Medicinal plants containing caffeine and the relationship with gastric acid

Abstract

Many of the medicinal plants have caffeine in their composition and according to some researchers they help to increase gastric acidity, being favorable in cases of hypochlorhydria and achlorhydria. The stomach parietal cells secrete hydrochloric acid (HCl), and achlorhydria and hypochlorhydria are conditions related to the amount of HCl secreted, the HCl reduction can lead the individual to a deficiency of vitamin B12, reduced absorption of calcium, iron and magnesium, which can cause osteoporosis and pernicious anemia, since the lack of vitamin B12 interferes with erythropoiesis. The methodology used was a literature review, and aimed to research medicinal plants that have caffeine in their composition and their respective levels, as well as to verify if caffeine can act in the increase of hydrochloric acid in the stomach of individuals with achlorhydria or hypochlorhydria. Articles from the following databases were selected: SciELO, PubMed and Google Scholar. Among the medicinal plants surveyed, Paullinia cupana was the one with the highest caffeine content, reaching up to 8% in its seeds. The fruits of Coffea spp. they also have a relatively high content, followed by the leaves of Ilex guayusa, Cola spp., Ilex paraguariensis.