Health benefits and mechanisms of theobromine

This comprehensive review elucidates the potential health benefits of theobromine, the principal psychopharmacological compound abundant in cocoa beans and various other sources. Theobromine showcases neuroprotective attributes, enhances cognitive function, and holds promise in mitigating age-relate...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Mengjuan Zhang, Haifeng Zhang, Lu Jia, Yi Zhang, Runwen Qin, Shihua Xu, Yingwu Mei
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2024-04-01
Series:Journal of Functional Foods
Subjects:
Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1756464624001282
Description
Summary:This comprehensive review elucidates the potential health benefits of theobromine, the principal psychopharmacological compound abundant in cocoa beans and various other sources. Theobromine showcases neuroprotective attributes, enhances cognitive function, and holds promise in mitigating age-related cognitive decline and neurodegenerative disorders. Additionally, it exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, facilitates adipocyte browning, and contributes to weight management by augmenting lipid metabolism. Moreover, theobromine displays the potential to prevent kidney stone formation by inhibiting uric acid crystallization and promoting diuresis. As a metabolite of caffeine in mammals, theobromine shares similar pharmacological effects, primarily attributed to its structural resemblance to adenosine. These effects encompass phosphodiesterase inhibition, modulation of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 activity, and adenosine receptor antagonism. While theobromine shows significant promise for medical applications, further research is imperative to comprehensively understand its clinical efficacy and safety profile.
ISSN:1756-4646