Theobromine

About Theobromine

Theobromine is a bitter methylxanthine alkaloid closely related to caffeine and the main stimulant compound in cocoa. Its name comes from the cacao tree genus Theobroma, Greek for food of the gods, and it contains no bromine. Dark chocolate and cocoa powder contain much more theobromine than milk chocolate, and smaller amounts occur in tea and kola nuts. Theobromine is also formed in the body as one of the metabolites of caffeine. Its stimulant effect on the central nervous system is considerably milder than that of caffeine, and it acts as a vasodilator, a mild diuretic and a smooth muscle relaxant, including in the airways. Researchers have studied it for cough suppression and for the cardiovascular effects associated with cocoa consumption, with limited and mixed evidence. Dogs and cats metabolize theobromine very slowly, which is why chocolate is toxic to them and can cause vomiting, heart rhythm disturbances and seizures, particularly with dark chocolate and baking cocoa.