cacao
Theobroma cacao
Theobroma cacao, commonly known as the cocoa tree, is native to tropical regions of Central and South America. Traditionally, its use has not been extensively documented in specific medical practices, though it is widely cultivated for its beans used in chocolate production. Cocoa bean shell extract has shown antioxidant and genoprotective effects at lower doses but induced neurotoxicity and redox imbalance at higher doses in fly studies, indicating a need for dose consideration. Additionally, C. theobromae rather than phytoplasma is identified as the causal agent of Cocoa Wilt Blight Disease (CWBD) in the Philippines using PCR assays. Theobromine from Theobroma cacao has diverse therapeutic and cosmetic applications, including antitussive, lipid-modulating, and skin-lightening effects. Scientific evidence for these claims is limited but promising, with some studies indicating potential benefits while highlighting the importance of dose control to avoid adverse effects. No major safety issues or drug interactions have been recorded for Theobroma cacao in its traditional uses and modern applications.
- Mejor evidencia
- D
- Precauciones
- —
Solo información. El uso tradicional no significa eficacia probada. La evidencia y la seguridad varían — consulte las fuentes citadas.
Lo que dice la ciencia
- El extracto de la cáscara de cacao mostró efectos antioxidantes y genoprotectores a dosis bajas, pero indujo toxicidad neurológica e imbalances redox a dosis altas en moscas.
- En Filipinas se detecta C. theobromae como el agente causal de CWBD mediante un ensayo de PCR, y no una bacterioplasma.
- La teobromina de Theobroma cacao tiene aplicaciones terapéuticas y cosméticas diversas, incluyendo efectos antitussivos, moduladores lipídicos y depigmentantes.
- El estudio identificó cinco clonales productivos y estables de cacao para agroforestería en Rondônia, Brasil, mostrando una estabilidad de rendimiento moderada a lo largo de los años。
- Se encontraron diferencias fenotípicas significativas en la eficiencia fotossintética y morfología entre 18 clonales de cacao bajo condiciones diurnas amazónicas.
- Las habas FC tenían más fibra y polifenoles pero menos proteína y capacidad antioxidante que las habas UC, con ambos tipos mostrando atributos favorables de cacao.
- Este estudio identificó varias cepas de Trichoderma con potencial actividad de control biológico contra patógenos del cacao, destacando su relevancia ecológica y biotecnológica.
- El estudio registra por primera vez a Forcipomyia (Forcipomyia) pinamarensis en Colombia, notando su presencia en un agroecosistema de cacao.
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 does the scientific evidence say about cacao?
8 sourced findings are recorded for cacao; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: El extracto de la cáscara de cacao mostró efectos antioxidantes y genoprotectores a dosis bajas, pero indujo toxicidad neurológica e imbalances redox a dosis altas en moscas.
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.
Fuentes
- 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