Guaraná

Uses

Botanical names:
Paullinia cupana

Parts Used & Where Grown

Guaraná is an evergreen vine indigenous to the Amazon basin. The vast majority of guaraná is grown in a small area in northern Brazil. Guaraná gum or paste is derived from the seeds and is used in herbal preparations.

What Are Star Ratings?

This supplement has been used in connection with the following health conditions:

Used for Why
1 Star
Athletic Performance
Refer to label instructions
Some athletes take guaraná, which contains caffeine, during their training, although there is no scientific research to support this use.
Some athletes take during their training; however, there is no scientific research to support this use. Guaraná contains caffeine. Another caffeine-containing herb sometimes used during training is kola nut.
1 Star
Fatigue
Refer to label instructions
Guaraná contains caffeine, and the indigenous people of the Amazon rain forest have used crushed guaraná seed as a beverage and a medicine to decrease fatigue.
Caffeine and the closely related alkaloids theobromine and theophylline make up the primary active constituents in guaraná. Caffeine's effects are well known and include stimulating the central nervous system, increasing metabolic rate, and having a mild diuretic effect. The indigenous people of the Amazon rain forest have used crushed guaraná seed as a beverage and a medicine to treat diarrhea, decrease fatigue, reduce hunger, and to help arthritis.
1 Star
Obesity
Refer to label instructions
Guaraná contains caffeine and the closely related alkaloids theobromine and theophylline, nervous system stimulants that may curb appetite, increase energy expenditure, and increase weight loss.
Guaraná (Paullinia cupana) contains caffeine and the closely related alkaloids theobromine and theophylline. These compounds stimulate the central nervous system and may curb appetite, increase energy expenditure, and promote weight loss. Laboratory research suggests guaraná extract may limit the negative metabolic impacts of a Western-style diet, such as weight gain, fat accumulation, insulin resistance, lipid metabolism disorders, and fat tissue dysfunction, while increasing heat production and energy expenditure. In a placebo-controlled trial, a combination of guarana (providing 240 mg per day of caffeine) and ma huang (Ephedra sinensis, providing 72 mg per day of ephedrine, another stimulant alkaloid) led to greater reductions in body weight, body fat, and triglyceride levels; however, the drop-out rate in the supplemented group was high due to adverse side effects related to overstimulation.

Traditional Use (May Not Be Supported by Scientific Studies)

The indigenous people of the Amazon rain forest have used crushed guaraná seed as a beverage and a medicine. Guaraná was used to treat diarrhea, decrease fatigue, reduce hunger, and to help arthritis.1 It also has a history of use in treating hangovers from alcohol abuse and headaches related to menstruation.

How It Works

Botanical names:
Paullinia cupana

How It Works

Caffeine and the closely related alkaloids theobromine and theophylline make up the primary active constituents in guaraná. Caffeine's effects are well known and include stimulating the central nervous system, increasing metabolic rate, and having a mild diuretic effect.2 One preliminary trial found no significant actions on thinking or mental function in humans taking guaraná.3 Guaraná also contains tannins, which act as astringents and may prevent diarrhea. However, this action has not been studied in human clinical trials.

How to Use It

A cup of guaraná, prepared by adding 1/4–1/2 teaspoon (1–2 grams) of crushed seed or resin to 1 cup (250 ml) of water and boiling for ten minutes, can be consumed three times per day.4 Each cup may provide up to 50 mg of caffeine.

Interactions

Botanical names:
Paullinia cupana

Interactions with Supplements, Foods, & Other Compounds

At the time of writing, there were no well-known supplement or food interactions with this supplement.

Interactions with Medicines

Certain medicines interact with this supplement.

What Are Drug Interactions
Types of interactions:BeneficialAdverseCheck

Replenish Depleted Nutrients

  • none

Reduce Side Effects

  • none

Support Medicine

  • none

Reduces Effectiveness

  • none

Potential Negative Interaction

  • none

Explanation Required

  • Caffeine

    Guaraná (Paullinia cupana) is a plant with a high caffeine content. Combining caffeine drug products and guaraná increases caffeine-induced side effects.

The Drug-Nutrient Interactions table may not include every possible interaction. Taking medicines with meals, on an empty stomach, or with alcohol may influence their effects. For details, refer to the manufacturers' package information as these are not covered in this table. If you take medications, always discuss the potential risks and benefits of adding a supplement with your doctor or pharmacist.

Side Effects

Botanical names:
Paullinia cupana

Side Effects

As with any caffeinated product, guaraná may cause insomnia, trembling, anxiety, palpitations, and urinary frequency.5 Guaraná should be avoided during pregnancy and breast-feeding.

References

1. Duke JA. CRC Handbook of Medicinal Herbs. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 1985, 349.

2. Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs, and Cosmetics, 2d ed. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1996, 293-4.

3. Galduroz JC, Carlini EA. The effects of long-term administration of guaraná on the cognition of normal, elderly volunteers. Rev Paul Med 1996;114:1073-8.

4. Duke JA. CRC Handbook of Medicinal Herbs. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 1985, 349.

5. Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C, et al. (eds). PDR for Herbal Medicines. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics, 1998, 1017-8.

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