Guaranine (which is nearly identical to caffeine) and the closely
related alkaloids theobromine and theophylline make up the primary
active agents in guarana. Caffeine's effects (and hence those of
guaranine) are well known and include stimulating the central nervous
system, increasing metabolic rate, and having a mild diuretic effect.
One long-term study found no significant effects on thinking or
mental function in humans taking guarana. Caffeine may have adverse
effects on the blood vessels and other body systems as well as on
a developing fetus, and presumably guaranine would have similar
effects. Guarani also contains tannins, which act as astringents
and may prevent diarrhea.
History
The indigenous people of the Amazon rain forest used crushed guarana
seed as a beverage and a medicine. Besides its refreshing and nutritive
value, guarana was said to treat diarrhea, decrease fatigue, reduce
hunger, and help arthritis. It also has a history of use in treating
hangovers from alcohol abuse and headaches related to menstruation.
The plant was introduced into France by a physician who was returning
from Brazil. It came to be employed in the treatment of migraine
and nervous headaches, neuralgia, paralysis, urinary tract irritation,
and other ailments, as well as continuing to be administered for
chronic diarrhea.
Remedies
For
Guarana is useful for:
Athletic performance
Fatigue
Weight loss and obesity
The medicinal virtues of guarana is probably largely due to its
high caffeine content. It has 2.5 times more caffeine than from
coffee. This may be one of the reasons for its effectiveness in
reducing migraine headaches. The tannins act as an astringent to
alleviate diarrhea. Guarana extracts were found to inhibit platelet
aggregation following either oral or intravenous administration.
Description
The vast majority of guarana is grown in
a small area in northern Brazil. Guarana gum or paste is derived from
the seeds and is used in herbal supplements.
Dosage
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.
Safety
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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