Guarana: Difference between revisions

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Revision as of 19:17, 9 March 2006 editلæmäļ al diη (talk \| contribs)11 edits Differentiated between central nervous system stimulant and cardiac stimulant. Guarana does not have enough quick-release theophylline or theobromine to be considered cardiac (or general) stimulant.← Previous edit		Revision as of 21:18, 9 March 2006 edit undo68.115.8.87 (talk) →Uses: Weight loss and health supplementsNext edit →
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	==Uses==		==Uses==
	Guaraná is used as an ingredient in sodas and energy drinks and separately as a dietary supplement to promote weight loss.		Guaraná is used as an ingredient in sodas and energy drinks and separately as a dietary supplement to promote health and/or weight loss.

	===Sodas and energy ~~Drinks~~===		===Sodas and energy drinks===
	The Guaraná plant contains ], a ] derivative that chemically resembles ] and so acts as a ] ]. Guaraná may not significantly stimulate the ] muscles, however, because it contains less ] and ] than ]s and ]s, and is absorbed ~~slower~~ due to its fatty composition. To give Guaraná energy drinks an initial jolt, manufacturers typically add ] derived from coffee decaffeination. ]s containing Guaraná include ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], Crunk!! Energy Drink, ], ]. ] and Molson Kick are beers containing Guaraná. Mixed drinks such as "" are said to have ] properties due to the Guaraná content.		The Guaraná plant contains ], a ] derivative that chemically resembles ] and so acts as a ] ]. Guaraná may not significantly stimulate the ] muscles, however, because it contains less ] and ] than ]s and ]s, and is absorbed due to its fatty composition. To give Guaraná energy drinks an initial jolt, manufacturers typically add ] derived from coffee decaffeination. ]s containing Guaraná include ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], Crunk!! Energy Drink, ] and ]. ] and Molson Kick are beers containing Guaraná. Mixed drinks such as "" are said to have ] properties due to the Guaraná content.

	] produces several brands of soft drink from Guaraná extract that contain no added caffeine. Each differs greatly in flavour; some with very little natural Guarana fruit taste. In Brazil, Guaraná sales are second only to ] drinks. They are typically fizzy and sweet, with a very fruity ]. Most Guaraná is produced in Brazil and consumed there or in nearby countries, such as ]. Major brands include ] and ] from ], ] from ]. A sizable number of local producers also create drinks not for export.		] produces several brands of soft drink from Guaraná extract that contain no added caffeine. Each differs greatly in flavour; some with very little natural Guarana fruit taste. In Brazil, Guaraná sales are second only to ] drinks. They are typically fizzy and sweet, with a very fruity ]. Most Guaraná is produced in Brazil and consumed there or in nearby countries, such as ]. Major brands include ] and ] from ], and ] from ]. A sizable number of local producers also create drinks not for export.

			===Weight loss and health supplement===
			Studies involving Guaraná weight loss and health benefits have been performed by private institutions or universities and have not been evaluated by the ] or similar government agencies. In the United States, Guaraná holds a GRAS-status, generally regarded as safe. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

			The Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics published a study in June of 2001 showing an average 11.2 pound weight loss in a group taking a mixture of mate, guarana and damiana, compared to an average 1.0 pound loss in a placebo group after 45 days.

			When platelets hyperaggregate and/or when excess thromboxane formation occurs, an arterial blood clot can develop, resulting in a heart attack or ischemic stroke. A university study in ] of Guarana extract and fractions showed a platelet aggregation decrease up to 37% of control values and platelet thromboxane formation from arachidonic acid up to 78% of control values.

			A separate 1997 study of the effects of guarana on the physical activity of rats showed an increase in memory and physical endurance when compared with similar doses of caffeine, ginseng extract, or a placebo.

			Other studies have shown significant antioxidant, antibacterial, and fat cell reduction (when combined with ]) properties in Guaraná.

			Although side-effects of Guaraná 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."

	==External links==		==External links==

Revision as of 21:18, 9 March 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 central nervous system 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

Guaraná is used as an ingredient in sodas and energy drinks and separately as a dietary supplement to promote health and/or weight loss.

Sodas and energy drinks

The Guaraná plant contains guaranine, a methylxanthine derivative that chemically resembles caffeine and so acts as a central nervous system stimulant. Guaraná may not significantly stimulate the cardiac muscles, however, because it contains less theophylline and theobromine than coffee beans and cola nuts, and is absorbed more slowly due to its fatty composition. To give Guaraná energy drinks an initial jolt, manufacturers typically add caffeine derived from coffee decaffeination. Energy drinks containing Guaraná include Golly Guaraná, 180, Bawls, Rockstar, AMP, V, SoBe, Guaraná Power, Mountain Dew MDX, Monster, Crunk!! Energy Drink, Von Dutch (Drink) and Full Throttle. Vores Øl and Molson Kick are beers containing Guaraná. Mixed drinks such as "Fu**ed by a Rockstar" are said to have aphrodisiac properties due to the Guaraná content.

Brazil produces several brands of soft drink from Guaraná extract that contain no added caffeine. Each differs greatly in flavour; some with very little natural Guarana fruit taste. In Brazil, Guaraná 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 there or in nearby countries, such as Paraguay. Major brands include Guaraná Antarctica and Guaraná Brahma from AmBev, and Kuat from The Coca-Cola Company. A sizable number of local producers also create drinks not for export.

Weight loss and health supplement

Studies involving Guaraná weight loss and health benefits have been performed by private institutions or universities and have not been evaluated by the FDA or similar government agencies. In the United States, Guaraná holds a GRAS-status, generally regarded as safe. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

The Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics published a study in June of 2001 showing an average 11.2 pound weight loss in a group taking a mixture of mate, guarana and damiana, compared to an average 1.0 pound loss in a placebo group after 45 days.

When platelets hyperaggregate and/or when excess thromboxane formation occurs, an arterial blood clot can develop, resulting in a heart attack or ischemic stroke. A university study in Brazil of Guarana extract and fractions showed a platelet aggregation decrease up to 37% of control values and platelet thromboxane formation from arachidonic acid up to 78% of control values.

A separate 1997 study of the effects of guarana on the physical activity of rats showed an increase in memory and physical endurance when compared with similar doses of caffeine, ginseng extract, or a placebo.

Other studies have shown significant antioxidant, antibacterial, and fat cell reduction (when combined with Conjugated Linoleic Acid) properties in Guaraná.

Although side-effects of Guaraná 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."

External links

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