Synonym(s)
2,6-dihydroxypurine; CAS number: 69-89-6
DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.
Xanthine is a natural substance found in blood, muscles, liver, urine and many plants (coffee beans, tea leaves, potatoes). Xanthine is an intermediate product in the breakdown of purine and is converted into uric acid by the enzyme xanthine oxidase.
Xanthine is the lead substance of the N-methyl derivatives of xanthine, which are important in nature and are produced by methylation. These include the purine alkaloids caffeine, theobromine and theophylline which are found in tea leaves, coffee beans, cocoa and cola nuts.
Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer
Prof. Dr. med. Martina Bacharach-Buhles