- What is the use of cocoa powder in pharmaceutical industry?
- How is cacao used as medicine?
- Which industries use cocoa?
- How is chocolate used in medicine?
- What is the use of cocoa butter in pharmaceutical industry?
- How did Mayans use cacao as medicine?
- Is cacao an antibiotic?
- Is cacao good for healing?
- Is cacao a medicinal plant?
- What are the benefits of cacao in skincare?
- Is cocoa a probiotic?
- How does cocoa affect the immune system?
- Is cocoa powder good for acid reflux?
- What are the side effects of cocoa powder?
- How much cocoa powder a day for health benefits?
Did you know that cocoa powder can be utilized by the pharmaceutical business in addition to being used in food production? Cocoa powder is now being used as a fundamental and supplemental ingredient in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries in Indonesia. In addition to possessing beneficial active ingredients for health, cocoa powder’s physicochemical characteristics are the key factor behind its widespread use in the pharmaceutical sector. Here are the most interesting facts about the usage of cacao in pharmaceutical industry:
What is the use of cocoa powder in pharmaceutical industry?
In a study, several bioactive substances found in cocoa powder, such as flavonoids, procyanidins, theobromine, and caffeine, are discussed. These substances have been proven to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, among other potential health advantages of cocoa powder in pharmaceutical industry. The report also emphasizes the rise in demand for nutraceuticals and functional foods that offer health advantages over and above basic nutrition.
Pharmaceuticals also utilize cocoa powder as a flavour. Its unique flavour and perfume can help conceal the disagreeable tastes and odours of other active chemicals in medications and dietary supplements. Moreover, cocoa powder can be used to coat tablets and capsules. The coating can enhance the drug’s appearance, prevent the active chemicals from deteriorating, and make it simpler.
How is cacao used as medicine?
For a variety of health advantages, cacao has been applied topically and orally. A study discusses a variety of bioactive compounds present in cacao, such as flavonoids, methylxanthines (including theobromine and caffeine), and other compounds like phenylethylamine and anandamide.
Many compounds, including those with anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, antioxidant, and mood-enhancing effects, have been shown to provide potential health benefits when taken orally. Using cocoa powder topically has also been found to have positive effects on the skin. Made from cocoa beans, cocoa butter is frequently used in skin care products due to its hydrating properties.
Which industries use cocoa?
The pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries are among those that frequently employ cocoa. For instance, cocoa butter is frequently used as a moisturizer and emollient in the cosmetics sector.
Chocolate and other confectionery goods are made in the food business using cocoa powder and cocoa butter. Some culinary products can flavour themselves with cocoa powder.
Cocoa powder in pharmaceutical industry is often used as a coating for tablets and capsules as well as a pharmacological ingredient. Cocoa is a sought-after ingredient for making functional foods and nutraceuticals that may have favorable health effects since it includes bioactive compounds including flavonoids and methylxanthines.
How is chocolate used in medicine?
Cocoa or chocolate is usually drunk for its medicinal properties. Alternatively, it can be applied topically. There has been research on the possible therapeutic benefits of cocoa and its derivatives.
According to a study, the natural substances in chocolate called cocoa flavanols may improve blood flow, blood pressure, and cholesterol metabolism, all of which are good for cardiovascular health when consumed naturally. It should be highlighted, nonetheless, that more investigation is required to completely comprehend the advantages and drawbacks of employing cocoa and its derivatives as a medical element.
What is the use of cocoa butter in the pharmaceutical industry?
In the pharmaceutical sector, cocoa butter is used as an excipient, a material added to a medicine to enhance its formulation and delivery.
The use of cocoa butter replacements in pharmaceutical formulations is discussed in a study with an emphasis on their possible usage in solid dosage forms like tablets and capsules. Drugs’ bioavailability, release profile, and stability can all be improved with cocoa butter replacements.
How did Mayans use cacao as medicine?
The Mayans consumed cocoa beans by chewing them directly without cooking. Natural resources such as cocoa have indeed been widely used by several ancient civilizations.
Cocoa beans have been used extensively by the Mayans since 1800 BC to treat various types of ailments. The Mayans believed that cocoa beans had inflammatory activity, could reduce fatigue and elevate mood.
Is cacao an antibiotic?
Many bioactive substances found in cocoa beans, including polyphenols, alkaloids, and flavonoids, have been demonstrated to have antimicrobial effects on different types of bacteria and fungi. These substances hinder the growth and survival of microorganisms by rupturing their cell walls and membranes.
An investigation that looked at numerous in vitro and in vivo tests looked at the antibacterial capabilities of cocoa beans and their extracts against a variety of pathogens, including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans, and Aspergillus niger. The scientists also discussed the potential applications of cocoa beans as all-natural alternatives to synthetic antifungal and antibiotic drugs.
Is cacao good for healing?
Researchers have studied cacao’s potential health benefits, including how it can hasten the healing process. An essay looks into cacao’s potential role in wound healing briefly.
The authors draw attention to the bioactive components of cocoa, such as flavonoids, which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. By reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, two variables that could impede the healing process, these traits may aid in wound healing.
Is cacao a medicinal plant?
Although cocoa, scientifically known as Theobroma cacao, is not usually regarded as a medicinal plant in the conventional sense, it has been investigated for its potential health advantages. It is often included in discussions of functional foods and superfoods.
What are the benefits of cacao in skincare?
A study investigates cacao’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capabilities, which may benefit skin health. According to the authors, cocoa includes several substances, such as polyphenols and flavonoids, which have been demonstrated to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These characteristics might aid in defending the skin against deterioration brought on by environmental stresses like UV radiation and pollution.
Caffeine and theobromine, also found in cacao, may have a firming and toning impact on the skin. According to the authors, skincare products containing cacao may aid in hydrating skin, reducing inflammation, and promoting a more youthful appearance.
Is cocoa a probiotic?
Cocoa is considered a probiotic. According to a study, numerous Lactobacillus strains isolated from the fermentation of cocoa displayed probiotic traits, such as the capacity to adhere to human intestinal cells and resistance to bile salts and acidic environments. These traits imply that these strains might be helpful as starting cultures in creating probiotic foods.
Although cocoa itself isn’t a probiotic, the fermentation method used to make it may encourage the development of probiotic microorganisms. This study highlights the potential health advantages of cocoa and its products by indicating that the Lactobacillus strains isolated from cocoa fermentation may have promise as probiotics.
How does cocoa affect the immune system?
According to a study, a diet high in cocoa primarily suppresses the Th2 immune response while maintaining Th1 immunity. This theory was reinforced by evidence showing that lymph node cells produced more IFN- and splenocytes secreted less IL-4.
Is cocoa powder good for acid reflux?
Methylxanthines, found in cocoa and chocolate, can relax the lower oesophagal sphincter (LES) and allow stomach acid to reflux into the oesophagus.
However, the high-fat content of chocolate can also cause symptoms of acid reflux. If you have acid reflux, cutting back on cocoa and chocolate goods may help you determine whether they are making your symptoms worse. To be safe, consult your doctor before making any dietary or treatment-related adjustments.
What are the side effects of cocoa powder?
Due to specific chemicals in cocoa, excessive consumption of cocoa or chocolate may result in various adverse effects. For instance, chocolate includes caffeine, which in some people can lead to symptoms including jitteriness, a quick heartbeat, and sleep difficulties. Theobromine, which has effects comparable to caffeine but is less powerful, is also present. Moreover, oxalates found in cocoa have been shown to increase the risk of kidney stones in those predisposed to them. Rarely may some people experience allergic responses to cocoa or chocolate.
How much cocoa powder a day for health benefits?
Depending on the exact health issue or benefit being sought, as well as individual criteria like age, gender, and general health state. The recommended daily dosage of cocoa powder for health benefits varies.
Generally speaking, research points to the possibility of health advantages from ingesting dark chocolate or cocoa in moderation. 20 to 30 grams (approximately 1-2 tablespoons) of cocoa powder daily is usually the recommended dosage for health benefits.