Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 20, 2026

Caffeine Extraction, Enzymatic Activity and Gene Expression of Caffeine Synthase from Plant Cell Suspensions
Published on: October 2, 2018
Unexpected occurrence of caffeine in sleep-inducing herbal teas
Caroline Mathona1, Patrick Edder2, Philippe Christen3
1Official Food and Veterinary Control Authority of Geneva, Quai Ernest Ansermet 22, CH-1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, EPGL, University of Geneva, University of Lausanne Quai Ernest Ansermet 30 CH-1211 Geneva, Switzerland.
Abstract:
Caffeine acts as a weak psychostimulant and is known to cause trouble with sleeping. Therefore, the presence of caffeine in sleep-aid herbal teas was somewhat surprising, and confirmatory investigations were conducted to exclude any possible misidentification. The botanicals of the sedative mixtures were analysed individually by ultra performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) coupled with a time-of-flight high-resolution mass spectrometer (TOF-HRMS), and caffeine was detected in linden (Tilia spp.) extracts. The presence of caffeine was unambiguously confirmed by means of its characteristic mass spectrum acquired during direct analyses of powdered linden by thermal desorption coupled to a GC×GC-TOF-MS. Caffeine content was determined in 11 linden-based samples, with a validated UPLC-MS/MS method using two mass transitions. Concentrations were between traces and 110 mg kg(-1) in the herbal material while those in the corresponding prepared sleep-inducing hot beverages ranged from traces to 226 μg per cup.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Stimulants
Cocaine can be administered via snorting, injection, or smoking. It primarily functions by blocking the reuptake of dopamine, resulting in a euphoric high characterized by an intense sensation of happiness and...
Adrenergic Agonists: Mixed-Action Agents
Ephedrine and pseudoephedrine lack a catecholamine group, making them less susceptible to degradation by metabolic enzymes. They have increased oral bioavailability and lipophilicity, resulting in a longer duration of action. Their response is reduced by...
Experimental Designs
Sedatives and Hypnotics Drugs: Miscellaneous Agents
Melatonin congeners like ramelteon (Rozerem) and tasimelteon (Hetlioz) selectively bind to melatonin receptors (MT1 and MT2) and thus mimic the actions of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Tasimelteon is primarily used for non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder, common in blind patients. They are also used to treat conditions like insomnia...
Cognitive Enhancers: Cholinesterase Inhibitors and NMDA Receptor Antagonists
Insufficient Sleep and Sleep Deprivation
Sleep deprivation is a more severe form of sleep loss...

