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Nutritional Supplement

Guaraná

Also indexed as:Paullinia cupana

  • Weight Management

    Obesity

    Guaraná contains caffeine and the closely related alkaloids theobromine and theophylline, nervous system stimulants that may curb appetite, increase energy expenditure, and increase weight loss.
    Obesity
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    Guaraná (Paullinia cupana) contains caffeine and the closely related alkaloids theobromine and theophylline. These compounds stimulate the central nervous system and may curb appetite, increase energy expenditure, and promote weight loss. Laboratory research suggests guaraná extract may limit the negative metabolic impacts of a Western-style diet, such as weight gain, fat accumulation, insulin resistance, lipid metabolism disorders, and fat tissue dysfunction, while increasing heat production and energy expenditure.3,4 In a placebo-controlled trial, a combination of guarana (providing 240 mg per day of caffeine) and ma huang (Ephedra sinensis, providing 72 mg per day of ephedrine, another stimulant alkaloid) led to greater reductions in body weight, body fat, and triglyceride levels; however, the drop-out rate in the supplemented group was high due to adverse side effects related to overstimulation.5

  • Fitness

    Athletic Performance

    Some athletes take guaraná, which contains caffeine, during their training, although there is no scientific research to support this use.
    Athletic Performance
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    Some athletes take guaraná during their training; however, there is no scientific research to support this use. Guaraná contains caffeine. Another caffeine-containing herb sometimes used during training is kola nut.

  • Energy Support

    Fatigue

    Guaraná contains caffeine, and the indigenous people of the Amazon rain forest have used crushed guaraná seed as a beverage and a medicine to decrease fatigue.
    Fatigue
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    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. The indigenous people of the Amazon rain forest have used crushed guaraná seed as a beverage and a medicine to treat diarrhea, decrease fatigue, reduce hunger, and to help arthritis.6
What Are Star Ratings?
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Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.

Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.

For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.

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Traditional Use (May Not Be Supported by Scientific Studies)

The indigenous people of the Amazon rain forest have used crushed guaraná seed as a beverage and a medicine. Guaraná was used to treat diarrhea, decrease fatigue, reduce hunger, and to help arthritis.7 It also has a history of use in treating hangovers from alcohol abuse and headaches related to menstruation.

References

1. Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs, and Cosmetics, 2d ed. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1996, 293-4.

2. Galduroz JC, Carlini EA. The effects of long-term administration of guaraná on the cognition of normal, elderly volunteers. Rev Paul Med 1996;114:1073-8.

3. Bortolin RC, Vargas AR, de Miranda Ramos V, et al. Guarana supplementation attenuated obesity, insulin resistance, and adipokines dysregulation induced by a standardized human Western diet via brown adipose tissue activation. Phytother Res 2019 May;33(5):1394–403.

4. Lima NDS, Teixeira L, Gambero A, et al. Guarana (Paullinia cupana) Stimulates Mitochondrial Biogenesis in Mice Fed High-Fat Diet. Nutrients 2018 Jan;10(2):165.

5. Boozer CN, Nasser JA, Heymsfield SB, et al. An herbal supplement containing Ma Huang-Guarana for weight loss: a randomized, double-blind trial. Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord 2001 Mar;25(3):316–24.

6. Duke JA. CRC Handbook of Medicinal Herbs. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 1985, 349.

7. Duke JA. CRC Handbook of Medicinal Herbs. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 1985, 349.

8. Duke JA. CRC Handbook of Medicinal Herbs. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 1985, 349.

9. Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C, et al. (eds). PDR for Herbal Medicines. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics, 1998, 1017-8.

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The information presented by TraceGains is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2025.