Tag Archive for 'Theobroma'

Recent findings document the domestication of cacao tree (Theobroma cacao) in the Ecuadorian Amazon region, its region of origin, by at least 5,300 years ago. Lanaud et al. demonstrate the large landscape of domestication of cacao, out of its area of origin, along the Pacific coast of South America, occurring concurrently during this same early time period and in subsequent time periods. Image credit: Fernando Graniel.

Scientists Discover Four New Genetic Lineages of Cacao in Peru

Jul 7, 2026 by News Staff

In an analysis of 390 traditionally cultivated cacao trees representing traditional Amazonian varieties, researchers identified four previously unknown...

Saad et al. show that the reported beneficial links between theobromine intake on health and aging extend to the molecular epigenetic level in humans. Image credit: Sci.News.

Theobromine: Chemical Found in Dark Chocolate Could Have Anti-Aging Properties

Dec 15, 2025 by Natali Anderson

Scientists at King’s College London have identified strong links between theobromine, a common plant compound that comes from cocoa, and measures of...

Cacao May Have Spread from Amazonia to Other South and Central American Regions 5,000 Years Ago

Mar 20, 2024 by News Staff

Humans have a long history of transporting and trading plants, contributing to the evolution of domesticated plants. The cacao tree (Theobroma cacao),...

Zarrillo et al report the earliest evidence of cacao use in the Americas and the first archaeological example of its pre-Columbian use in South America. Image credit: Stana.

Birthplace of Cacao Identified in Amazon Region

Nov 5, 2018 by News Staff

An international team of scientists has found that the upper Amazon region gave birth to the domesticated Theobroma cacao, the plant from which chocolate...