Main content

HealthWise KnowledgeBase

Guaraná

Uses

Botanical names:

Paullinia cupana

Parts Used & Where Grown

Guaraná is an evergreen vine indigenous to the Amazon basin. The vast majority of guaraná is grown in a small area in northern Brazil. Guaraná gum or paste is derived from the seeds and is used in herbal preparations.

What Are "Star" Ratings?

Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.

For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.

3 Stars Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.

2 Stars Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.

1 Star For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.

This supplement has been used in connection with the following health conditions:

Used for	Why
1 Star Athletic Performance Refer to label instructions	Some athletes take guaraná, which contains caffeine, during their training, although there is no scientific research to support this use. Some athletes take Reference guaraná during their training; however, there is no scientific research to support this use. Guaraná contains Reference caffeine. Another caffeine-containing herb sometimes used during training is kola nut.
1 Star Obesity Refer to label instructions	Guaraná contains caffeine and the closely related alkaloids theobromine and theophylline, these compounds may curb appetite and increase weight loss. The herb guaraná contains Reference caffeine and the closely related alkaloids theobromine and Reference theophylline; these compounds may curb appetite and increase weight loss. Caffeine’s effects are well known and include central nervous system stimulation, increased metabolic rate, and a mild diuretic effect.² In a double-blind trial, 200 mg per day of caffeine was, however, no more effective than a placebo in promoting weight loss.³ Because of concerns about potential adverse effects, many doctors do not advocate using caffeine or caffeine-like substances to reduce weight.

Used for

Why

1 Star

Athletic Performance

Refer to label instructions

Some athletes take guaraná, which contains caffeine, during their training, although there is no scientific research to support this use.

Some athletes take Reference guaraná during their training; however, there is no scientific research to support this use. Guaraná contains Reference caffeine. Another caffeine-containing herb sometimes used during training is kola nut.

1 Star

Obesity

Refer to label instructions

Guaraná contains caffeine and the closely related alkaloids theobromine and theophylline, these compounds may curb appetite and increase weight loss.

The herb guaraná contains Reference caffeine and the closely related alkaloids theobromine and Reference theophylline; these compounds may curb appetite and increase weight loss. Caffeine’s effects are well known and include central nervous system stimulation, increased metabolic rate, and a mild diuretic effect.² In a double-blind trial, 200 mg per day of caffeine was, however, no more effective than a placebo in promoting weight loss.³ Because of concerns about potential adverse effects, many doctors do not advocate using caffeine or caffeine-like substances to reduce weight.

Traditional Use (May Not Be Supported by Scientific Studies)

The indigenous people of the Amazon rain forest have used crushed guaraná seed as a beverage and a medicine. Guaraná was used to treat Reference diarrhea, decrease fatigue, reduce hunger, and to help arthritis.¹ It also has a history of use in treating hangovers from alcohol abuse and headaches related to menstruation.

How It Works

Botanical names:

Paullinia cupana

How It Works

Reference Caffeine and the closely related alkaloids theobromine and theophylline make up the primary active constituents in guaraná. Caffeine’s effects are well known and include stimulating the central nervous system, increasing metabolic rate, and having a mild diuretic effect.⁴ One preliminary trial found no significant actions on thinking or mental function in humans taking guaraná.⁵ Guaraná also contains tannins, which act as astringents and may prevent Reference diarrhea. However, this action has not been studied in human clinical trials.

How to Use It

A cup of guaraná, prepared by adding 1/4–1/2 teaspoon (1–2 grams) of crushed seed or resin to 1 cup (250 ml) of water and boiling for ten minutes, can be consumed three times per day.⁶ Each cup may provide up to 50 mg of Reference caffeine.

Interactions

Botanical names:

Paullinia cupana

Interactions with Supplements, Foods, & Other Compounds

At the time of writing, there were no well-known supplement or food interactions with this supplement.

Interactions with Medicines

Certain medicines interact with this supplement.

Reference What Are Drug Interactions

Types of interactions: Beneficial Adverse Check

Replenish Depleted Nutrients

none

Reduce Side Effects

none

Support Medicine

none

Reduces Effectiveness

none

Potential Negative Interaction

none

Explanation Required

Reference Caffeine

Guaraná (Paullinia cupana) is a plant with a high caffeine content. Combining caffeine drug products and guaraná increases caffeine-induced side effects.

The Drug-Nutrient Interactions table may not include every possible interaction. Taking medicines with meals, on an empty stomach, or with alcohol may influence their effects. For details, refer to the manufacturers’ package information as these are not covered in this table. If you take medications, always discuss the potential risks and benefits of adding a supplement with your doctor or pharmacist.

Side Effects

Botanical names:

Paullinia cupana

As with any caffeinated product, guaraná may cause Reference insomnia, trembling, Reference anxiety, palpitations, and urinary frequency.⁷ Guaraná should be avoided during Reference pregnancy and breast-feeding.

Related Information

References

1. Duke JA. CRC Handbook of Medicinal Herbs. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 1985, 349.

2. Leung A, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs, and Cosmetics, 2d ed. NewYork: John Wiley & Sons, 1996, 293–4.

3. Astrup A, Breum L, Toubro S, et al. The effect and safety of an ephedrine/caffeine compound compared to ephedrine, caffeine and placebo in obese subjects on an energy restricted diet. A double blind trial. Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord 1992;16:269–77.

4. Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs, and Cosmetics, 2d ed. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1996, 293–4.

5. Galduroz JC, Carlini EA. The effects of long-term administration of guaraná on the cognition of normal, elderly volunteers. Rev Paul Med 1996;114:1073–8.

6. Duke JA. CRC Handbook of Medicinal Herbs. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 1985, 349.

7. Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C, et al. (eds). PDR for Herbal Medicines. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics, 1998, 1017–8.

Last Review: 11-07-2012

Reference Learn more about Aisle7, the company.

The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires June 2013.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.