MOLECULE

1-Methylxanthine

1-Methylxanthine belongs to the class of organic compounds known as xanthines. These are purine derivatives with a ketone group conjugated at carbons 2 and 6 of the purine moiety. It is also created from xanthosine by purine nucleoside phosphorylase. 1-Methylxanthine is an extremely weak basic (essentially neutral) compound (based on its pKa). 1-Methylxanthine exists in all living organisms, ranging from bacteria to humans. Within humans, 1-methylxanthine participates in a number of enzymatic reactions. In particular, 1-methylxanthine and formaldehyde can be biosynthesized from theophylline; which is mediated by the enzyme cytochrome P450 1A2. In addition, 1-methylxanthine can be converted into 1-methyluric acid through the action of the enzyme xanthine dehydrogenase/oxidase. Xanthine is used as a drug precursor for human and animal medications, and is manufactured as a pesticide ingredient. In high doses, they can lead to convulsions that are resistant to anticonvulsants. People with the rare genetic disorders, specifically xanthinuria and Lesch–Nyhan syndrome, lack sufficient xanthine oxidase and cannot convert xanthine to uric acid. In humans, 1-methylxanthine is involved in caffeine metabolism. The therapeutic level is 10-20 micrograms/mL blood; signs of toxicity include tremor, nausea, nervousness, and tachycardia/arrhythmia. Xanthine is subsequently converted to uric acid by the action of the xanthine oxidase enzyme. Several stimulants are derived from xanthine, including caffeine and theobromine. 1-Methylxanthine is expected to be in Cannabis as all living plants are known to produce and metabolize it.