Xanthine

Xanthine is a naturally occurring purine base (C5H4N4O2) found in most body tissues and fluids as an intermediate in purine metabolism, specifically during the degradation of adenosine monophosphate to uric acid[1][4][5]. While chemically related methylxanthines (such as caffeine and theophylline) are important pharmaceutical agents, xanthine itself is not considered a direct therapeutic target, enzyme, or receptor, but rather a small molecule metabolite and parent compound for pharmacologically active derivatives[5][6]. High serum xanthine concentrations can lead to the formation of xanthine kidney stones, and hereditary enzyme deficiencies in xanthine metabolism can result in clinical disorders[4].

Other names

XanXanthinIsoxanthine3,7-Dihydro-1H-purine-2,6-dione7H-xanthine9H-purine-2,6-diolXanthioneUSAFCB-17[1][4]