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Revision as of 15:27, 26 February 2006

Guaraná
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Sapindales
Family: Sapindaceae
Genus: Paullinia
Species: P. cupana
Binomial name
Paullinia cupana
Kunth

Guarana or Guaraná (pronounced gwa-ra-'naa), Paullinia cupana (syn. P. crysan, P. sorbilis), is a shrub or small tree in the Sapindaceae, native to Venezuela and northern Brazil, known for the high stimulant content of the fruit. The name 'guaraná' comes from the Tupi-Guarani word wara'ná. Guaraná plays a very important role in their culture, as this plant is believed to be 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

The Guaraná plant contains guaranine, a substance that chemically resembles caffeine and so acts as a stimulant. Like many caffeine-containing plants, it is used for drinks; a kind of soft drink that is made from the Guaraná fruit is known as "Guaraná". Guarana contains a compound called Methylxanthine, the source of its energy boosting properties.

Numerous different brands of Guarana are available, differing greatly in flavour, some of them tasting hardly like natural Guarana fruit. Guarana soft drinks are particularly popular in Brazil, where sales are second only to cola drinks. They are typically fizzy and sweet, with a very fruity aftertaste. Most Guaraná is produced in Brazil and consumed either in Brazil or in nearby countries, such as Paraguay. Major brands in Brazil include Guaraná Antarctica and Guaraná Brahma from AmBev, Kuat from The Coca-Cola Company, besides local producers. There are a number of other energy drinks containing Guaraná available worldwide, including Golly Guaraná, 180, Bawls, Rockstar, AMP, V, SoBe, Guaraná Power, Mountain Dew MDX, Monster, Crunk!! Energy Drink, Von Dutch (Drink), Full Throttle, Vores Øl, and Molson Kick (the last two are beers). Actually, guarana is an extremely common ingredient in energy drinks. Some people see Guarana as an aphrodisiac.

External links

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