Process for producing cocoa husk extract

摘要

A process for producing a cocoa husk extract containing gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is provided, the process comprising: a) extracting GABA and methylxanthines from cocoa husks with an aqueous medium thereby to form an aqueous solution containing GABA and methylxanthines; b) removing at least part of the methylxanthines from the aqueous solution with a solvent which is immiscible with water; and c) retaining the aqueous solution containing the GABA. A cocoa husk extract comprising GABA and methylxanthines wherein the ratio of GABA to methylxanthines is at least 1:20 and a food product containing such an extract are also provided.