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Because of its occurrence in such coenzymes as adenosine triphosphate and diphosphopyridine nucleotide, as well as in the fundamental cell components, the nucleic acids, adenine has a good claim to the title of the most important purine. Though it can be synthesized with reasonable ease, it is still relatively rare, and its more complex natural derivatives are best prepared by extraction from yeast cells or glandular tissues. The physiological and therapeutic properties of adenine and its derivatives have not yet been completely elucidated, but they are known to have effects on the cardiovascular system and the peripheral circulation. Adenine salts have a leukopoietic effect and have been used successfully for agranulocytosis.