chemical in chocolate suppresses coughs

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In today's Washington Post Health section:

" 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. "

of Imperial College of London, discussing results of a small

study showing that theobromine, a chemical found in chocolate, to be nearly

a third more effective than codeine at controlling coughs. The researchers

said theobromine worked by suppressing activity of the vagus nerve, which is

responsible for causing coughing. Unlike other cough treatments, the

chemical did not cause drowsiness.