The dried, fermented and roasted seeds of this plant, called cacao beans, are the source of cocoa, chocolate and cocoa butter[301 ]. These are widely used in the confectionery industry to made chocolate confections, cakes, ice cream, drinks etc[301 ]. The somewhat bitter flavour is usually moderated by adding sugar or other sweeteners[238 ]. The seed contains up to 50% fat[303 ]. The ripe seeds are cured by pressing, fermenting and then drying them[307 ]. The cured seeds are then roasted and ground into a powder to make cocoa[307 ]. A butter-like fat (called cocoa butter) is extracted from the seeds[307 ]. The fruit contains about 20 - 40 seeds surrounded by a thin, succulent pulp with a slightly sweet flavour[416 ]. This pulp is sucked as a sweet snack[301 , 307 ]. It can be made into juices and jellies[416 ]. The seed contains a pigment that is said to be useful as a food colouring[301 ].

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.


Although used mainly as a food, cacao does also have some therapeutic value[254 ]. The seed contains a range of medically active constituents including xanthines, a fixed oil and endorphins[254 ]. It is a bitter, stimulant, diuretic herb that stimulates the nervous system, lowers blood pressure and dilates the coronary arteries[238 , 254 ]. Cacao powder and butter are nutritive, the latter also soothes and softens damaged skin[238 ]. The seed is used in central America and the Caribbean as a heart and kidney tonic[254 ]. An infusion of the baked seed-membranes is drunk as a remedy for anaemia[348 ]. Combined with the stems of Chromolaena odorata and the wood of Cecropia obtusa, the seed is applied externally as an emollient in a remedy to extract splinters or prickles embedded in the skin[348 ]. Cacao powder is taken internally in the treatment of angina and high blood pressure[238 ]. The rural people in Amazonas State, Brazil, rub cocoa butter on bruises[303 ]. It is often used to treat chapped skin and burns[238 ]. Research has shown that it can help to counter the bacteria responsible for boils and septicaemia[254 ]. The leaf contains genistic acid. This has been shown to be antirheumatic and analgesic[348 ]. An infusion of the leaf buds is used with incense to treat diarrhoea[348 ]. An infusion of the dry pods is used to decrease leprosy spots[348 ].

Humid shade garden. Botanic collection. Large conservatory. Agroforestry Uses: The tree is often interplanted with bananas, coconuts and rubber[200 ]. Other Uses The cacao tree provides a wide range of commodities for local peoples including fibre for cloth, thread and paper; wood for construction, making implements etc; coverings for their houses and many other items[254 ]. The ash from pod husks contains potassium oxide, which can be extracted in the form of potassium hydroxide, a useful alkaline in the saponification process[303 ]. The burnt husks can be pounded and made into a paste that has a soapy residue and can be used for washing clothes[307 ]. Cocoa-bean fat from unfermented cocoa beans can be extracted and used in soap making[303 ]. Cacao butter, obtained from the seeds, is used in skin creams, cosmetics and as a suppository base[238 ]. The wood is light, soft and of low durability[419 ]. Of little value, it is sometimes used for fuel or to make charcoal[419 ]. The cocoa bean testa is used for fuel[303 ]. It has a calorific value of 16 000-19 000 BTU/kg, a little higher than that for wood[303 ].

Special Uses