Cocoa butter is an edible natural fat obtained from the Theobroma cocoa seeds that is predominantly found in dark chocolate . It is a rich source of monounsaturated and saturated... It is a rich source of monounsaturated and saturated fatty acids that mainly contains approximately 33% DB04224, 25% DB03796, and 33% DB03193 but does not contain caffeine or theobromine.
- Mechanism
- Curator reviewed · 8 references
Cocoa butter is comprised of saturated fatty acids that exert a neutral cholesterolemic response in humans. DB03193 is one of the major constituent in cocoa butter that is a non-atherogenic type of dietary saturated fat. Although it is a saturated fatty acid known to elevate plasma lipids and lipoproteins, stearic acid from plant sources differs from animal-derived sources of stearic acid. Possible explanations for this unique property may include chain length, inefficient absorption, metabolism kinetics, and hepatic desaturation of stearic into oleic acid. Apart from its lipid-lowering actions, stearic acid may also mediate actions on hemostasis and thrombosis which still remain inconclusive. In vitro, stearic acid was demonstrated to promote platelet aggregation and factor VII coagulant activity; however in vivo preliminary studies mixed results.
Cocoa butter may contain flavonoids that elicit antioxidant, anti-platelet, anti-inflammatory effects, as well as possibly increasing HDL, lowering blood pressure, and improving endothelial function. They inhibit lipid peroxidation, scavenge reactive oxygen species, and attenuate photochemical overproduction of ROS thus minimize UV-induced photodamage and signs of aging on the skin.
- Primary indication
- Indicated for topical use in over-the-counter skin products for the treatment of skin dryness and reduction of striae gravidarum (stretch marks).Curator reviewed
- First approval
- Canada, 2012
- Also known as
- Cacao butter · Cacao seed oil, fermented · Oil, cocoa butter · Oil,cocoa butter · Theobroma cacao (cocoa) seed butter
- Brand names
Resolves to
What you can answer from here — as of September 20, 2026
Which companies are running trials of Cocoa butter, in which indications and phases, and which of those programs are still active?
Create a free account or log in to explore the full data card.
Create Account