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| 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 family, native to Venezuela and northern Brazil. The seed of the Guaraná fruit is a central nervous system stimulant with thermogenic and diuretic properties.
Guaraná plays an important role in Tupi and Guaraní Brazillian culture. The name 'guaraná' is derived from the Tupi-Guarani word wara'ná. These tribes believed it 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 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 has a slow absorption rate due to its fatty composition. To add an immediate sense of cardiac stimulation, energy drink manufacturers typically include caffeine derived from coffee decaffeination in addition to the slower acting Guaraná. Energy drinks containing Guaraná include Golly Guaraná, 180, Bawls, Rockstar, AMP, V, SoBe Adrenaline Rush, 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 yerba mate, Guaraná 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 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 platelets hyperaggregate or excess thromboxane formation occurs, an arterial blood clot can develop, resulting in a heart attack or ischemic stroke.
A separate 1997 study of the effects of guarana on the physical activity of rats showed an increase in memory retention and physical endurance when compared with similar doses of caffeine, ginseng extract, or a placebo.
Other studies have shown 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." Drugs.com also advises not to mix Guaraná with ephedrine.
External links
- Expanded information, Botany, Cultivation, Pests and Diseases, Guaraná Home Page
- Opinions about taste and effectiveness as a dietary supplement
- EuroAmerica Import & Export; supplier of the most Natural type of Guarana Drink, Golly Guarana.