Theobromine is an alkaloid of cocoa and has similar effects to caffeine on the human body, but about 10 times more bland:
- diuretic
- stimulant
- lowers blood pressure as a vasodilator
The darker the chocolate, the more it is present.
Present, even if in minimal quantity, in nuts and tea.
Studies have shown the benefits of cocoa and chocolate on blood circulation also due to the action of this alkaloid (1)
It is however an exciting and therefore care must be taken not to abuse (2).
Caution. For some pets it is toxic, therefore not to be given to dogs, horses, birds and others as it could cause cardiac arrhythmias, convulsions and worse (3) (4).
Molecular Formula: C7H8N4O2
Molecular Weight: 180.167 g/mol
UNII: OBD445WZ5P
CAS: 83-67-0
EC Number: 201-494-2
FEMA Number: 3591
PubChem Substance ID 24277679
MDL number MFCD00022830
Beilstein Registry Number 16464
Synonyms:
- 3,7-Dimethylxanthine
- Diurobromine
- Teobromin
- Thesal
- 3,7-dimethylpurine-2,6-dione
- 3,7-Dimethyl-3,7-dihydro-1H-purine-2,6-dione
- Theobromin
- Xanthine, 3,7-dimethyl-
- Theosalvose
- Theostene
- SC 15090
- 2,6-Dihydroxy-3,7-dimethylpurine
- Theobromine (natural)
- UNII-OBD445WZ5P
- NSC 5039
- Santheose
- Thesodate
- 3,7-Dihydro-3,7-dimethyl-1H-purine-2,6-dione
- 1H-Purine-2,6-dione, 3,7-dihydro-3,7-dimethyl-
- 7-Dimethylxanthine
- 2,6-Dihydroxy-3,7-dimethyl-purine
