Antioxidant, antineurodegenerative, anticancer, and antimicrobial activities of caffeine and its derivatives: micro and nano aspects

There are therapeutic and side effects of caffeine. Caffeine as a psychoactive compound can impact the function of the nervous system and lead to alterations in cognitive and physical performance. Therefore, caffeine can be consumed as a nutritional ergogenic aid. However, several side effects including headache and nervousness have been recognized in doses of more than 400 mg daily. In addition, this alkaloid has shown antioxidant, antineurodegenerative, anticancer, and antimicrobial activities. In the case of antioxidant activity, caffeine showed anti-cataract potential and delayed the onset of lens clouding. Recently, for increasing therapeutic effects, numerous organic and inorganic nanomaterials such as cosmeceutical nanogels, lipid-based nanocarrier, hydrogels, protein-polysaccharide nanoconjugates, and cyclodextrin have been employed. This article has tried to cover the antioxidant, antineurodegenerative, anticancer, and antimicrobial activities of caffeine based on recent investigations.