Cocoa

Scientific Name (S): Theobroma cacao L. subspecies cacao. Family: Sterculiaceaea or Byttneriaceae

Common Name(S): Theobroma, cacao. Compounds derived from this product include cocoa, chocolate and cocoa butter.

Botany: The cocoa tree grows to heights exceeding 25 "feet. The fruits are berry-like and are borne on branches with the seeds imbedded in a sticky pulp. The seeds, referred to as cocoa beans, are used in commerce. cacao is often used to describe the crude material, while cocoa is used to describe the processed products. Although several varieties of cacao exist, the forastero variety from West Africa accounts for more than 90% of world production.

History: Cortez described the use of a beverage called chocalatl, based on the seeds of T. cacao, among the members of the Aztec court. The words ''theo broma" are Greek for "food of the Gods." The three main commercial products obtained from cacao seeds are cocoa powder, cocoa butter and cocoa extracts. Following curing and fermentation, the beans are dried and roasted to y ield the desired flavor, color and aroma.

Uses of Cocoa

Cocoa products are used in foods and cosmetics. The primary alkaloid is a diuretic, cardiac stimulant abd coronary dilator.

Side Effects of Cocoa

Those with irritable bowel syndrome should omit cocoa products from their diet. Cocoa butter may be topically allergenic and comadogenic.Large amounts of cocoa products may be fatal to pets.

Toxicology: Although cacao is not considered to be toxic in typical confectionery doses, at least one report of animal toxicity has been published. A dog that had eaten 2 pounds of chocolate chips suffered hyperexcitability, convulsions and collapsed and died, most likely due to acute circulatory failure secondary to theobromine/caffeine toxicity. Cocoa butter may be allergenic and have comedogenic properties in animals. The plant has been reported to contain small amounts of safrole, a carcinogen banned by the FDA.

Chocolate and cocoa-containing products should be omitted from the diets of people with conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome.

Summary: Products derived from T. cacao are used in a variety of food and cosmetic applications including flavorings and pharmaceutical bases. Although toxicity has been reported, probably from the theobromine and caffeine components, it is generally nontoxic.