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)

Annotation

a bronchodilator & vasodilator alkaloid

DUI

D013805 MeSH Browser

CUI

M0021284

CAS

1H-Purine-2,6-dione, 3,7-dihydro-3,7-dimethyl-