What is Guaraná?

The ground seed kernel of the tropical plant, Paullinia Cupana var. Sorbilis.

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.

Guaraná is an evergreen vine found growing in the wild basins of the Amazon rain forests. The indigenous people of the Amazon rain forest have used crushed guaraná seed as a beverage and a medicine. Guaraná was used to treat diarrhea, decrease fatigue, reduce hunger, and to help arthritis.

Guarana's active components are guaranine and the alkaloids theobromine and theophylline. Guaranine is almost identical in chemical structure to caffeine and has many of the same effects. Guaraná also contains tannins, which may account for its traditional use to treat diarrhea.

Guaraná, in combination with Asian ginseng and Siberian ginseng, is often used by athletes in an attempt to produce an energizing effect. However, there are not any clinical studies conclusively substantiating the benefit of guaraná for this purpose.

Guarana for Weight Loss

Guaraná contains a substance similar to caffeine called guaranine. Guaranine stimulates the central nervous system, increases metabolism, and has a mild diuretic effect. It has been suggested that in combination with other herbs, guarana (guaranine) may be effective in helping to promote weight loss. This effect is probably due to an appetite suppressing mechanism, an increase in calorie burning, or both.

Possible Side Effects

Guaranine, a chemical compound found in guaraná, produces many of the same effects as caffeine. Individuals with conditions that may be complicated by high caffeine intake (including insomnia, depression, and pregnancy) should consult with a physician before adding guaraná to their diet.
 

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