Theobromine
3,7-dihydro-3,7-dimethyl-1H-purine-2,6-dione
CAS number 83-67-0	ATC code C03BD01 and R03DA07
Chemical formula	C7H8N4O2
Molecular weight	180.166
Bioavailability	?
Metabolism	?
Elimination half-life	?
Excretion	?
Pregnancy category	?
Legal status	?
Routes of administration	?

Theobromine is an alkaloid of the methylxanthine family, which also includes the similar compounds theophylline and caffeine. It is known to induce mutations in bacteria and lower eukaryotes, but does not seem to cause mutations in higher eukaryotes, such as humans.

Theobromine is a chemical stimulant frequently confused with caffeine, but has very different effects on the human body. It is a mild, lasting stimulant with a mood improving effect. Theobromine is found in cocoa and chocolate (Theobroma cacao is the scientific name of the cacao tree), in doses that are safe for humans to consume in large quantities, but can be lethal for animals such as dogs and horses, as they metabolize theobromine more slowly.

Scientists have recently discovered that theobromine has an antitussive effect superior to codeine by suppressing vagus nerve activity. [1] http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2004/11/041122095327.htm

Alternate names are: Riddospas, Riddovydrin, Santheose, Seominal, Theobrominum, Theoguardenal, Theominal and Théoxalvose.

External links

• Theobromine vs. Caffeine http://www.xocoatl.org/caffeine.htm