Xanthine is a chemical compound that the body produces naturally as a byproduct of breaking down certain substances in food and cells. It exists in most bodily tissues and fluids.
Xanthine is not only present in our bodies; it is also present in some plants and plant products, such as coffee, tea, and chocolate. The name xanthine is derived from the Greek word xanthos, meaning "yellow." That's because the chemical compound appears white to pale yellow in its pure form and more yellowish in certain mixtures and conditions. In early chemistry, scientists often named compounds based on their color or the color produced during chemical reactions.