Guarana

What Is Guarana Seed Extract?

The seed kernel of the tropical plant, Paullinia Cupana var. Sorbilis. Guarana extract is an extract of this seed. 

For What Is Guarana Used?

  • Stimulant
  • Appetite suppressant
  • Smoking cessation
  • Pain relief
  • Commercially as a flavoring in soft drinks
Guarana


The first record of the use of Guaraná dates all the way back to 1669! It was this year that a Jesuit missionary named J. Felipe Betendorf visited an area deep in the Amazon Basin where the Maué Indians were found using it as a daily tonic/stimulant. These Indians and the white settlers who lived with them lauded the beverage for its ability to ward off headaches, relieve cramps and fevers, and as an aphrodisiac. Maybe most responsible for its popularity was the belief by these people that their daily usage helped to prevent malaria and dysentery. It is still consumed today for all of these reasons.

How Does Guarana Work?

Guaraná contains tetra methylxanthine (as much as 5.8%!), a compound almost identical to caffeine; it also contains large amounts of theophylline, theobromine, tannic acid and is rich in saponins. The fact that Guaraná seed is fatty means that even ground into a powder, it is not readily water soluble and therefore not quickly absorbed by the body. The caffeine is released slowly--over as much as 6 hours--so the energy boost that is experienced from Guaraná is not like that of coffee (with a sudden rush and quick drop-off), but continues to escalate over hours. The tannic acid is astringent and probably accounts for its use as a digestive tonic. The saponin content may be partially responsible for its long term effects (saponins are the agents responsible for the energizing effects of Ginseng when it is taken over long periods). Theobromine and theophylline are two constituents of Guaraná that educated chocoholics will recognize. Theophylline is a stronger stimulant than even caffeine, but it is present in smaller amounts than caffeine. Theobromine is the stimulant/euphoriant so craved by chocoholics; with all three of theobromine, theophylline, and caffeine present, it's not hard to see how the popularity of Guaraná has remained and grown since the 1600's!

What Is The Recommended Intake of Guarana?

None has been established, so start out small and increase as desired.

Are There Any Precautions with Guarana?

All the same precautions/hazards associated with coffee apply to Guaraná.

Also recommended

For energy, consider L-Carnitine, Ginger Root and Burdock Root.
For weight control, consider Phase 2™ Starch / Carb Blocker, and  GARCINIA CAMBOGIA.

Attention dieters

Weight loss occurs when a person burns more calories than s/he ingests. Therefore, eating less, eating right, and exercising are essential to your weight loss program. Easier said than done! Additionally, it is important to focus on fat loss as opposed to just weight loss, since nobody has a reason to want to lose lean muscle tissue. The products we offer can be a valuable aid in your effort, if used responsibly. Our customers who heed this advice invariably succeed and often report to us that our products were helpful to them. Remember, it is impossible to "lose weight overnight" in a healthy manner. Permanent, healthy weight loss takes time and dedication. 

Guarana References / Additional Resources

Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trials

  1. Andersen, T. and J. Fogh (2001). "Weight loss and delayed gastric emptying following a South American herbal preparation in overweight patients." J Hum Nutr Diet 14(3): 243-50.
  2. Boozer, C. N., J. A. Nasser, S. B. Heymsfield, V. Wang, G. Chen and J. L. Solomon (2001). "An herbal supplement containing Ma Huang-Guarana for weight loss: a randomized, double-blind trial." Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord 25(3): 316-24.
  3. Galduroz, J. C. and E. A. Carlini (1996). "The effects of long-term administration of guarana on the cognition of normal, elderly volunteers." Rev Paul Med 114(1): 1073-8.
  4. Galduroz, J. C. and A. Carlini Ede (1994). "Acute effects of the Paulinia cupana, "Guarana" on the cognition of normal volunteers." Rev Paul Med 112(3): 607-11.

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