Theobromine is an alkaloid resembling caffeine and theophylline in its action and chemical structure, prepared from the dried ripe seed of Theobroma cacao or made synthetically; formerly used widely as a diuretic, myocardial stimulant, dilator of coronary arteries, and smooth muscle relaxant. Compounds with calcium gluconate, calcium salicylate, sodium acetate, sodium lactate, and sodium salicylate have been listed. Theobromine found in the shell and beans of the cacao plant.
Abstract
Theobromine is an alkaloid resembling caffeine and theophylline in its action and chemical structure, prepared from the dried ripe seed of Theobroma cacao or made synthetically; formerly used widely as a diuretic, myocardial stimulant, dilator of coronary arteries, and smooth muscle relaxant. Compounds with calcium gluconate, calcium salicylate, sodium acetate, sodium lactate, and sodium salicylate have been listed
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History
Humans have been aware of chocolate, and theobromine, for thousands of years, dating back to the indigenous peoples of south and central America.
Theobromine found in the shell and beans of the cacao plant. It was formally discovered by Woskresensky in cacao seeds in 1841. Theobromine is extracted from the husks of the bean and is used in the synthesis of caffeine.
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Pharmacology
Theobromine, a xanthine derivative like caffeine and the bronchodilator theophylline, is used as a CNS stimulant, mild diuretic, and respiratory stimulant. It stimulates medullary, vagal, vasomotor, and respiratory centers, promoting bradycardia, vasoconstriction, and increased respiratory rate. This action was previously believed to be due primarily to increased intracellular cyclic 3′,5′-adenosine monophosphate (cyclic AMP) following inhibition of phosphodiesterase, the enzyme that degrades cyclic AMP
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Uses
Theobromine affects humans similarly to caffeine, but on a much smaller scale. Theobromine is mildly diuretic (increases urine production), is a mild stimulant, and relaxes the smooth muscles of the bronchi in the lungs. In the human body, theobromine levels are halved between 6-10 hours after consumption.
Theobromine has been used as a drug for its diuretic effect, particularly in cases where cardiac failure has resulted in an accumulation of body fluid. It has been administered with digitalis in order to relieve dilatation. Because of its ability to dilate blood vessels, theobromine also has been used to treat high blood pressure.
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Scheduling
It is an unscheduled drug in the US.
Psychological and physical addiction liability
While theobromine makes you feel good, and mildly stimulated it is not addictive. However it has been cited as possibly causing addiction to chocolate.
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Withdrawal Effects
As it is not an addictive substance, there are no withdrawal effects observed.
Long term effects
Excessive intake of theobromine can cause sleeplessness, tremors, restlessness, anxiety, as well as contribute to increased production of urine. Additional side effects include loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting.
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Physical effects
Besides loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting there have been no other physical effects on Theobromine Drugs related to Theobromine are:
Related drugs
Theophylline
Caffeine
Theophylline
Related Synthetics
Synthetic theobromine
References
[1] http://www.drugbank.ca/drugs/DB01412
[2] http://chemistry.about.com/od/factsstructures/a/theobromine-chemistry.htm
[3] http://www.drugs.com/dict/theobromine.html
[4] http://www.xocoatl.org/science.htm
