Botanical/Latin Name: paullinia cupana/sorbilis
Kosher: KSA Certified
Common Names: Guarana kletterstrauch, guaranastruik, quarana, quarane, cupana, Brazilian cocoa, uabano, uaranzeiro
Plant Part: Seed
Main Preparation Method: infusion or capsules
Main Actions (in order):
stimulant, antioxidant, memory enhancer, nervine (balances/calms nerves), cardiotonic (tones, balances, strengthens the heart)
Main Uses:
Properties/Actions Documented by Research: analgesic (pain-reliever), antibacterial, antioxidant, hyperglycemic, memory enhancer, nervine (balances/calms nerves), neurasthenic (reduces nerve pain), platelet aggregation inhibitor (to prevent clogged arteries), stimulant, vasodilator
Other Properties/Actions Documented by Traditional Use: anticoagulant (blood thinner), antiseptic, aphrodisiac, appetite suppressant, astringent, blood cleanser, cardiotonic (tones, balances, strengthens the heart), carminative (expels gas), central nervous system stimulant, digestive stimulant, diuretic, hypotensive (lowers blood pressure), laxative, menstrual stimulant, thermogenic (increases fat-burning)
Traditional Preparation: One-half to one cup seed infusion 1-3 times daily or 1-3 ml of a 4:1 tincture twice daily; 1-2 g of powdered seed in tablets or capsules (or stirred into water or juice) 1-3 times daily can be substituted, if desired. Therapeutic dosages are reported to be 4-5 g daily. Relatively new to the U.S. market are guaraná extracts that are concentrated and standardized to the caffeine content (between 5% and 15%).
Contraindications:
Not to be used during pregnancy or while breast-feeding.
Guaraná contains caffeine and should not be used by those who are sensitive or allergic to caffeine or xanthines. Excessive consumption of caffeine is contraindicated for persons with high blood pressure, cardiac disorders, diabetes, ulcers, epilepsy, and other disorders.
Drug Interactions: May potentiate anticoagulant medications such as Warfarin. May have adverse effects (headaches) if used with MAO-inhibitors.
Cautions: Avoid if allergic or sensitive to caffeine.
Caffeine Content Comparison |
||
Plant Beverage |
Caffeine |
Avg. caffeine in a 6 oz beverage* |
Guaraná seed (Paullinia cupana) |
4–8% |
200–400 mg |
Coffee beans (Coffea sp) |
1–2.5% |
100–250 mg |
Yerba maté leaves |
0.7–2% |
50–100 mg |
Black tea (Camellia sinensis) |
2.5–4.5% |
10–60 mg |
Chocolate (Cacao seed) |
0.25% |
13 mg |
Reference
The Healing Power of Rainforest Herbs by Leslie Taylor
Specifications may change without notice.
*FDA Disclaimer
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