According to "Wilderness Medicine" by Dr. Paul Auerbach, guarana is a South American vine also called Paullinia cupana. The seeds of this Amazonian plant contain a potent herbal caffeine. While coffee contains anywhere from one to four percent caffeine, guarana tea offers approximately five percent. Part of the methylxanthine class of stimulants, guarana is often used to enhance performance and increase energy.
Side effects include increased urination, headache and insomnia, as well as withdrawal weakness and depression. Please consult your health care provider before using any herbal supplement.
Blood Thinning Properties
According to a study published in the International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research, the paste made from crushed guarana seeds has anti-platelet properties. Platelets are the blood components that form clots in order to prevent excessive bleeding. These anti-clotting properties of guarana are beneficial for decreasing heart disease and pulmonary embolism, which is the blockage of a lung's main arteries.
Allergy Inhibition
A study published in the Journal of Bioscience, Biotechnology and Biochemistry demonstrates that guarana seed extract can be used in allergy therapy. The study revealed that guarana inhibits an allergic reaction through preventing hives. Guarana helps reduce allergic reactions induced by increases in mast cells and immunoglobulin E, IgE. Part of the normal immune system, mast cells are rich in histamine, which is the substance responsible for the allergic reactions of watery eyes, stuffy nose and inflammation. IgE is from the class of blood proteins called antibodies.
Methylxanthine Effects
According to "Physician's Desk Reference for Herbal Medicines," guarana seed extract has high levels of methylxanthines. These compounds work by activating the "fight-or-flight" response in the body. Effects include increased heart rate, sweating, increased urination, ability to breathe more efficiently, dilated pupils, pale skin and nervous system stimulation. Basically, methylxanthines enhance the effects of adrenaline.
References
- "Physicians Desk Reference for Herbal Medicines" 4th ed.; Christof Jaenicke, M.D. and Joerg Gruenwald, Ph.D.; 2007
- "Wilderness Medicine"; Paul Auerbach, M.D., M.S.; 2007
- "Textbook of Family Medicine" 7th ed.; Robert Rakel, M.D.; 2007
- "International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research"; Studies on the Nature of anti-platelet Aggregatory Factors in the Seeds of the Amazonian Herb Guarana (Paullinia cupana); Ravi Subbiah, M.T.; March 1, 2008
- "Haddad andWinchester's Clinical Management of Poisoning and Drug Overdose" 4th ed.; Michael Shannon, M.D., et al.; 2007
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