Theobromine

Theobromine (from the Greek "theos", "god" and "broma", "food") is a naturally occurring alkaloid from the methylxanthine group (see structural formula). Theobromine is structurally related to caffeine and has a similar stimulating effect on the central nervous system.

Theobromine is found in cocoa beans of the cocoa tree (Theobroma cacao) (1-4%); the alkaloid is found in smaller quantities of between 0.2-0.05% in the nuts of the cola tree (0.1%), in black tea and in the leaves of the mate bush. In the fruits and leaves, it is almost completely bound to tannins or chlorogenic acid.

Only fermentation or the roasting process releases the alkaloid (see also mate folium).

Theobromine is a white, odorless powder that is only slightly soluble in water and ethanol.

Theobromine has a weak diuretic, weak muscle relaxant effect. It also has a vasodilating and heart-stimulating effect. Overall, the effect of theobromine on the human organism is comparable to that of caffeine, but less pronounced.