ACTIONS
theobroma cacao
Sterculiaceae
Cocoa Tree

CONSTITUENTS
Seeds contain about 2 per cent
of theobromine and 40 to 60 per cent of solid fat.
The shells contain about 1 per cent of theobromine,
together with mucilage, etc.


ACTIONS
antiseptic
aphrodisiac
astringent
diuretic
emmenagogue
parasiticide
vulnerary

Medicinal Action and Uses
Cocoa is prepared by grinding the beans into a paste
between hot rollers and mixing it with sugar and starch,
part of the fat being removed.
Chocolate is prepared in much the same way,
but the fat is retained.
Oil of Theobroma or cacao butter
is a yellowish white solid,
with an odour resembling that of cocoa,
taste bland and agreeable;
generally extracted by expression.
It is used as an ingredient
in cosmetic ointments and in pharmacy
for coating pills and preparing suppositories.
It has excellent emollient properties and is used
to soften and protect chapped hands and lips.
Theobromine, the alkaloid contained in the beans,
resembles caffeine in its action, but its effect
on the central nervous system is less powerful.
Its action on muscle,
the kidneys and the heart is more pronounced.
It is used principally for its diuretic effect
due to stimulation of the renal epithelium;
it is especially useful when there is an accumulation
of fluid in the body resulting from cardiac failure,
when it is often given with digitalis to relieve dilatation.
It is employed in high blood pressure
as it dilates the blood-vessels.
It is best administered in powders or cachets.

Dosage
Theobromine, 5 to 10 grains.


HERBS ACTIONS


Back - Home - Next