General Description
Guarana is a woody, evergreen perennial vine native to the Amazon
basin of Uruguay and northern Brazil. Reaching up to 10 meters in
length, guarana has large palmate leaves, which are distinctly ribbed
and have scalloped or serrated edges. The plant flowers in clusters
of short-stalked, yellow to white blossoms, which eventually produce
orange-red, grape-sized fruit. The fruit is divided into three sections,
each containing one dark purple to black seed. The seed is roasted
and ground into a paste, which is rolled into cylindrical pieces
and dried. The resulting sticks are used to make a stimulant drink.
Health Applications
History and Traditional Use
Native tribes of the Amazon rain forest used crushed guarana seeds
as a stimulant beverage and as a remedy for diarrhea.1
Chemical Composition
Guarana contains a high concentration of caffeine (about three
times as much as found in coffee). It also contains high levels
of tannins and various saponins.2
Contemporary Uses
Modern use of guarana centers on its high caffeine content, which
has made it popular for promoting mental and physical endurance.
Natives of Brazil and Uruguay use guarana sticks to make a hot
beverage much like coffee. Guarana seeds are also used as an ingredient
in carbonated soft drinks.3 Some studies suggest
that guarana may promote cardiovascular health by inhibiting the
oxidation of LDL (the "bad' cholesterol)4
and by reducing the tendency of blood platelets to clump together.5,6
Dosage/Toxicity
Guarana is consumed liberally as a stimulant drink, and animal
studies indicate that it has very low toxicity.4,7
Due to its high caffeine content, caution is advised for persons
with sensitive cardiovascular systems, renal diseases, hyperthyroidism,
or psychological disorders such as panic/anxiety attacks.8
As with other caffeine-containing beverages, excessive consumption
should also be avoided by pregnant women or nursing mothers. |
