DOI: 10.36347/sajb.2013.v01i03.001

Pages: 67-68

Caffeine is an odorless, slightly bitter bioactive heterocyclic amine present in many plants. It is found mostly in beverages such as coffee or tea and in chocolates. A number of over the counter pain relievers, headache remedies and antihistamines also contain caffeine. The present study was conducted to estimate the caffeine content in various brands of coffee and tea commercially available in gulf region. Two brands of coffee and 3 brands of tea were purchased from the local market of Muscat. Caffeine was extracted by liquid- liquid extraction method and its identity and purity was confirmed by chemical tests, melting point, thin layer chromatography and by recording max in water. The results show that coffee contains higher amount of caffeine as compared to tea leaves. Caffeine content of coffee ranged from 39-41mg/g, while tea samples contained 20-26.5 mg/g of the product respectively. The results obtained are comparable with the previously reported caffeine content in these beverages. As per the US food and Drug administration these levels are considered safe in healthy adults.