 3d ago
[deleted]
Tryaldar [OP] 3 points 3d ago
Thanks, this is what I was looking for!
NeverPlayF6 5 points 3d ago
In pharmaceuticals, these inactive molecules are called "prodrugs" and account for probably 10-15% of drugs on the market. It is an extremely useful characteristic to take advantage of.
Prodrugs can decrease the peak concentration while extending the overall duration (like mentioned above). This can increase dosing intervals and reduce abuse potential. They can also make a medicine easier to absorb by the body. There are even prodrugs for chemotherapy which preferentially release the toxic, active chemical at a tumor site. Decreased systemic toxicity is a huge benefit.
Prodrugs can decrease the peak concentration while extending the overall duration (like mentioned above). This can increase dosing intervals and reduce abuse potential. They can also make a medicine easier to absorb by the body. There are even prodrugs for chemotherapy which preferentially release the toxic, active chemical at a tumor site. Decreased systemic toxicity is a huge benefit.
Possible-Wafer1241 0 points 3d ago
This is why vyvanse last longer and not as many sided effects as adderall, and why 1cp-lsd last a little longer than lsd-25 and less strong peak :)
potatoaster 1 points 3d ago
> In coffee there is relatively more free caffeine than in tea.
Is there data on this, or is it an educated guess?
Is there data on this, or is it an educated guess?
ChemicalBliss 1 points 2d ago
Don’t know a ton about caffeine and theanine specifically, but often different molecules acting on the same allosteric site can have different effects due to steric hindrances based on how each molecule binds to the allosteric site. Gotta think the receptors and enzymes aren’t static, they need to move and wiggle their degrees of freedom to work.
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