Guarana is an evergreen plant with the scientific name Paullinia cupana. The plant originates in Brazil and parts of the Amazon rain forest, according to Drugs.com. The seeds of the plant have been cultivated and used for an array of holistic purposes for many years. Guarana has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration for its safety and effectiveness, so consult a health care provider before using it.
Identification
The guarana seeds are crushed and dried into a paste in order to derive their extract, according to Drugs.com. Guarana seeds contain several active components and constituents that are responsible for its effect on the body. Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center reports that gaurana's active alkaloids are caffeine, theophylline and theobromine. Gauarana also contains tannins called catechutannic acid and catechol.
Uses
Guarana has a long history of use dating back to ancient indigenous tribes of the Amazon rain forest. Natives crushed guarana seeds and consumed it as a beverage for treating symptoms of diarrhea, fatigue, hunger and arthritis, according to NutraSanus, an herb database. Today, guarana is an additive in many soft drinks, sport beverages and energy drinks, particularly in South America, according to Drugs.com. Guarana can also be found in other products like herbal teas, candy and dietary supplements.
Effects
Guarana's primary effect on the body is due to its high content of caffeine, a powerful stimulant. Caffeine has been reported to stimulate the central nervous system and the heart, increase blood pressure and inhibit platelet aggregation, according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. The caffeine found in guarana has also been reported to suppress hunger, reports Drugs.com. Guarana's ability to curb appetite and stimulate has led researchers to study its effect on weight loss. A study published in the "Journal of the International Association for the Study of Obesity" studied the effect of guarana on overweight individuals, and reported that an herbal mixture containing guarana resulted in a short-term decrease in fat and weight among test participants. The researchers concluded that more long-term studies must be done in order to ensure guarana's effectiveness and safety.
Side Effects
Guarana use and toxicity produces many of the same effects similar to caffeine. The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center reports that common side effects associated with guarana use are insomnia and diuresis. Toxicity or too much guarana can lead to nausea, tachycardia, anxiety and tremors. Individuals who are allergic to guarana may suffer from difficulty breathing or swelling of the lips or face, reports Drugs.com.
Drug Interactions
Guarana should not be consumed with other stimulants or performance aids like ephedrine, warns Drugs.com. The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center warns that the caffeine found in guarana may interact with several medications like monoamine oxidase inhibitors, adenosine, clozapine and benzodiazepines. Consult with your doctor first before taking guarana with any prescription drug.
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