Guarana (Paullinia cupana) is a plant with qualities that make it beneficial in the medical period, including intoxicant, anti-cancer, antibacterial, boosts athletic performance, reduces mental and physical weariness, and benefits of weight reduction.

Habitat 

It is a climber that is a member of the maple family and has big leaves and flower clusters. Its fruit resembles coffee beans in size extremely closely. The fruit has seeds within and is orange-green in hue. The soft drink industry uses it as a flavoring ingredient and a caffeine source.

Classification

Kingdom: Plantae - Plants

Subkingdom: Tracheobionta - Vascular plants

Superdivision: Spermatophyta - Seed plants

Division: Magnoliophyta - Flowering plants

Class: Magnoliopsida - Dicotyledons

Subclass: Rosidae

Order: Sapindales

Family: Sapindaceae - Soapberry family

Genus: Paullinia L. P

Species: Paullinia cupana Kunth - Guarana

Other Names

Scientific Name: Paullinia Cupana

English: Brazilian Cocoa, Guarana

Brazil: Guarana, Guarana Sipo, Guarana Uva

Dutch: Guarana

German: Guarana

Peru: Cupana

Venezuela: Cupana

Nutrient Composition of Guarana

The primary ingredient in the seeds is guaranine. It also contains natural phenols like catechins and epicatechin. The seeds contain varying amounts of ash, resin, starch, tannin, theobromine, theophylline, protein, and fat.

Medicinal Qualities of Guarana

• Analgesic: Relieves pain.
• Antiaggregant: Reduces platelet aggregation and stops the production of thrombi. Due to its anticoagulant effect, it is also effective in the arterial circulation.
• Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammation.
• Aphrodisiac: Stimulates sexual desire.
• Diuretic: Causes increased passing of urine.
• Immunostimulant: Smoothens the muscle and increases gastric motility.
• Stimulant: Temporarily increases alertness and energy.
• Thermogenic: Increase the heat in the body.
• Tonic: has the ability to revive, tone, and rejuvenate bodily systems.

Indications

Dysentery

Restless

Diarrhea

Stress

Boosting energy and alertness

Drowsiness

Fatigue

Increasing stamina and libido

Pain along the path of a nerve, particularly in the head or face

Obesity

Paralysis

Urinary tract infections

Water Retention

Fever

Intestinal problems

Develop stamina

Headache

Dyspepsia

Nervous system

Blood pressure

Rheumatism

Benefits and Use

Beneficial in Anxiety

Because of its relaxing and cooling properties, guarana has the ability to reduce tension and regulate cerebral pressure, which promotes relaxation.

Beneficial in Appetite

Consuming guarana increases appetite, slows the development of ama, and helps maintain a healthy weight.

Beneficial in Mental Performance

Guarana enhances memory and several aspects of thinking speed. It improves and promotes intellectual capacity when combined with ginseng. Rhodiola is administered in order to improve concentration. One can relieve headaches and migraines by using guarana, which also helps the blood flow.

Beneficial for Being Energetic

B vitamins, vitamin C, and minerals found in guarana give the body energy and increase exercise tolerance. Its characteristics allow it to lessen and control the signs and symptoms of weariness. Boosts the immunological system as well.

Beneficial for Weight Loss?

Because it has the ability to regulate Ama production and decrease the toxins that cause weight loss. Guarana has a characteristic that burns fat. As a result, it aids in weight loss.

Good for Pain Reliever

Guarana possesses analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties that lessen joint discomfort by controlling inflammation and stiffness.

Improve the Skin Appearance

It benefits the skin since it has antibacterial and antioxidant properties. It is a component in anti-aging creams, lotions, soaps, and hair products made by the cosmetics industry. It enhances skin firmness, decreases wrinkles next to the eyes, and lessens cheek sagging.

Helpful in Eye Disorders

Guarana has substances that combat oxidative stress, which is linked to age-related eye conditions such as macular degeneration, cataracts, and glaucoma.

Helpful in Boosting Heart Health

Guarana's antioxidant properties promote blood flow and prevent blood clotting. It aids in normal blood flow via the heart.

How much guarana per day is considered safe?

The recommended daily dosage of guarana for energy is 200–800 mg.

Stimulant

As a nutritional supplement and potent stimulant, these herbal seeds are regarded. Approximately 2-4.5% of the caffeine in guarana seeds is higher than the 1-2% in coffee seeds, making them two times as caffeinated as coffee seeds.

Parts Used

Seeds

Dosage

• Tonic - 5 to 10ml
• Powder - 3 to 6gm

Preparations

Tonic, Powder

Contraindications 

• Stomach irritation
• Increased heart rate
• Bladder control problems (Incontinence)
• Osteoporosis
• High blood pressure
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Insomnia
• Nervousness
• The herb should not be consumed by expectant or nursing mothers.