Linn.
Family: Sterculiaceae.
Habitat: Native to tropical America; cultivated in South India and Orissa.
English: Cocoa, Theobroma, Chocolate tree.
Action: Leaves—Central nervous system stimulant, local anaesthetic (due to cocaine).
Seeds—stimulating and diuretic (due to caffeine).Cocoa contains methylxanthine, which acts as a diuretic. Preparations of Cocoa are used for liver, bladder and kidney ailments, diabetes, as a general tonic and as an astringent for diarrhoea. Cocoa and cocoa products can cause migraine headache, can also result in constipation.Included among unapproved herbs by German Commission E.
Chocolate (Theobroma cacao).Plant Part Used: Leaf, seeds.Dominican Medicinal Uses: The seeds are traditionally prepared as a tea by decoction (i.e. hot chocolate) taken orally for fatigue and weakness. The leaf decoction is used for kidney and urinary tract disorders.Safety: Chocolate is widely consumed and generally regarded as safe. No data on the safety of the leaf has been identified in the available literature.Contraindications: Avoid use in individuals with a history of heart disorders (due to cardiac stimulant effects) or hypersensitivity (due to potential skin reactions or migraines).Drug Interactions: Avoid concomitant use with phenelzine due to potential for high blood pressure. The following medications may inhibit caffeine metabolism or clearance: oral contraceptives, cimetidine, furafylline, verapamil, disulfiram, fluconoazole, mexiletine, phenylpropanolamine, numerous quinolone antibiotics (i.e. enoxacin, pipemidic acid, ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin), idrocilamide and methoxsalen.Clinical Data: The following effects of the seed extract have been investigated in human clinical trials: anti-ulcer, antioxidant and decreased platelet function.Laboratory & Preclinical Data: In animal studies the seed extract has shown anti-ulcer effects. In vitro the seed extracts and/or constituents have shown antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-tumor, cardio-protective, dopaminergic, immunomodulatory and red blood cell production stimulant effects.* See entry for Cacao in “Part 3: Dominican Medicinal Plant Profiles” of this book for more information, including references.... cacao
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