Definition

A methyl xanthine derivative from tea with diuretic, smooth muscle relaxant, bronchial dilation, cardiac and central nervous system stimulant activities. Theophylline inhibits the 3',5'-CYCLIC NUCLEOTIDE PHOSPHODIESTERASE that degrades CYCLIC AMP thus potentiates the actions of agents that act through ADENYLYL CYCLASES and cyclic AMP. Constit. of tea leaves (Camellia thea) and maté (Ilex paraguariensis) Theophylline, also known as dimethylxanthine, is a methylxanthine drug used in therapy for respiratory diseases such as COPD and asthma under a variety of brand names. As a member of the xanthine family, it bears structural and pharmacological similarity to caffeine. It is naturally found in tea and in cocoa beans. (Wikipedia) Liquorice or licorice is the root of Glycyrrhiza glabra from which a somewhat sweet flavor can be extracted. The liquorice plant is a legume that is native to southern Europe and parts of Asia. It is not botanically related to anise, star anise, or fennel, which are sources of similar flavouring compounds. It is a herbaceous perennial, growing to 1 m in height, with pinnate leaves about 7?15 cm (3?6 in) long, with 9?17 leaflets. The flowers are 0.8?1.2 cm (??½ in) long, purple to pale whitish blue, produced in a loose inflorescence. The fruit is an oblong pod, 2?3 cm (1 in) long, containing several seeds. The roots are stoloniferous.

Description

A methylxanthine derivative from tea with diuretic, smooth muscle relaxant, bronchial dilation, cardiac and central nervous system stimulant activities. Mechanistically, theophylline acts as a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, adenosine receptor blocker, and histone deacetylase activator. Theophylline is marketed under several brand names such as Uniphyl and Theochron, and it is indicated mainly for asthma, bronchospasm, and COPD.

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Theophylline Interacts with Genes