In Africa, upper class tribal members would chew Kola nuts and coffee beans because the affects would increase their energy for long hunts and hindered the pain of weary bodies. In South America, the coca plant and coffee beans were chewed upon because the caffeine would stop hunger pains and for the natives of the mountain regions, they ate these caffeine enriched plants to raise their heart beat and thus their body temperature. In Asia, tea was a favorite of the people because it was said to sharpen their mental skills and prolong attention in challenging subjects. Caffeine is still used to do all these things. However, when too much is taken, insomnia, irritation, headaches and anger can result.
C affeine is addictive and can be found in most sodas, tea, chocolate, coffee and cocoa.
Caffeine is added to most of these products in the powdered form after it is extracted from tea, or coffee. It is removed by first boiling it in water, in which it is highly soluble. The crude product is dried and then sublimed to complete the purification. The caffeine crystals are then collected and can be put in a pill form or mixed into a soft drink. Shell Calanolide A was found in the extract of Calophyllum lanigerum var.