MeSH

3,7-Dimethylxanthine. The principle alkaloid in Theobroma cacao (the cacao bean) and other plants. A xanthine alkaloid that is used as a bronchodilator and as a vasodilator. It has a weaker diuretic activity than THEOPHYLLINE and is also a less powerful stimulant of smooth muscle. It has practically no stimulant effect on the central nervous system. It was formerly used as a diuretic and in the treatment of angina pectoris and hypertension. (From Martindale, The Extra Pharmacopoeia, 30th ed, pp1318-9)

catalyzes last two steps of caffeine synthesis, converting 7-methylxanthine to theobromine and then to caffeine; 20 amino acid N-terminal sequence in first source

Date introduced: September 29, 1999

structure

Date introduced: January 1, 1970