Theobromine

Theobromine (C₇H₈N₄O₂, or 3,7-dimethylxanthine, or 3,7-Dihydro-3,7-dimethyl-1H-purine-2,6-dione) 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.

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.

• CAS No.: 83-67-0
• Alternate names : Riddospas, Riddovydrin, Santheose, Seominal, Theobrominum, Theoguardenal, Theominal and Théoxalvose.

External links

• Theobromine vs. Caffeine