Guarana
(Paullinia cupana) information
 
Source:
Guarana grows as
a large climbing woody-shrub whose name is translated as “secret
eyes” because the ripened fruit resembles a human eye. The genus
name comes from C. F. Paullini, a German medical botanist who died
in 1712.
Traditional uses:
The first record of the use of Guarana dates
all the way back to 1669. This was this year that a Jesuit missionary
named J. Felipe Betendorf visited an area deep in the Amazon Basin
where the Maue Indians were using Guarana as a daily tonic and stimulant.
These Maue Indians used
the tonic in order to prevent headaches, relieve stomach cramps
and as an aphrodisiac. The Indians also believed that the herb prevented
malaria and dysentery.
Physiology:
Guarana contains tetra methylxanthine a compound almost identical
to caffeine, and two other stimulates closely related to caffeine
theobromine and theophylline. Chocoholics will recognize both theobromine
and theophylline as the stimulant and euphoriant agent they crave
in their chocolate. Combine these factors with the caffeine effect
and you can see why Guarana is so desired. In addition the herb
contains tannic acid that is astringent and probably accounts for
its use as a digestive tonic.
Clinical studies:
In a recent study published in the June 2001 issue of the Journal
of Human Nutrition Diet, Guarana extract resulted in weight loss
in overweight patients taking a mixed herbal preparation including
guarana, yerbe mate, and damiana. Individuals taking the herbal
preparation lost an average of 11.2 lbs. as compared to the control
group on the placebo which lost only 1 lb.
In a study presented in the
Brazilian Journal of Medicine Biological Research 1991;24(4):421-4.
Guarana extract has also been
shown to decreased platelet aggregation
up to 37% of control values and platelet thromboxane formation from
arachidonic acid up to 78% of control values. Arterial blood
clots can develop resulting in a myocardial infarction or ischemic
stroke when platelets hyper-aggregate and/or when the formation
of excess thromboxane occurs.
Modern day uses:
Today Guarana is prescribed by physicians and herbal specialist
for the following:
- Erectile dysfunction (impotence)
- Aphrodisiac properties
- Weight control as an appetite suppressant
- Circulation improvement(decreases platelet
aggregation, preventing strokes and heart attacks)
- Central nervous system stimulant that affect
to increase alertness and decrease fatigue
- Relief of mild anxiety stress and nervous
tension
Precautions and/or
adverse effects:
Individuals with preexisting medical conditions should consult with
their physician particularly if they are taking prescription or
over-the-counter-medications or supplements. Women who are pregnant
or breast feeding and children should also consult with there physician
prior to taking any new supplements. The side effects of Guarana
are mainly attributed to its caffeine like properties, therefore,
excessive use may result in restlessness, irritability, sleeplessness,
palpitation, vertigo, diarrhea, loss of appetite, headache (return
to homepage).
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