cacao
Theobroma cacao
Theobroma cacao is a tropical plant used extensively in various traditional medicine systems. Historically, it has been applied to treat wounds, burns, eye complaints, infections, alopecia, cough, kidney issues, parasites, and rheumatism, and it sometimes serves as a suppository base. Scientific evidence regarding its components is mixed; while theobromine shows potential for antitussive, lipid-modulating, and skin-lightening applications, cocoa bean shell extract demonstrated antioxidant and genoprotective effects at low doses but induced neurotoxicity and redox imbalance at higher doses in fly models. No major safety issues or notable drug interactions are currently recorded.
- Traditionally for
- wounds · burns
- Traditions
- traditional · Japanese (Kampo)
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
Traditional use
What the science says
- Cocoa bean shell extract showed antioxidant and genoprotective effects at lower doses but induced neurotoxicity and redox imbalance at higher doses in flies.
- C. theobromae, rather than phytoplasma, is detected as the causal agent of CWBD in the Philippines with a PCR assay.
- Theobromine from Theobroma cacao has diverse therapeutic and cosmetic applications, including antitussive, lipid-modulating, and skin-lightening effects.
- The study identified five productive and stable cacao clones for agroforestry in Rondônia, Brazil, showing moderate yield stability across years.
- Significant phenotypic differences were found in photosynthetic efficiency and morphology among 18 cacao clones under diurnal Amazonian conditions.
- FC beans had higher fiber and polyphenols but lower protein and antioxidant capacity compared to UC beans, with both types showing favorable chocolate attributes.
- This study identified several Trichoderma strains with potential biocontrol activity against cacao pathogens, highlighting their ecological and biotechnological relevance.
- The study records Forcipomyia (Forcipomyia) pinamarensis for the first time from Colombia, noting its presence in a cacao agroecosystem.
Frequently asked questions
What is cacao?
cacao (Theobroma cacao) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What is cacao traditionally used for?
Traditional sources record cacao for: wounds, burns, eye complaints, infections, alopecia, cough. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.
Which traditions use cacao?
cacao appears in these traditions in our sources: traditional, Japanese (Kampo).
What does the scientific evidence say about cacao?
8 sourced findings are recorded for cacao; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Cocoa bean shell extract showed antioxidant and genoprotective effects at lower doses but induced neurotoxicity and redox imbalance at higher doses in flies.
How strong is the evidence for cacao?
The strongest finding for cacao carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is cacao safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for cacao in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does cacao interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for cacao in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of cacao?
cacao is also known as: какао, cacaoyer.
Is cacao a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T3 Dr. Duke's Ethnobotanical Database public domain (USDA ARS — attribute Dr. Duke's)
- T2 Genome analysis of Ceratobasidium theobromae and its causal association with cassava witches' broom disease in the Philippines. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Cocoa Bean Shell as a Functional Food By-Product: Antioxidant Potential and Toxicological Thresholds in Drosophila melanogaster. literature abstract metadata
- T2 First record of Forcipomyia (Forcipomyia) pinamarensis Spinelli, 1983 (Diptera, Ceratopogonidae, Forcipomyiinae, Forcipomyiini) from Colombia. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Endophytic Trichoderma species associated with Theobroma cacao L.: identification and biocontrol potential against Moniliophthora roreri and Fusarium sp. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Phenotypic, physicochemical, sensory, and functional attributes of cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) from Brazilian Amazonian floodplain and upland ecosystems. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Understanding mechanistic responses underlying diurnal photoprotection and photosynthetic plasticity among cacao genotypes under natural amazonian field conditions. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Selection, genetic parameters, and multi-year stability of cacao yield under agroforestry in Rondônia, Brazil. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Exploring the therapeutic potential of theobromine: a patent review. literature abstract metadata