Theobromine Cancer

Theobromine, also known as xantheose, is a bitter alkaloid of the cacao plant. Theobromine is a water-insoluble, crystalline, bitter powder; the colour has been listed as either white or colourless.

Theobromine Historical Medicinal Usage
Following its discovery in the late 19th century, theobromine was put to use by 1916, where it was recommended by the publication Principles of Medical Treatment as a treatment for edema (excessive liquid in parts of the body), syphilitic angina attacks, and degenerative angina. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition notes that theobromine was once used as a treatment for other circulatory problems including arteriosclerosis, certain vascular diseases, angina pectoris, and hypertension.
In modern medicine, theobromine is used as a vasodilator (a blood vessel widener), a diuretic (urination aid), and heart stimulant. In addition, possible future uses of theobromine in such fields as cancer prevention have been patented.

Theobromine has also been used in birth defect experiments involving mice and rabbits. A decreased fetal weight was noted in rabbits following forced feeding, but not after other administration of theobromine. Birth defects were not seen in rats.

Theobromine Distribution
Theobromine is a natural extract of cocoa and over sixty species of plant. But it is most concentrated in the cocoa bean. Theobromine has a bitter taste, and is the main ingredient in chocolate. In supplemental form theobromine is a white powder.
Theobromine is mainly found in cocoa beans (about 25 g/kg), and consequently in chocolate. Theobromine levels are highest in dark chocolates (about 10 g/kg). Milk chocolates contains about 2 to 5 g theobromine per kg. (1-5 g/kg). Theobromine is also present in tea and cola nuts.

Health Benefits of Theobromine

Theobromine has a similar effect than caffeine, but about 10 times weaker. Theobromine has diuretic, stimulant and relaxing effects. Theobromine can lower the blood pressure because it can to dilate blood vessels.

Theobromine has stimulant properties, similar to caffeine. Unlike caffeine theobromine does not affect the central nervous system.

Theobromine can also relax bronchi muscles in the lungs. Theobromine can be used as cough medicine. Studies indicate that theobromine acts on the vagus nerve, which runs from the lungs to the brain.
Like caffeine, theobromine is a diuretic, and it also acts as a stimulant. In addition to causing the heart to beat more rapidly, theobromine also widens the blood vessels, reducing blood pressure. Unlike caffeine, theobromine does not act as extensively on the central nervous system, so it is unlikely to cause the shakes and tremors associated with excessive caffeine consumption. The compound is also a bronchiodilator, and it has been used in the treatment of asthma with some success.

Theobromine And Caffeine Difference

Unlike caffeine, theobromine has three methyl groups instead of two, and the presence of an additional methyl group slows the clearance of theobromine from the body. Thus, theobromine is a longer acting substance than caffeine.

Although theobromine is related to caffeine and exerts similar effects, theobromine does not affect the body through central nervous system stimulation. Instead, theobromine induces muscular relaxation of the smooth muscle tissue. However, the presence of an additional methyl group increases its half-life and slows system clearance – thus making its effects longer lasting.

Theobromine as Anti-Cancer

There are no extensive studies regarding the anti cancer properties of theobromine but
there are future studies regarding how theobromine might cure cancer. According to David Grotto, a licensed and registered dietician Researchers from the University of Barcelona in Spain found that antioxidants and that is theobromine in cocoa may be effective in suppressing genes that can trigger colon cancer cell growth.

Theobromine Precautions

Theobromine should be used with caution in patients with severe cardiac, kidney or liver disease, hyperthyroidism, congestive heart failure (CHF), peptic ulcer. It should be used with caution in neonates and elderly persons.

Theobromine Dosage

Please be careful when dosing theobromine as it is a potent powder and can cause bad side-effects when taken well above the recommended amount. Theobromine is recommended not to consume more than 500mg in one serving.

As a dietary supplement consume 500 mg one to two times daily.

Theobromine Products

Theobromine supplements, and powder can be bought online. Search theobromine in Google.

Theobromine Research Links

The flavonol factor of theobromine, was noted by Jeffrey B. Blumberg, PhD, director of the Antioxidants Research Laboratory at Tufts’ Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging (HNRCA) that is behind the promising findings of a recent Spanish study in which cocoa was found to increase antioxidant activity in all body tissues. Notably, the cocoa flavonols strengthened the thymus, an organ situated in the upper part of the chest that plays a role in the body’s immune response.
http://www.tuftshealthletter.com/ShowArticle.aspx?rowId=412

Theobromine is a stronger cardiac stimulant than caffeine and not nearly as well studied. This compound has a different chemical structure and is presumed to possess unique mood-enhancing effects.
http://www.naturalpedia.com/Theobromine-2.html