Theobrominum

Theobromine; 3,7-dimethyl-3,7-dihydro-1H-purine-2,6-dione (IUPAC); 3,7-dimethylxanthine · Theobromine, the cacao alkaloid; the bitter principle of chocolate

Modern MM

A small/minor remedy of the methylxanthine (caffeine/coffea/theophylline) group whose sphere of action centres on the cardiovascular and renal systems — heart, arteries and the production of urine — together with the nervous over-stimulation characteristic of the xanthines. Its use is pharmacologically rather than proving-derived.

Key symptoms

No formally proved keynotes exist for Theobrominum. The indications used clinically are inferred from the substance's pharmacology: cardiac/renal dropsy and edema (the directly documented historical use); circulatory complaints for which a vasodilator–diuretic was historically employed; and nervous over-stimulation of the methylxanthine type (restlessness, palpitation, sleeplessness) seen in overdose. A commercial OTC product lists the single indication "to relieve the symptoms of nervousness." These are pharmacological/clinical indications, not proving keynotes.

Worse (aggravation)

Not established. No formal proving has defined modalities for Theobrominum; aggravating circumstances cannot be stated from a reliable homeopathic source.

Better (amelioration)

Not established. No proving-derived ameliorations are on record.

Manohar V Nagaiah

Materia Medica of Modern Homeopathic Medicine · 2026

Theobromine, the cacao alkaloid; the bitter principle of chocolate

Source & Nature

Theobrominum is the homeopathic preparation of theobromine, the principal methylxanthine alkaloid of the cacao bean (Theobroma cacao). It is 3,7-dimethylxanthine, molecular formula C7H8N4O2, molecular weight 180.16 (CAS 83-67-0, PubChem CID 5429), a close chemical relative of caffeine and theophylline. The substance is a bitter, odorless white crystalline powder, sparingly soluble in water. Commercially it has served as a diuretic and vasodilator and as a synthetic intermediate, and is the alkaloid responsible for the toxicity of chocolate to dogs.

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Classical texts are in the public domain. Educational reference only — not medical advice.