| General
Information |

Common Name: |

Guarana |
|
Latin
Name:
|
Paullinia
Crysan
Paullinia sorbilis |
|
Family:
|
Sapindaceae |
| Other
Names: |
 |
Brazilian
cocoa.
|
 |
Brazilian
cola.
|
 |
Uabeno.
|
 |
Guarana
gum.
|
|
| Indications
& Historical Uses |
 |
Central
Nervous System stimulant.
|
 |
Used
for treatment of fatigue, nerve tonic.
|
 |
For
Diarrhea, gastrointestinal complaints.
|
 |
For
symptoms of PMS: listlessness, lack of concentration and
headaches.
|
 |
Appetite
suppressant.
|
 |
Historically
used as an aphrodisiac.
|
 |
A
popular beverage in South America.
|
|
| Contraindications
& Precautions |
|
Guarana
contains two to three times more caffeine than coffee or tea.
Do not overuse. Exercise caution in pregnancy, and heart conditions.
See
Caution.
Adverse
Side Effects:
Dysuria is a common side effect of guarana.
Drug
Interactions:
None known. |
| Dosage
Information |
|
How
Supplied:
|
50
mg tablets, capsules. |
|
Dosage:
|
50-100mg
per day. |
| Pharmacology
|
|
Guarana
contains Xanthines, which are potent CNS stimulants.
Guarana
contains two to three times more caffeine than coffee or tea.
Xanthines
are used as stimulants, diuretics and anti diarrheal, as well
as appetite suppressant. Researchers have identified high levels
of tannins [5-6% ] in guarana. These astringent substances explain
its reputation for alleviating diarrhea; tannins are believed
to control or stop diarrhea by reducing inflammation in the intestine.
In
addition to the high caffeine content ,the presence of associated
alkaloids [theophylline and theobromine ] also explains guarana's
traditonal use in treating migraine headache and as an appetite
stimulant.
|
|
Active
Ingredients:
|
Xanthines:
 |
Guarnine
(caffeine).
|
 |
Theobromine.
|
 |
Theophylline.
|
In
Brazil ,Guarana is made into a popular carbonated cola drink and
it is considered the national beverage of Brazil .People drink
it for energy and for stimulation. The caffeine driven energy
boost provided by Guarana capsules and tablets has earned them
the nickname " Zoom". It is also available as a dried herb ,extract
, powder ,syrup, and tea
|
| Origin |
|
It
is a climbing evergreen shrub , native to the Brazilian Rain Forests,
South.
|
| Processing |
|
America.
Extracts are prepared from the seeds ,which are found in the orange
yellow fruits of these perennials. . Guarana seeds are dry roasted,
crushed and powdered and zanthines are extracted by hydroalcoholic
process. The extract is then dried & standardized.
|
| Scientific
References |
 |
Mowrey, D. (1990) Guaranteed Potency Herbs. A Compilation
of writings on the subject.
|
 |
Mowrey, D. (1986) The Scientific Validation of Herbal Medicine.
Cormorant Books.
|
|
| Back
To Index |