Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Nociceptive Effects of Cocoa: A Review on Future Perspectives in Treatment of Pain

Abstract Cocoa has been reported to have medicinal properties. It contains a wide range of phytochemicals, including polyphenols, which have been shown to exert anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions, and also to have a positive effect on pain. Other components of cocoa might be able to positivel...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Martina De Feo, Antonella Paladini, Claudio Ferri, Augusto Carducci, Rita Del Pinto, Giustino Varrassi, Davide Grassi
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Adis, Springer Healthcare 2020-04-01
Series:Pain and Therapy
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1007/s40122-020-00165-5
Description
Summary:Abstract Cocoa has been reported to have medicinal properties. It contains a wide range of phytochemicals, including polyphenols, which have been shown to exert anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions, and also to have a positive effect on pain. Other components of cocoa might be able to positively influence pain perception through various mechanisms. Despite encouraging results from preclinical studies, there is a lack of evidence of antinociceptive effects of cocoa from clinical trials in humans. Further research is needed to better identify the active principles in cocoa, to understand the underlying mechanisms of action, and to establish efficacy in humans.
ISSN:2193-8237
2193-651X