Guarana, Paullinia cupana, is a climbing plant native to the Amazon Basin. It features large leaves and clusters of white flowers, but it's the fruit that is prized. Each fruit contains a single seed that contains as much as five times the caffeine as a coffee bean. Sold in 1oz, 2oz, and 4oz quantity.

Botanical name: Paullinia cupana H.B.K.

Additional Information

Guarana is a plant of the maple family, Sapindaceae that can be commonly found in Brazil. This climbing tree is native to the rain forest of the Amazon basin, which is located in the northern parts of Brazil and Venezuela. The guarana plant is characterized by large leaves, clusters of flowers and brown to red colored fruits, which are about the size of coffee beans. The guarana fruit contains black seeds, which remain partly enclosed in white arils.

What is Guarana Seed?

Guarana seeds are from the guarana berries. The caffeine content of guarana is about twice the caffeine content of coffee beans. The main active ingredient of guarana seed is guaranine, which is similar to caffeine. The other compounds found in these seeds are, pectin, mucilage, malic acid, theobromine, theophylline, dextrin, salts and fiber. The extract obtained from these seeds is usually available in the form of light brown colored powder, which can be dissolved in water. Guarana extract is an ingredient in a large number of soft drinks, energy drinks and diet pills. It is also used as a flavoring agent in chocolates, chewing gums and ice creams. Nowadays, guarana is used as a supplement, basically to reduce fatigue and increase the level of energy, stamina and alertness.

Guarana Seed Benefits

Guaranine, which is the active ingredient of guarana affects the central nervous system. This compound has been found to have a positive effect on cognition. Guaranine can basically increase mental alertness and reduce fatigue. It also has a mild diuretic effect and it can increase the rate of metabolism and suppress hunger or appetite. This is the reason why it is used by many in weight loss programs and it can also be found in diet pills. It can also help to thin blood and prevent the formation of blood clots.

Guarana is very popular among athletes, as it is believed to enhance athletic performance. Apart from these, guarana can help to inhibit allergic reactions and promote digestion. It can prove helpful in digestive ailments like, intestinal gas, dyspepsia, diarrhea and dysentery. Migraine headaches, rheumatism, neuralgia and cellulite are some other conditions, in which this extract may prove helpful. Though guarana contains more caffeine than coffee beans, the caffeine found in guarana is released much slowly, which enables guarana to provide stimulation for longer.

Guarana Seed Dangers

Excessive use of this extract can cause several side effects. Its most common side effects are, insomnia, anxiety, palpitations, trembling, hyperactivity and increased urination. It has blood thinning properties, for which individuals using aspirin or other anti clotting medications should be very careful while taking this herbal extract. Simultaneous use of this extract and such medications may raise the risk for bleeding. People with hypertension should also maintain caution and consult their physicians before taking this extract. On the other hand, pregnant and breastfeeding women are usually advised to not take this herbal extract, in order to avoid any undesirable side effects.

These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

As the caffeine content of this herb is quite high, it is advisable to reduce the consumption of other caffeine containing products while taking guarana and its extracts. You can talk to a physician or health care provider to know more about the dosage, safety issues and precautions that need to be maintained while taking guarana extract, so as to avoid its possible side effects.