Guarana

Paullinia cupana syn. P.sorbilis

Guarana is a climbing shrub native to South America and the expansive Amazon Basin. There it is cultivated for its seeds. Guarana paste (also called gum) is prepared from the pulverized and roasted seeds by mixing with water to form a paste, which is then molded into bars and dried. Like a few other popular plant stimulants, guarana contains a fair amount of caffeine and traces of related alkaloids like theophylline and theobromine.

Guarana-a dried paste made chiefly from the crushed seed of Paullinia cupana H.B.K. (family Sapindaceae), a climbing shrub native to Brazil and Uruguay. The natives of those countries prepare a hot beverage from guarana, and it is employed as an ingredient in carbonated beverages marketed by the Coca-Cola Company in Brazil and the Pepsi-Cola company in the United States. Guarana has a relatively high caffeine content, ranging from 2.5 to 5 percent and averaging about 3.5 percent.

Parts used

Seeds

Uses

Guarana's medicinal uses are largely the same as those of coffee - it is taken for headache and migraine, for mild depressive states, and to boost energy levels. The problems that apply to long-term or excessive coffee consumption also apply to guarana -both stimulate over the short term but tend to inhibit the body's natural restorative processes over the longer term. In view of guarana's significant tannin content, long-term use is even less advisable, because tannins impair the intestines' ability to absorb nutrients. Nevertheless, guarana is a useful short-term remedy for boosting energy levels or for a tension headache that cannot be treated with rest. Guarana's astringency also treats chronic diarrhea.

Habitat & cultivation

Guarana is native to tropical forests of the Brazilian Amazon and is also cultivated in Brazil. The seeds are gathered when ripe.

Constituents

Guarana contains xanthine derivatives (including up to 7% caffeine, together with theobromine and theophylline), tannins, and saponins. The xanthines are stimulant, diuretic, and reduce fatigue over the short term.

How much to take

A cup of guarana, prepared by adding 1-2 grams of crushed seed or resin to 250 ml (1 cup) of water and boiling for ten minutes, can be drunk three times per day. Each cup may provide up to 50 mg of guaranine.

Side effects

As with any caffeinated product, guarana may cause insomnia, trembling, anxiety, palpitations, urinary frequency, and hyperactivity. Guarana should be avoided during pregnancy and lactation. Long-term use may cause decreased fertility, cardiovascular disease, and several forms of cancer, according to epidemiological studies of caffeine use.

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