Guarana

Guarana or Guarana (, or ), Paullinia cupana (syn. P. crysan, P. sorbilis), is a shrub or small tree in the Sapindaceae family. It is native to Venezuela and northern Brazil. The seed of the Guarana fruit is a stimulant with thermogenic and diuretic properties.
The guarana fruit's color ranges from orange to red and contain black seeds which are partly covered by white arils. The color contrast when the fruit has been split open has been likened to eyeballs; this has formed the basis of a myth (see below).
Guarana plays an important role in Tupi and Guarani Brazilian culture. The name 'guarana' is derived from the Tupi-Guarani word wara'na. These tribes believed, it was magical, a cure for bowel complaints and a way to regain strength. They also tell the myth of a 'Divine Child' that was killed by a serpent and whose eyes gave birth to this plant.
Uses
Guarana is mainly used as an ingredient in soft drinks and energy drinks. It is also used as a dietary supplement, generally to promote weight loss. In addition, it may be an ingredient in other foods.
Beverages
In addition to other chemicals, the guarana plant contains caffeine (sometimes called "guaranine"), theophylline, and theobromine. Water extracts of the guarana plant are central nervous system stimulants due to the content of these alkaloids. Energy drink manufacturers typically add synthetic caffeine or caffeine derived from coffee decaffeination, though many advertise "natural" caffeine from the seeds of guarana.
Brazil produces several brands of soft drink from guarana extract that contain no added caffeine. Each differs greatly in flavour; some have only a slight guarana fruit taste. They are typically fizzy and sweet, with a very fruity aftertaste. Most guarana drinks are produced in Brazil and consumed locally or in nearby countries, such as Paraguay. Major brands include Guarana Antarctica, Guarana Schin from Schincariol and Guarana Brahma from AmBev, Kuat, and Guarana Jesus, a local Brazilian brand named for the druggist that formulated it. Many local producers also create drinks not for export.
Using it to lose weight
Studies involving guarana show benefits to cognitive function. They have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or any similar government agencies. In the United States, guarana holds a GRAS-status, i.e. generally regarded as safe and must be labeled as not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
The Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics published a study in June 2001. This study shows an average 11.2 pound weight loss in a group taking a mixture of yerba mate, guarana and damiana, compared to an average 1 pound loss in a placebo group after 45 days.
A university study in Brazil of guarana extract showed a platelet aggregation decrease of up to 37% of control values and a decrease of platelet thromboxane formation from arachidonic acid of up to 78% of control values. This study may be significant to stroke and heart attack risk reduction because when excess thromboxane formation occurs, an arterial blood clot can develop, resulting in a heart attack or ischemic stroke.
A separate 1997 study of guarana's effects on the physical activity of rats showed increased memory retention and physical endurance when compared with a placebo.
Other studies have shown antioxidant, antibacterial, and fat cell reduction (when combined with conjugated linoleic acid) properties in guarana
Although side-effects of guarana are rare, drugs.com recommends, "When considering the use of herbal supplements, consultation with a primary health care professional is advisable. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner trained in the uses of herbal/health supplements may be beneficial, and coordination of treatment among all health care providers involved may be advantageous". Drugs.com also advises not to mix guarana with ephedrine.
What guarana is made of
Guarana seeds consist of mostly reddish vegetable fiber and resin with a small amount of oil and water. Guarana contains different amounts of caffeine, theobromine, theophylline and other alkaloids, compared to coffee, tea, mate, or cocoa.
(*) ppm = parts per million
tr = trace
Duke1992a: Duke, James A. 1992. Handbook of phytochemical constituents of GRAS herbs and other economic plants. Boca Raton, FL. CRC Press.
Guaranine and caffeine
The chemical "guaranine" is identical to caffeine coming from other sources, for example coffee, tea and mate. Guaranine, theine, mateine are all official synonyms for caffeine.
Other websites
Guarana Home Page
Raintree Tropical Plant Database: Guarana
Other information from an herbal supplements site
Duke's Database
USDA Database
Footnotes
Sapindaceae
Fruits