Guarana

1. Guarana The common name of this plant (Paullinia cupana) comes from the Guarani people of northern Brazil who originally used the plant. This tribe, like many others in the area, has been making a stimulating drink from Guarana seeds for centuries. The fruit of the Guarana vine are bright red, splitting open when ripe to reveal a shiny black seed partially embedded in a white pulp. From below, these split fruits look likeeyes,staring down at those below, which led to a number of tribal myths regarding this plant. Guarana seeds are very rich incaffeine.The authentic drink/infusion made from the seeds has three to four times the caffeine content of strong Traditional Uses The Guarana has always been used, in part, for its powerful and natural stimulating effects. It was originally used to relieve pain (often from headache), decrease fever and hypertension, as well as to treat diarrhea. It was commonly brewed as a tea. Since the early 1900's, Guarana extracts have been added to carbonated beverages in South America. In the 1940's, Guarana soda became known as Brazil's national drink. Use of Guarana has spread to both Europe and North America, marketed for its ability to increase mental alertness, decrease fatigue and increase stamina. As such, it is included in a number of energy and sports drinks. For more information on this type of use, please see our Energy Drinks article.

2. 2 Stimulation Originally, it was believed that a constituent known as guaranine was responsible for Guarana's medicinal properties. We now know that guaranine is nothing more than caffeine. That being said, caffeine does have some well-documented medicinal properties of its own. It stimulates the central nervous system, increases heart rate, raises blood glucose levels and acts as a diuretic and appetite suppressant. Guarana has also been found to contain theophylline and theobromine, other substances similar to caffeine. For more information on these stimulatory constituents, please see our Caffeine article. These effects are also why Guarana can be found in a number of weight loss supplements. It is also sometimes used to improve physical and mental fatigue in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. For more information, please see our Cancer article. Other Benefits The seeds also contain tannins, which act as an astringent/have a drying effect and may explain why it can be used to alleviate symptoms of diarrhea. Studies in Brazil have also shown Guarana to inhibit platelet aggregation. There is some preliminary evidence in mice that Guarana also has antioxidant and antibacterial effects. Guarana is actually a source of cathechins and epicatechins, similar compounds to those found in Green Tea. How can I take Guarana? There is no proven effective dose for Guarana, although individuals are advised not to exceed 3 g daily. For more information on the side effects of excess caffeine, please see our Caffeine article. Stopping Guarana suddenly after daily usage, can result in caffeine withdrawal. In general it is a good idea to follow the manufacturer’s recommended dosage when supplementing Guarana. There is no proven effective dose for guarana, although individuals are advised not to exceed 3 g daily. Individuals suffering from heart problems, including high blood pressure, kidney disease, hyperthyroidism or any anxiety/nervous disorder should talk to their health care professional before taking guarana, as it may exacerbate these conditions. Do not take guarana while pregnant or breastfeeding. Avoid diet supplements that combine ephedra with guarana, as life threatening side effects have been reported.

3. 3 Guarana – Quick Facts Parts Used · Seeds Indications · Fatigue, Performance Enhancement, Weight Loss. Optimum Dosage · Unknown. Do Not Exceed 3 G (3000mg) Daily. (Clinical Doses May Differ, As Recommended By Your Healthcare Practitioner) Works Well With · Green Tea Extract, Yerba Mate Extract, Bacopa, Ginkgo Biloba, Cla Important Information Click For Products · Individuals Suffering From Heart Problems, Including High Blood Pressure, Kidney Disease, Hyperthyroidism Or Any Anxiety/Nervous Disorder Should Talk To Their Health Care Professional Before Taking Guarana, As It May Exacerbate These Conditions. Do Not Take Guarana While Pregnant Or Breastfeeding. Avoid Diet Supplements That Combine Ephedra With Guarana. · Do Not Take Guarana While Pregnant Or Breastfeeding. · Avoid Diet Supplements That Combine Guarana With Ephedra Or Other Stimulants. For Informational Purposes Only. Please Consult Your Health Care Practitioner Before Taking Natural Health Care Products. Click Here For Full Disclaimer.