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:

• as a caffeine stimulant for energy
• as a weight loss aid (suppresses appetite and increases fat-burning)
• for headaches and migraines
• to tone, balance, and strengthen the heart, as a blood cleanser, and to reduce/prevent sticky blood and blood clots
• as a refrigerant (lowers body temperature) to prevent overheating and heat stroke

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.

Reference
The Healing Power of Rainforest Herbs by Leslie Taylor

Specifications may change without notice.
*FDA Disclaimer