Question

Stimulant present in cola, tea and cocoa is-
A) Cocaine
B) Caffeine
C) Amphetamine
D) Tannin

Answer 1

Caffeine is a stimulant of the central nervous system, it is legal worldwide. It does not affect as much as cocaine does. It is edible and can therefore be consumed.

Complete answer:
Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system. It is the most widely used psychoactive drug in the world. It is a legal psychoactive drug and its production is unregulated in almost all parts of the world. The most prominent mechanism of action of caffeine is that the action of adenosine on its receptors is reversibly blocked by it, consequently preventing the onset of adenosine induced drowsiness. Caffeine can also stimulate certain areas of the autonomic nervous system.
Caffeine tastes bitter, it is present as white crystalline purine which is an alkaloid. It is chemically related to the adenine and guanine bases found in nucleic acids. It is present in seeds, nuts, and leaves of various plants specially the natives of Africa, East Asia and South America. It works as a pesticide and also prevents germination of nearby seeds. The coffee beans of the Coffee plant are the well-known source of caffeine. It is present in beverages to improve cognitive performance and also prevents drowsiness. Caffeine is extracted by infusion to make the beverages, which may be soft-drinks, coffee, tea, and cola.

Additional information - Caffeine exhibits both positive as well as negative effects on health. It is used to treat and prevent premature infant breathing disorders. Caffeine citrate is a part of Essential Medicines. It is used in medication for several diseases like Parkinson's disease. It creates a risk during pregnancy, it is recommended to pregnant women to limit caffeine intake. A mild form of drug dependence associated with symptoms such as sleepiness, headache, and irritability can be caused by caffeine if a person suddenly stops its intake.

Therefore the correct answer is option - B. caffeine.

Note: Caffeine is a stimulant of CNS but has mild effects when consumed in less quantity. Cocaine has a strong stimulating effect on CNS and is a regulated drug. Amphetamine is also a stimulant of CNS but it is mostly used in medicines for treatment of various conditions such as narcolepsy, obesity, etc. tannins are used as dye or as astringents.