200 /COCOA PDR FOR HERBAL MEDICINESStarch (5 to 9%)
Monosaccharides/oligosaccharides (2 to 4%): saccharose,
glucose, fructose
Biogenic amines: including phenyl ethyl amine, tyramine,
tryptamine, serotonin
Isoquinoline alkaloids: salsolinol
Catechin tannins (10%): including oligomeric proanthocyan-
idins (8%)
Oxalates (0.6 to 1%)
EFFECTS: COCOA SEED
Cocoa seeds can cause constipation because of the tannin
content. The drug contains methylxanthines, mainly theobro-
min, which have a diuretic, broncholytic, and vasodilatory
effect. They also stimulate cardiac muscle performance and
act as a muscle relaxant.COMPOUNDS: COCOA SEED COAT
Purine alkaloids: main alkaloid theobromine (0.4-1.2%)
with less caffeine (0.02%)
Fat (5%)
Biogenic amine: including phenyl ethyl amine, tyramine,
tryptamine, serotonin
Catechin tannins: among them, proanthocyanidins
EFFECTS: COCOA SEED COAT
Cocoa can cause constipation. Cocoa contains methylxan-
thines, which have a diuretic, bronchyolitic, and vasodilatory
effect. They also improve cardiac muscle performance and
act as a muscle relaxant.
COMPOUNDS: COCOA BUTTER
Triglycerides (melting temperature 31 to 35°C): chief fatty
acids oleic acid (33 to 39%), stearic acid (30 to 37%),
palmitic acid (24 to 31%)
Free fatty acids
Steroids: sterols, including beta-sitosterolPurine alkaloids (0.001 to 0.1%)
EFFECTS: COCOA BUTTER
The main constituents are triglycerides. High doses of cocoa
butter, in contrast to similar saturated fatty acids, do not
cause an increase of serum cholesterol and the LDL fraction.INDICATIONS AND USAGE
COCOA SEED
Unproven Uses: In folk medicine, Cocoa seeds are used for
infectious intestinal disease, diarrhea and as a secretolytic. It
is also used to regulate the thyroid and as a mild stimulant
(in compound drinks containing caffeine.) |
COCOA SEED COAT
Preparations of cocoa seed coat are used for liver, bladder,
and kidney ailments, diabetes, as a tonic and general remedy
and as an astringent for diarrhea.COCOA BUTTER
Cocoa Butter is used by the pharmaceutical and cosmetic
industries as an inactive ingredient in dermatologic
preparations.
PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS
COCOA SEED
General: No health hazards or side effects are known in
conjunction with either the proper administration of desig-
nated therapeutic dosages or the consumption of normal
amounts of chocolate products. Large dosages lead to
constipation due to the tannin content. Cocoa and cocoa
products can cause allergic reactions. The amines can trigger
migraine attacks.
Pediatric Use: Large quantities of chocolate products can
lead to overexcitability, racing pulse and sleep disorders in
children because of the caffeine content, which can be as
high as 0.2% in milk chocolate and 0.4% in bitter chocolate.
COCOA SEED COAT
No health hazards or side effects are known in conjunction
with the proper administration of designated therapeutic
dosages. Cocoa and cocoa products can cause allergic
reactions. Large dosages lead to constipation due to the
tannin content. The amines can trigger migraine attacks.
COCOA BUTTER
No health hazards or side effects are known in conjunction
with the proper administration of designated therapeutic
dosages.
DOSAGE
COCOA BUTTER
Mode of Administration: Cocoa Butter is used as a pharma-
ceutical base for suppositories and vaginal globules. It is an
additive for ointments and cosmetic preparations, such as
skin creams and lip balms.
Storage: Store in a cool, dark place.
LITERATURE
Hansel R, Keller K, Rimpler H, Schneider G (Hrsg.), Hagers
Handbuch der Pharmazeutischen Praxis, 5. Aufl., Bde 4-6
(Drogen): Springer Verlag Berlin, Heidelberg, New York, 1992-
1994.
Leung AY, Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used
in Food Drugs and Cosmetics, John Wiley & Sons Inc., New
York 1980.
Lewin L, Gifte und Vergiftungen, 6. Aufl., Nachdruck, Haug
Verlag, Heidelberg 1992.
Naturw R, 49:481. 1996.