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theobromine

Theobromine, also known as xantheose, is the principal alkaloid of Theobroma cacao (cacao plant). Theobromine is slightly water-soluble (330 mg/L) with a bitter taste. In industry, theobromine is used as an additive and precursor to some cosmetics. It is found in chocolate and several other foods, including tea (Camellia sinensis), some American hollies (yaupon and guayusa) and the kola nut. It is a white or colourless solid, but commercial samples can appear yellowish.

AI overview

Theobromine is a bitter, naturally occurring alkaloid compound found primarily in cacao plants, and it also appears in chocolate, tea, and some other foods and plants. It's used in industry as an additive and ingredient in cosmetics, and exists as a white or colorless solid in pure form.

AI-generated from the Wikipedia summary — may contain errors.

Key facts

Drug.Watchedfields: changed
Drug.verifiedrevid: 622941253
Drug.IUPAC_name: 3,7-dimethyl-1H-purine-2,6-dione
Drug.image: Theobromine.svg
Drug.image_class: skin-invert-image
Drug.width: 135
Drug.image2: Theobromine 3D ball.png
Drug.image_class2: bg-transparent
Drug.legal_status: In general: Unscheduled.
Drug.dependency_liability: None
Drug.routes_of_administration: Oral
Drug.metabolism: Hepatic demethylation and oxidation

Article

12 sections

Contents

Structure
History
Etymology
Sources
Biosynthesis
Pharmacology
Effects
Humans
Toxicity
Animals
See also
References

Theobromine, a metabolite of caffeine, is processed in the liver into xanthine and methyluric acid, peaks in the blood 2–3 hours after ingestion due to its fat solubility, and primarily acts by inhibiting adenosine receptors with minor phosphodiesterase inhibition. It is a mild heart stimulant and bronchodilator in humans with limited central nervous system effects. It can be toxic or fatal to animals like dogs and cats due to their slower metabolism of the compound.