Home Ingredients CocoaNol® (Cocoa Flavanol Extract)
CardiovascularCognitiveAntioxidant

CocoaNol® (Cocoa Flavanol Extract)

Theobroma cacao
Evidence Level
Moderate
1 Clinical Trial
3 Documented Benefits
3/5 Evidence Score

CocoaNol® is a cocoa (Theobroma cacao) extract standardized to about 20% polyphenols, processed to preserve the flavanols (including epicatechin) that are usually destroyed by roasting. Cocoa flavanols are studied for supporting healthy blood flow, blood pressure, and cognition.

Studied Dose Commonly providing a few hundred milligrams of cocoa flavanols per day.
Active Compound Cocoa extract standardized to about 20% total polyphenols, rich in flavanols (epicatechin and procyanidins).

Benefits

Cardiovascular support

Cocoa flavanols support healthy blood flow and blood pressure, as confirmed in a Cochrane review of cocoa.

Supported by Trial 1

Cognitive support

Cocoa flavanols are studied for supporting blood flow to the brain and aspects of cognitive performance.

Supported by Trial 1

Antioxidant defense

Cocoa polyphenols are potent antioxidants that help protect cells and blood vessels from oxidative stress.

Supported by Trial 1

Mechanism of action

1

Flavanol nitric-oxide support

Cocoa flavanols boost nitric-oxide signaling in blood vessels, supporting healthy blood flow and blood pressure.

2

Antioxidant action

Cocoa polyphenols scavenge free radicals and support the body's antioxidant defenses.

Clinical trials

1
Cocoa and Blood Pressure — Cochrane Review
PubMed

Cochrane systematic review of the effect of cocoa on blood pressure. (Ried et al. 2017, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews)

Adults across many trials.

Cocoa flavanols produced a small but significant reduction in blood pressure, supporting cocoa's cardiovascular benefit.

Side effects and drug interactions

Common Potential side effects

GENERALLY WELL-TOLERATED.
Contains some caffeine and theobromine; can affect sleep if taken late.
Theobromine is toxic to dogs and cats; keep away from pets.

Important Drug interactions

Stimulant medications — possible additive effects; use caution.
Blood pressure medication — possible mild additive effect.
Tell your doctor if pregnant or breastfeeding.

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Frequently asked questions about CocoaNol® (Cocoa Flavanol Extract)

What is CocoaNol® (Cocoa Flavanol Extract)?

CocoaNol® is a cocoa (Theobroma cacao) extract standardized to about 20% polyphenols, processed to preserve the flavanols (including epicatechin) that are usually destroyed by roasting. Cocoa flavanols are studied for supporting healthy blood flow, blood pressure, and cognition.

What is the recommended dosage of CocoaNol® (Cocoa Flavanol Extract)?

The clinically studied dose for CocoaNol® (Cocoa Flavanol Extract) is Commonly providing a few hundred milligrams of cocoa flavanols per day.. Always follow product labeling and consult a healthcare provider for personalized dosing recommendations.

What is CocoaNol® (Cocoa Flavanol Extract) used for?

CocoaNol® (Cocoa Flavanol Extract) is studied for cardiovascular support, cognitive support, antioxidant defense. Cocoa flavanols support healthy blood flow and blood pressure, as confirmed in a Cochrane review of cocoa.

Are there side effects from taking CocoaNol® (Cocoa Flavanol Extract)?

Reported potential side effects may include: GENERALLY WELL-TOLERATED. Contains some caffeine and theobromine; can affect sleep if taken late. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you have underlying conditions or take medications.

Is CocoaNol® (Cocoa Flavanol Extract) safe to take?

Whether CocoaNol® (Cocoa Flavanol Extract) is safe depends on the dose, your overall health, and any medications you take. At studied doses, reported side effects can include: GENERALLY WELL-TOLERATED. It may also interact with certain medications. CocoaNol® (Cocoa Flavanol Extract) is not suitable for everyone — consult a healthcare provider before use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a medical condition, or take prescription medications.

References(1 citations)

Evidence ratings on NutraSmarts are based on the totality of human clinical research, with emphasis on randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews. The references below directly support claims made throughout this page.

  1. Ried K, Fakler P, Stocks NP. Effect of cocoa on blood pressure. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2017;4(4):CD008893..PubMedUsed to support: Cochrane review supporting blood-pressure benefit of cocoa flavanols (the active in CocoaNol).