Description
A methylxanthine alkaloid found in cocoa, kola nut, and yerba mate. Approximately one-tenth the central-nervous-system stimulant potency of caffeine but with more pronounced cardiovascular and vasodilatory effects.
White to off-white crystalline powder. Poorly water-soluble in cold water, freely soluble in hot water. Bitter taste.
We supply food-grade Theobromine from manufacturers in China holding ISO, Halal, Kosher and other certifications relevant to the product and production. Produced by chemical synthesis or extraction from cocoa.
Common market grades include synthetic Theobromine 99%, cocoa-derived Theobromine 99%, and standardized cocoa extracts with defined Theobromine content for clean-label positioning.
Bulk and reduced-MOQ shipments. Batch-level COA covering assay, caffeine impurity, heavy metals, and microbiology.
Introduction
Theobromine was first isolated from cacao beans in 1841 by Russian chemist Alexander Voskresensky. The name derives from the cacao genus Theobroma, Greek for food of the gods, despite the molecule containing no bromine.
Pharmacologically, Theobromine is a non-selective adenosine receptor antagonist and phosphodiesterase inhibitor, with effects that overlap caffeine but emphasize peripheral vasodilation and mild diuresis over central stimulation. The half-life is approximately 7 to 12 hours, longer than caffeine.
Clinical interest has centered on cardiovascular function, where Theobromine has shown blood-pressure-lowering effects in randomized trials. Cough-suppressant activity has also been demonstrated and underpins some traditional cocoa-based remedies.
Important note: Theobromine is acutely toxic to dogs and cats at relatively low doses, which is the metabolic basis for chocolate toxicity in companion animals. Pet-food and pet-treat manufacturers should not use Theobromine or cocoa-derived materials containing significant Theobromine content.
Where it is used
- Cardiovascular and circulatory-support supplements
- Mild-stimulant and pre-workout formulations as caffeine alternative
- Mood and cognitive-support products
- Cough-suppressant formulations in some markets
- Nitric-oxide and pump-focused stacks
- Diuretic and water-management products
- Co-formulation with cocoa flavanols, caffeine, and L-theanine
- Functional chocolate and confectionery applications
Technical data
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White to off-white crystalline powder |
| Assay (dry basis) | ≥ 99.0% |
| Caffeine content | ≤ 0.5% |
| Loss on drying | ≤ 0.5% |
| Melting point | ≥ 350 °C (sublimes) |
| Heavy metals (as Pb) | ≤ 10 mg/kg |
| Arsenic | ≤ 2 mg/kg |
| Residue on ignition | ≤ 0.1% |
| Total plate count | ≤ 1000 cfu/g |
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