1,3,9-Trimethyluric Acid has been found in rat urine as a metabolite of Caffeine (C080100), a bitter, white crystalline xanthine alkaloid that acts as a stimulant drug and a reversible acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. Caffeine is found in varying quantities in the seeds, leaves, and fruit of some plants, where it acts as a natural pesticide that paralyzes and kills certain insects feeding on the plants. In humans, caffeine acts as a central nervous system stimulant, temporarily warding off drowsiness and restoring alertness. Caffeine is a cardiac and respiratory stimulant; diuretic. Caffeine is toxic at sufficiently high doses.
Crystallise it from water and dry it at 100o in a vacuum. [Beilstein 26 H 530, 26 II 301, 26 III/IV 2623.]
