Guarana Berry Properties

Guarana berries come from the guarana plant, an evergreen vine native to the Amazon basin. Other names for guarana berries include Pullinia cupana, guarana, guarana gum, guarana seed, zoom cocoa and Brazilian cocoa. Applications of guarana berries are primarily related to their caffeine content. Considered an herbal supplement, guarana berries is not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration.

History

According to the University of Michigan Health System, native Amazon people used crushed guarana berries as a beverage and as medicine to treat diarrhea, fatigue, hunger and arthritis. Guarana also has been known to treat alcohol hangovers and menstrual headaches.

Health Claims

The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center reports that guarana has been used to suppress appetite, stimulate the nervous system, improve fatigue and sexual performance. The UMHS says guarana has been purported to enhance athletic performance and support weight loss, though these claims have not been scientifically substantiated. Preliminary research shows that guarana may have anti-cancer properties.

Components

According to the MSKCC guarana is 2.5-7 percent caffeine. Caffeine can stimulate the nervous system and heart, increase blood pressure and blood sugar, inhibit blood clotting and stimulate the muscles. The UMHS also says guarana contains tannins, a substance that may help prevent diarrhea.

Side Effects

The MSKCC reports that guarana commonly has a diuretic effect and may also cause insomnia. Other side effects of guarana include anxiety, agitation, headache, irritability, nausea, irregular heartbeats, tremors, vomiting, diarrhea, confusion, dizziness or fainting spells, muscle twitching, seizures, trembling and upset stomach. Individuals who experience any side effects with guarana should reduce or limit their intake and consult a healthcare provider if side effects do not go away.

Herb and Medication Interactions

The MSKCC warns that guarana should not be taken by people who take medications such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors to treat depression or those who take medications to treat anxiety. The St. John Providence Health System says that many herb and medication interactions with guarana are unknown and that guarana may interact with antibiotics, barbiturates, cimetidine, clozapine, creatine, dihydroergotamine, ephedra or ma-huang; estrogen, birth control pills, grapefruit juice, ketoconazole, lithium, blood pressure or heart medication, cold medication, weight loss drugs, sleeping pills, methysergide, phenytoin, rifampin, amphetamine, theophylline, blood thinners, zileuron and zinc salts. Guarana should not be taken with any other caffeinated products like caffeine pills, soft drinks or energy drinks because it can magnify the effect of caffeine.

Warnings

The SJPHS advises pregnant women, breastfeeding women and people with angina, anxiety, chest pain, diabetes, heart disease, high or low blood pressure, kidney or liver disease, panic attacks, stomach ulcers, intestinal disorders, seizure disorders, thyroid disease or trouble sleeping to consult a physician prior to taking guarana. People who develop a rash may be allergic to guarana and should stop taking it.