Chocolate May Hold Cure For Coughs

[matcom]

<snip>

AN ingredient in chocolate could be used to stop persistent coughs and lead to more effective medicines, researchers said today.

A study has found that theobromine, found in cocoa, is nearly a third more effective in stopping persistent coughs than codeine, currently considered the best cough medicine.

Researchers from Imperial College London (ICL) said the discovery could lead to more effective cough treatments.

"While persistent coughing is not necessarily harmful, it can have a major impact on quality of life, and this discovery could be a huge step forward in treating this problem," said Professor Peter Barnes, of ICL and Royal Brompton Hospital.

Ten healthy volunteers were either given theobromine, codeine or a dummy pill during the trial, which also involved both Royal Brompton Hospital and St Bartholomew's Hospital.

To measure the effect of the different pills the researchers measured levels of capsaicin, which is used in research to cause coughing and as an indicator for the effectiveness of medicines.

http://www.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,4057,11472362%255E13762,00.html

[clydefrand]

1. Cough, cough, cough, pass the chocolate

I like this medicine! It's also good for reducing cholesterol...the very dark kind.

Here's one thing that's yummy and good for you unless you happen to be overweight like I am.

And theophyline is given for asthma. That is probably related to theobromine, but I don't know that for a fact.

[The Backlash Cometh]

2. Hot damn!

Getting sick has never been more fun!

Can't believe there are still wonderful inventions & discoveries waiting for us around the corner.

[Kookaburra]

3. Oh happy happy day!!!

Just when I thought there was no good news...mmmmm chocolate.

[LiberalEsto]

4. Lovely!

But when will they invent a cure for republicanism?

[Bruce McAuley]

5. PSSSST! You want some GOOD cough medicine?

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=213x103

:hi:
Bruce