Nutritional Supplement
Guaraná for Sports & Fitness
Parts Used & Where Grown
Guaraná is an evergreen vine indigenous to the Amazon basin. The vast majority of guaraná is grown in a small area in northern Brazil. Guaraná gum or paste is derived from the seeds and is used in herbal preparations.
How It Works
Caffeine and the closely related alkaloids theobromine and theophylline make up the primary active constituents in guaraná. Caffeine’s effects are well known and include stimulating the central nervous system, increasing metabolic rate, and having a mild diuretic effect.1 One preliminary trial found no significant actions on thinking or mental function in humans taking guaraná.2 Guaraná also contains tannins, which act as astringents and may prevent diarrhea. However, this action has not been studied in human clinical trials.
Why Do Athletes Use It?*
Some athletes say that guaraná helps improve stamina.
What Do the Advocates Say?*
Guaraná contains a substance similar to caffeine, which could be responsible for caffeine-like effects such as improving endurance performance. However, no research has directly tested guaraná in athletes.
How Much Is Usually Taken by Athletes?
Some athletes take guaraná during their training; however, there is no scientific research to support this use.