Theobromine

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

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

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

Theobromine is a white, odourless powder which is hardly soluble in water and ethanol.

Theobromine has a weakly diuretic, slightly muscle-relaxing effect. Furthermore, it has a vasodilatory and cardiac stimulating effect. Overall, the effect of theobromine on the human organism is comparable to that of caffeine, but less pronounced.