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Guarana or Guaraná (, or ), Paullinia cupana (syn. P. crysan, P. sorbilis), is a shrub or small tree in the Sapindaceae family, native to Venezuela and northern Brazil. The seed of the Guaraná fruit is a central nervous system stimulant with thermogenic and diuretic properties. Guaraná plays an important role in Tupi and Guaraní Brazilian culture. The name 'guaraná' is derived from the Tupi-Guarani word wara'ná. These tribes believed it to be magical, a cure for bowel complaints and a way to regain strength. They also tell the myth of a 'Divine Child' that was killed by a serpent and whose eyes gave birth to this plant.
Uses Guaraná is used as an ingredient in soft drinks and energy drinks and separately as a dietary supplement to promote health and weight loss. Beverages In addition to other chemicals, the guaraná plant contains caffeine (sometimes called "guaranine"), theophylline, and theobromine. Water extracts of the guarana plant are central nervous system stimulants due to the caffeine content. Energy drink manufacturers typically add synthetic caffeine or caffeine derived from coffee decaffeination. Energy drinks containing guaraná include Pepsi's Josta, Le-Natures Samurai Tea, PEP-G, Golly Guaraná, Socko, 180, Rockstar, AMP, V, SoBe Adrenaline Rush, No Fear, and Energy, Glaceau VitaminWater: Energy, Guaraná Power, Mountain Dew MDX, Monster, Crunk!!! Energy Drink, Sprite 3G, GURU 100% Natural Energy Drink, Von Dutch and Full Throttle. Vores Øl and Molson Kick are beers containing guaraná. Whilst they are not beverages, other foods containing guaraná are X-it mints and Jolt gum. Brazil produces several brands of soft drink from guaraná extract that contain no added caffeine. Each differs greatly in flavour; some with very little natural guarana fruit taste. In Brazil, sales of guarana drinks are second only to cola drinks. They are typically fizzy and sweet, with a very fruity aftertaste. Most guaraná drinks are produced in Brazil and consumed there or in nearby countries, such as Paraguay. Major brands include Guaraná Antarctica and Guaraná Brahma from AmBev, Kuat, and Guaraná Jesus, a local Brazilian brand named for the druggist that formulated it. Many local producers also create drinks not for export. Weight loss and health supplement Studies involving guaraná show benefits to cognitive function (PMID 16533867). They have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or similar government agencies. In the United States, guaraná holds a GRAS-status, i.e. generally regarded as safe and must be labeled as not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics published a study in June 2001 showing an average 11.2 pound weight loss in a group taking a mixture of yerba mate, guaraná and damiana, compared to an average 1 pound loss in a placebo group after 45 days. A university study in Brazil of guaraná extract showed a platelet aggregation decrease of up to 37% of control values and a decrease of platelet thromboxane formation from arachidonic acid of up to 78% of control values *. This study may be significant to stroke and heart attack risk reduction because when platelets hyperaggregate or excess thromboxane formation occurs, an arterial blood clot can develop, resulting in a heart attack or ischemic stroke. A separate 1997 study of guaraná's effects on the physical activity of rats showed increased memory retention and physical endurance when compared with a placebo. Other studies have shown antioxidant, antibacterial, and fat cell reduction (when combined with Conjugated Linoleic Acid) properties in guaraná. Although side-effects of guaraná are rare, drugs.com recommends, "When considering the use of herbal supplements, consultation with a primary health care professional is advisable. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner trained in the uses of herbal/health supplements may be beneficial, and coordination of treatment among all health care providers involved may be advantageous". Drugs.com also advises not to mix guaraná with ephedrine. Composition Guaraná seeds consist of mostly reddish vegetable fiber and resin with a small amount of oil and water. From Dr. Duke's Phytochemical and Ethnobotanical Databases *: Chemicals in: Paullinia cupana (alphabetical order, concentration given Adenine seed: Duke1992a Ash seed 14,200 ppm; Duke1992a Caffeine seed 25,000 - 76,000 ppm Duke1992a Catechutannic-acid seed: Duke1992a Choline seed: Duke1992a D-catechin seed: Duke1992a Fat seed 30,000 ppm; Duke1992a Guanine seed: Duke1992a Guaranine seed: Duke1992a Hypoxanthine seed: Duke1992a Mucilage seed: Duke1992a Protein seed 98,600 ppm; Duke1992a Resin seed 70,000 ppm; Duke1992a Saponin seed: Duke1992a Starch seed 50,000 - 60,000 ppm Duke1992a Tannin seed 85,000 - 120,000 ppm Duke1992a Theobromine seed 330 ppm; Duke1992a Theophylline seed 570 ppm; Duke1992a Timbonine seed: Duke1992a Xanthine seed: Duke1992a Duke1992a: Duke, James A. 1992. Handbook of phytochemical constituents of GRAS herbs and other economic plants. Boca Raton, FL. CRC Press. ( tr = trace Guarana contains different amounts, i.e., either less or more of the stimulants theobromine and theophylline and other alkaloids, than other caffeine sources. To compare values on this table with those of other plant sources search Dr. Duke's Phytochemical and Ethnobotanical Databases *. Guaranine and caffeine The chemical guaranine is identical to caffeine derived from other sources, for example coffee, tea and mate. Guaranine, theine, mateina are all official synonyms for caffeine. See the searchable current databases listed below. Drugs database search Enter guaranine or any other drug name in the search boxes of any of the following databases: External resources | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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