Herb Profile
Cacao
Theobroma cacao
Cacao (Theobroma cacao) carries an editorial Grade A rating, but the studies recorded on this profile do not demonstrate that grade.
Last reviewed: •3 sources citedReport a correctionProfile-wide ·Unassigned
Use extra caution — Caloric load, mild stimulant effects Details
- Evidence
- Editorial Grade Not Demonstrated By Recorded Studies
- Typical onset
- Varies by prep
- Safety rating
- Moderate caution
- Best for
- Stimulant, Vascular Function Support, Endothelial Function Support
- Avoid / review if
- Caffeine Sensitivity
Safety
Safety & Cautions
Caloric load, mild stimulant effects
Elevated caution
Caution level: Elevated. One caution category applies — read it before use.
- Stimulant-Like ProfileStimulant-like or activating caution language is present.
Detailed safety fields
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, and contraindications
- Caffeine Sensitivity
Safety classifications
- Stimulant-Like Profile: Stimulant-like or activating caution language is present.
Full safety note
- Caloric load, mild stimulant effects
Safety labels
- Stimulant-Like Profile
Evidence
Evidence Summary
Evidence lens
Treat this profile as unresolved until source review is complete.
Needs reviewEditorial Grade Not Demonstrated By Recorded Studies
Human clinical evidence: Present in source signals
Mechanistic / preclinical: Mechanism mapped — Vascular Function Support · Endothelial Function Support
Research maturity: Theoretical / mechanistic research — Mechanistic or unresolved evidence is kept separate from established human outcomes.
Safety boundary: Safety note available — Caloric load, mild stimulant effects
This profile cites 3 human studies.
Study design details
Evidence Grade
Evidence grade not assigned
Evaluation of methodological rigor, population reach, and evidence alignment.
- Design Match
- Randomized controlled trial
- Risk of Bias
- Low
- Consistency
- Not assessed
Strongest recorded design is a randomized controlled trial, drawn from 4 recorded studies, 1 in people.
How evidence grades work
Each grade reflects the strength and consistency of published human evidence — not marketing claims. Grades are based on study count, design quality, effect size, consistency, and recency.
- Strong
- Multiple RCTs, consistent direction, adequate effect size
- Moderate
- Some RCTs or consistent observational data in humans
- Preliminary / Mixed
- Animal or in-vitro only, or conflicting human data
- Traditional / Theoretical
- Traditional use only; no controlled human trials
Clinical Study Summaries (4)1 human evidence source · 1 human trial · Participant totals not consistently reported · Consistency not yet classifiable
Filter by study class
Showing 4 of 4 studies.
What the evidence actually shows
This table contains 4 structured sources, including 1 human evidence source; 1 is a human trial.
| Study | Design | N | Dose | Duration | Population | Outcome | Result & magnitude | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Background | Randomized controlled trial Randomly assigns participants to interventions or controls, reducing many sources of bias when the trial is conducted well. | — | — | — | — | — | Controlled human evidence demonstrates blood-pressure effects under specific cocoa-flavanol exposures. The intervention is a defined flavanol exposure and should not be equated with ordinary chocolate or unspecified cacao products. | PubMed → |
Román GC et al. · Rev Neurol (Paris) · 2019 Background | Narrative review Summarizes selected literature without the full prespecified search and selection methods of a systematic review. | — | — | — | — | — | — | PubMed → |
Natsume M et al. · Curr Pharm Des · 2018 Background | Narrative review Summarizes selected literature without the full prespecified search and selection methods of a systematic review. | — | — | — | — | — | — | PubMed → |
PubMed indexed authors · 2006 Background | Narrative review Summarizes selected literature without the full prespecified search and selection methods of a systematic review. | — | — | — | — | — | — | PubMed → |
Dosing & Timing
- Dose guidance
- 200 900 mg flavanols/day
How Cacao works
Simplified mechanism pathway based on preclinical and pharmacological evidence. Does not confirm clinical efficacy.
Mechanism Pathway — How Cacao Works
CompoundTarget / ReceptorMechanismEffect / Outcome
Mechanisms & biological pathways (preclinical)
- Vascular Function Support
- Endothelial Function Support
Active Compounds
Key constituents studied in Cacao, with full pharmacology and safety profiles.
Compare related active botanicals
Explore botanicals with similar chemistry, effects, or safety considerations in the Botanical Activity Atlas.
Compare & Sourcing
Compare side-by-side tradeoffs or verify active marker guidelines.
Safety first · Harm reduction
This information is educational and not medical advice. Start low, avoid risky combinations, and consult a licensed clinician before making health decisions—especially if you use medications, have diagnosed conditions, or are pregnant/breastfeeding.
Learn how we evaluate confidence, safety, and intensity on the methodology page.
Founder & Head Researcher · Oak Ridge, TN · Last reviewed August 2026
Editorial Review
Checked against primary sources, cited evidence, and contraindication language before publication. Evidence claims, safety language, and affiliate modules are reviewed independently. Not personal medical advice.
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