Theobromine

Theobromine is alkaloid prepared from the dried ripe seed of Theobroma cacao or made synthetically from xanthine. It has physiologic properties similar to those of caffeine. its major source is beverages (tea, cocoa and coffee). Chemically Theobromine is 3, 7-dimethylxanthine. It can be employed as a diuretic, it acts by inhibiting reabsorption of sodium and chloride in the renal tubules. Theobromine is less toxic, and thus can be employed on occasions when the more toxic diuretics are contraindicated such as when renal function is poor. The wide choice of more effective diuretics has limited the use of it as a diuretic. It dilates the coronary arteries and increase the coronary blood flow.