Psychopharmacology of theobromine in healthy volunteers.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Theobromine, a methylxanthine related to caffeine and present in high levels in cocoa, may contribute to the appeal of chocolate. However, current evidence for this is limited.

Objectives

We conducted a within-subjects placebo-controlled study of a wide range of oral theobromine doses (250, 500, and 1,000 mg) using an active control dose of caffeine (200 mg) in 80 healthy participants.

Results

Caffeine had the expected effects on mood including feelings of alertness and cardiovascular parameters. Theobromine responses differed according to dose; it showed limited subjective effects at 250 mg and negative mood effects at higher doses. It also dose-dependently increased heart rate. In secondary analyses, we also examined individual differences in the drug's e

SUBMITTER: Baggott MJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3672386 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature