An option for natural cough suppression:
Theobromine is a natural compound present in dark chocolate. In 10 human subjects, theobromine (a bitter compound closely related to caffeine) at a dose of 1000 mg stopped capsaicin-induced cough better than 60 mg of codeine. In clinical research, capsaicin is also used to determine the cough threshold. Compared to placebo, theobromine significantly increased the amount of capsaicin needed to produce five coughs. Capsaicin is used to help relieve minor pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis or muscle sprains and strains. (5)
Duration of theobromine effect:
According to Simons FE et al, the effect of theobromine peaked at 2 hours and lasted for 6 hours which was comparable to the duration and bronchodilation action of theophylline currently used as a pharmaceutical therapy for asthma (6).