Theobroma cacao

Related Terms

Anandamide, bitter water, black chocolate (BC), Butyrum cacao, cacahuatl (Nahuatl), cacao (Brazilian Portuguese, English, Spanish), cacao bean husk extract, cacao tree, cacaoboom (Dutch), cacaoeiro (Brazilian Portuguese), cacaoyer (French), cacaueiro (Brazilian Portuguese), caffeine, carboxylic acids, catechin, CBC, CBH, chicolatl (Nahuatl), chocol (Mayan), chocolate flavonoids, chocolate milk, chocolate tree, choxi, cinnamtannin, clovamide, cocoa bean, cocoa bean husk extract, cocoa bran, cocoa butter, cocoa husk, cocoa liquor, cocoa oil, cocoa powder, cocoa solids, cocoa tree, dark chocolate, dried cocoa bean, Dutch chocolate, epicatechin, FCMC, fermented cocoa bean, fiber, flavan-3-ols, flavanols, flavonoids, granos de cacao (Spanish), harilik kakaopuu (Estonian), hot chocolate, inulin, isomalt, kakao (Danish), Kakao (German), kaka?(fa) (Hungarian), Kakaobaum (German), Kakaopflanze (German), kakaotr? (Danish), kakaowiec (Polish), kakav (Slovenian), kawkaw (Mayan), ke ke (Chinese), lipids, methylxanthine alkaloids, methylxanthines, milk chocolate, N-linoleoylethanolamine, N-oleolethanolamine, N-phenylpropenoyl-L-amino acid amide, oleic acid, oligofructose, palmitic acid, phenylethylamine, phytochemicals, phytosterols, polyphenols, procyanidin oligomers, procyanidins, purine alkaloids, saturated fatty acids, sorbitol, stearic acid, Sterculiaceae (family), stimulant drug, sucrose, Theobroma cacao L., Theobroma cacao phenolic extracts, theobromine, white chocolate, xocoatl (Mayan, Nahuatl), xocolatl (Mayan, Nahuatl).
Note: This monograph covers cacao, cocoa products, and chocolate. Chocolate contains caffeine. For a more complete overview, information on caffeine is available in the Natural Standard caffeine monograph.

Background

Cocoa and chocolate come from the cacao bean. Cacao is native to South America and has been grown in the tropics for at least 3,000 years. The African country Ivory Coast is the one of the largest suppliers of raw cocoa.
Cocoa products have been considered delicacies by many cultures. Cocoa contains flavonoids, which are compounds with antioxidant effects, blood thinning properties, and possibly other health benefits. For this reason, and because it is so popular, chocolate is widely researched.
Chocolate has been studied for heart disease, skin conditions, constipation, and various other conditions. The strongest evidence exists for cocoa's ability to decrease blood pressure.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *


Since chocolate contains caffeine, eating large amounts may increase blood pressure. However, research has shown that dark chocolate or chocolate with high flavonols decreases blood pressure by a small amount in people with elevated blood pressure.

A


Since chocolate contains caffeine, eating large amounts may increase blood pressure. However, research has shown that dark chocolate or chocolate with high flavonols decreases blood pressure by a small amount in people with elevated blood pressure.

A


Early research has shown that dark chocolate decreased high blood pressure and improved blood flow in the liver. High blood pressure in the veins of the liver is commonly associated with cirrhosis. Further research is needed in this area.

 B


Early research has shown that dark chocolate decreased high blood pressure and improved blood flow in the liver. High blood pressure in the veins of the liver is commonly associated with cirrhosis. Further research is needed in this area.

 B


Chocolate may be beneficial for elderly people living in nursing homes. Research in area is limited and further study is needed to draw conclusions.

 C


Chocolate may be beneficial for elderly people living in nursing homes. Research in area is limited and further study is needed to draw conclusions.

 C


Early research produced mixed results for the effects of chocolate on anxiety and stress levels. Further research is needed in this area.

 C


Early research produced mixed results for the effects of chocolate on anxiety and stress levels. Further research is needed in this area.

 C


Limited research suggests that chocolate decreased tiredness in people with chronic fatigue syndrome, a condition of severe tiredness unaffected by rest. High-quality research is needed in this area.

 C


Limited research suggests that chocolate decreased tiredness in people with chronic fatigue syndrome, a condition of severe tiredness unaffected by rest. High-quality research is needed in this area.

 C


The fiber found in cacao husk may be a noteworthy source of dietary fiber. Early evidence suggests that cacao husk fiber may be helpful in treating constipation in children. More studies are needed in this area.

 C


The fiber found in cacao husk may be a noteworthy source of dietary fiber. Early evidence suggests that cacao husk fiber may be helpful in treating constipation in children. More studies are needed in this area.

 C


Early evidence shows that using mouthwash with a cocoa product decreased bacteria in the mouth of children. Further research is needed in this area.

 C


Early evidence shows that using mouthwash with a cocoa product decreased bacteria in the mouth of children. Further research is needed in this area.

 C


The effects of chocolate on diabetes and diabetes risk are unclear. Further research is needed.

C


The effects of chocolate on diabetes and diabetes risk are unclear. Further research is needed.

C


Research has shown benefits of drinking chocolate milk for exercise recovery. The effects of chocolate alone are unclear. Further research is necessary.

C


Research has shown benefits of drinking chocolate milk for exercise recovery. The effects of chocolate alone are unclear. Further research is necessary.

C


Research suggests that a diet high in cocoa flavonoids may help protect against heart disease. However, more studies are needed before a conclusion can be drawn.

 C


Research suggests that a diet high in cocoa flavonoids may help protect against heart disease. However, more studies are needed before a conclusion can be drawn.

 C


Cocoa flavonols had mixed effects on high blood sugar levels. Further research is needed in this area.

 C


Cocoa flavonols had mixed effects on high blood sugar levels. Further research is needed in this area.

 C


Consuming cocoa butter or chocolate had mixed effects on cholesterol levels. More study is needed in this area.

 C


Consuming cocoa butter or chocolate had mixed effects on cholesterol levels. More study is needed in this area.

 C


Early research suggests that cocoa oil may be an effective insect repellant. However, additional studies are needed in this area.

 C


Early research suggests that cocoa oil may be an effective insect repellant. However, additional studies are needed in this area.

 C


In early research, a drink with cocoa flavonols improved mental performance in people with mildly impaired mental abilities. Further research is needed to draw conclusions.

 C


In early research, a drink with cocoa flavonols improved mental performance in people with mildly impaired mental abilities. Further research is needed to draw conclusions.

 C


Limited study suggests that chocolate may improve mood for a short period of time. Further research is needed to draw conclusions.

 C


Limited study suggests that chocolate may improve mood for a short period of time. Further research is needed to draw conclusions.

 C


Early research has shown that chocolate lacks an effect on Parkinson's disease. Additional study is needed in this area.

 C


Early research has shown that chocolate lacks an effect on Parkinson's disease. Additional study is needed in this area.

 C


Early study shows that chocolate may benefit pregnant women. However, due to the caffeine content, large amounts of chocolate should be avoided as they may have adverse effects on the pregnancy. Further research is needed to draw conclusions.

C


Early study shows that chocolate may benefit pregnant women. However, due to the caffeine content, large amounts of chocolate should be avoided as they may have adverse effects on the pregnancy. Further research is needed to draw conclusions.

C


Research has suggested that flavonols, which are found in chocolate, may protect the skin from sun damage. Additional study is needed in this area.

 C


Research has suggested that flavonols, which are found in chocolate, may protect the skin from sun damage. Additional study is needed in this area.

 C


The effects of chocolate on weight loss are unclear. Further study is necessary to draw conclusions.

C


The effects of chocolate on weight loss are unclear. Further study is necessary to draw conclusions.

C


Early research shows that cocoa butter may help with burn scars. However, more research is needed before firm conclusions may be made.

 C


Early research shows that cocoa butter may help with burn scars. However, more research is needed before firm conclusions may be made.

 C
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older)
CocoaVia?, a cocoa drink and snack bar brand, has been commonly used in studies.
For use as an antioxidant, one serving of CocoaVia? drink has been taken by mouth.
For anxiety, 20-25 grams of dark or milk chocolate has been taken by mouth twice daily for two five-day intervals over two weeks.
For heart disease, 13.5-80 grams of chocolate have been taken as a single dose or 1-3 times daily for two days to more than 26 weeks. Forms of chocolate have included chocolate bars, cocoa beverages (e.g. CocoaVia?), dark chocolate, or cocoa powder.
For chronic fatigue syndrome, a 15 gram chocolate bar has been taken by mouth three times daily for eight weeks.
For cirrhosis, 200 milliliters of test meal (Ensure? Plus) mixed with 0.55 grams per kilogram of dark chocolate has been taken by mouth as a single dose.
For mental performance, 10-37 grams of chocolate has been taken by mouth as a single dose or once daily for up to 30 days. Forms of chocolate included chocolate bars, cocoa drinks, and cocoa powder (e.g. Cocoapro?).
For diabetes, 15 grams of chocolate has been taken by mouth three times daily for eight weeks.
For exercise recovery, 330 milliliters of cocoa drink has been taken by mouth immediately after exercise, two hours after exercise, and before bed.
For high blood sugar/glucose intolerance up to 100 grams of chocolate has been taken by mouth once or twice daily for five days to 18 weeks as a chocolate bar or a cocoa beverage.
For high cholesterol, 13-105 grams of chocolate has been taken by mouth once or twice daily for two weeks to more than 26 weeks. Forms of chocolate have included cocoa beverages (sometimes with cocoa fiber), cocoa powder, snack bars, dark or milk chocolate bars, and CocoaVia? Crunch bars.
For high blood pressure, 6-100 grams chocolate has been taken by mouth once or twice daily for seven days to more than 26 weeks. Forms of chocolate have included cocoa, dark chocolate, unspecified chocolate, or cocoa drink.
For mood, 0.5 ounce of dark chocolate has been taken by mouth twice daily over three days.
For Parkinson's disease, a single dose of 200 grams dark or white chocolate has been taken by mouth in 15 minutes.
For pregnancy support, 30 grams of chocolate has been taken by mouth daily from approximately the 13th week of gestation until delivery.
For skin conditions, cocoa powder dissolved in hot water has been taken by mouth daily for 12 weeks. 20 grams of chocolate droplets have been taken by mouth daily for 12 weeks for ultraviolet light protection.
For weight loss, one dark chocolate square and one 8 ounce cocoa drink have been taken by mouth twice daily for 18 weeks.
For use as an insect repellent, a preparation of cocoa oil has been used on the skin.
For wound healing, a cocoa butter preparation has been massaged into the burn scar for 30 minutes twice a week for five weeks.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
Chocolate may affect blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using medications that may also affect blood sugar. People taking insulin or drugs for diabetes by mouth should be monitored closely by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist. Medication adjustments may be necessary.
Chocolate may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with drugs that increase the risk of bleeding. Some examples include aspirin, anticoagulants ("blood thinners") such as warfarin (Coumadin?) or heparin, anti-platelet drugs such as clopidogrel (Plavix?), and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin?, Advil?) or naproxen (Naprosyn?, Aleve?).
Chocolate may affect blood pressure. Caution is advised in people taking drugs that affect blood pressure.
Chocolate may also interact with activated charcoal, agents for bone loss, agents for teeth, agents that affect blood vessel width, agents that affect mental function, agents that affect the heart (including heart rhythm), agents that affect the immune system, agents that affect the nervous system, agents that affect the stomach and intestines, agents that damage the liver, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), antianxiety agents, anticancer agents, aspirin, antidepressants (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, SSRIs), anti-inflammatory agents, calcium salts, cannabinoids (present in marijuana), cholesterol-lowering agents, fertility agents, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), iron salts, painkillers, salbutamol, and sunscreens.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

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