Changes in the concentrations of caffeine and theobromine in the cocoa pod during its growth were determined. Theobromine and caffeine concentrations increased markedly after about 12 weeks from flowering to the time of harvesting. During the stage when the bean was only a mucilaginous mass, the quantity of caffeine and theobromine was negligible. Caffeine and theobromine levels in the shell, once this is formed, increased rapidly until harvest.

Theobromine and caffeine content of the cocoa bean during its growth

TLC techniques for identification of narcotics, barbiturates, and CNS stimulants in a drug abuse urine screening program.

Extraction techniques for narcotics, barbiturates, and central nervous system stimulants in a drug abuse urine screening program

Caffeine, theobromine and theophylline contents were determined in developing and old leaves, bark, wood, and immature and mature fruits of the mate plant (Ilex paraguaryensis Lamb.). Caffeine and theobromine levels were always higher in younger tissues. Analysis in partially shaded plant showed a proportional increase of theobromine when compared to caffeine. Theophylline was not detected in bark, wood and fruits. Additional index terms: Caffeine, metabolism, mate plant, methylxanthines.

CAFFEINE, THEOBROMINE AND THEOPHYLLINE DISTRIBUTION IN Ilex paraguaryensis

SUMMARY
A method for the combined estimation of caffeine, theophylline and theobromine in plant material is presented. The method involved a chloroform-ammonia extraction, separation of the bases in the chloroform extract by thin layer or paper chromatography and finally estimation of the eluted bases by spectrophotometry. Good recoveries of all three compounds were recorded. The method was used to estimate the level of these compounds in tea, coffee beans and cocoa cotyledons.

https://nph.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/j.1469-8137.1976.tb01461.x

U.M. Senanayake

Papers

A rapid micro-method for the separation, identification and estimation of the purine bases: caffeine, theobromine and theophylline.