Guarana Purchase & Information
Alternative Names
Brazilian Cocoa, Cacao Brésilien, Guaranine, Guarana Seed, Guarana Seed Powder, Zoom Caution: Please refer to separate listing for Mate, Green Tea, Oolong Tea, Cola Nut, Guar Gum, White Tea, Caffeine, Cocoa, Coffee
Scientific Name
Paullinia Cupana Kunth
Why Do People Use Guarana?
The oral preparations of Paullinia cupana (guarana), like guarana seed powder, are used for a number of purposes. Some are mentioned here:
• Guarana is used to speed up the weight loss process.
• Guarana seed powder is used by athletes to boost their athletic performance.
• Paullinia cupana is used to increase body energy.
• Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).
• Guarana is used for hypotension.
• Guarana seed powder is used as a stimulant.
• Aphrodisiac.
• Paullinia cupana increases the production of urine. Astringent.
• Malaria.
• Dysentery and chronic diarrhea.
• Fever.
• Heart related issues.
• Headaches are effectively cured by the use of Paullinia cupana.
• Guarana is effective in the treatment of rheumatism.
• Heat stress.
• Lumbago.
In industry guarana seed powder is used as a favoring agent.
Is It Safe To Use?
Likely Safe - Guarana seed powder is safe when used in amounts that are typically present in foods. Paullinia cupana has been approved for usage in food preparations in the United States.
Possibly Safe
The short term oral consumption of guarana seed powder is usually considered safe.
Possibly Unsafe
The long term use and high doses of Paullinia cupana are possibly unsafe.
Likely Unsafe
The consumption of high doses of guarana seed powder is likely unsafe. 10-14 grams (150-200 mg per kg) is the fatal acute oral dose of caffeine.
Pregnancy Possibly Safe
The use of Paullinia cupana is likely safe during pregnancy, provided it is consumed orally in an amount present in food stuff.
Possibly Unsafe
Paullinia cupana becomes unsafe for consumption when large doses are consumed orally.
Lactation Possibly Safe
The use Paullinia cupana is possibly safe when consumed in an amount present in food items.
Possibly UnsafePaullinia cupana is perhaps unsafe during lactation especially when taken orally in large amount.
How Effective Is Guarana?
Obesity - Paullinia cupana is usually taken orally for the purpose of weight loss. It may cause loss of weight especially when guarana is consumed in combination with damiana and mate.
How Guarana Works?
Caffeine is the major ingredient of Paullinia cupana (guarana) or guarana seed powder. Some effects of caffeine in guarana or guarana seed powder include:
• Stimulation of respiratory centers, heart, blood pressure regulatory centers of CNS and muscles.
• Caffeine in Paullinia cupana causes diuresis in kidneys.
• Increase in the bowel motility.
• Neuroprotection.
• Cellular thermogenesis.
What Are The Side Effects /Adverse Reactions of Guarana?
Adverse reactions of Paullinia cupana (guarana) or guarana seed powder include:
• Diuresis, insomnia, convulsion, nervousness, delirium, restlessness, tremors, gastric irritation, increased rate of respiration, nausea, tachycardia and vomiting.
• Arrhythmias, headache, premature beating of heart, anxiety, chest pain, agitation, respiratory alkalosis, tinnitus, and hypokalemia.
• Insomnia and GIT disturbance in kids.
• Increased risk of endometriosis, osteoporosis, fibrocystic breast diseases and cancer of the breast.
• Might cause anaphylaxis.
How Guarana Interacts With Other Herbs and Supplements?
Following is how Paullinia cupana interacts with different supplements and herbs:
Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Supplements and Herbs
Increase in bleeding time.
Bitter Orange
Cardiotoxicity.
Caffeine Containing Herbs & Supplements
Caffeine overdose toxicity.
Calcium
Increased calcium excretion.
Creatine
Risk of stroke.
Ephedra (ma huang)
Caffeine overdose toxicity.
How Guarana Interacts With Drugs?
Following is how guarana seed powder interacts with different drugs:
Adenosine (Adenocard)
Interaction: Moderate
Caffeine overdose toxicity.
Alcohol (Ethanol)
Interaction: Moderate
Caffeine overdose toxicity.
Amphetamines
Interaction: Major
CNS toxicity.
Antiplatelet and Anticoagulant Drugs
Interaction: Moderate
Increased bleeding time.
Antidiabetic Drugs
Interaction: Minor
Deranged blood glucose control.
Beta-Adrenergic Agonists
Interaction: Moderate
Can cause cardiostimulation.
Cimetidine (Tagamet)
Interaction: Moderate
Caffeine related toxicity.
Clozapine (Clozaril)
Interaction: Moderate
Aggravated psychotic symptoms.
Cocaine
Interaction: Major
CNS toxicity.
Contraceptive Drugs
Interaction: Minor
Caffeine overdose toxicity.
Dipyridamole (Persantine)
Interaction: Moderate
Decreased vasodilatation.
Disulfiram (Abtabuse)
Interaction: Moderate
Caffeine overdose toxicity.
Ephedrine
Interaction: Major
Hypertensive crisis, stroke.
Estrogens
Interaction: Moderate
Caffeine overdose toxicity.
Fluconazole (Diflucan))
Interaction: Minor
Caffeine overdose toxicity.
Flucoxamine (Luvox)
Interaction: Moderate
Caffeine overdose toxicity.
Lithium
Interaction: Moderate
Lithium overdose toxicity.
Mexiletine (Mexitil)
Interaction: Minor
Caffeine overdose toxicity.
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)
Interaction: Moderate
Hypertensive crisis.
Nicotine
Interaction: Moderate
CNS toxicity.
Phenobarbital (Nembutal)
Interaction: Moderate
Decreased effect of phenobarbital.
Phenylpropanolamine
Interaction: Moderate
Caffeine overdose toxicity.
Quinolone Antibiotics
Interaction:
Moderate
Caffeine overdose toxicity.
Riluzole (Rilutek)
Interaction: Moderate
Caffeine overdose toxicity.
Terbinafine (Lamisil)
Interaction: Minor
Caffeine overdose toxicity.
Theophylline
Interaction: Moderate
Caffeine overdose toxicity.
Verapamil (Covera, Verelan, Calan, Isoptin)
Interaction: Moderate
Caffeine overdose toxicity.
How Guarana Interacts With Foods?
Not known.
How Guarana Interacts With Lab Tests?
Following is how Paullinia cupana interacts with different lab results:
5-Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid
False positive results.
Bleeding Time
Increased bleeding time
Catecholamines
Increase in the urine catecholamine concentration.
Creatine
Paullinia cupana can increase urine concentration of creatine.
Dipyridamole Thallium Imaging
Guarana or guarana seed powder can cause interference with the results of dipyridamole thallium imaging.
Glucose
Use of guarana or guarana seed powder can alter the results of this laboratory investigation.
LactateThe combination of caffeine, as present in Paullinia cupana, and ephedrine, as present in ephedra, can cause increase in the blood lactate levels.
Neuroblastoma Tests
False positive results.
Pheochromocytoma Tests
False positive results.
Pharmacological Stress Tests
Stop use of guarana or guarana seed powder before this test.
Pulmonary Function Tests
Increased orced expiratory volume in one minute (FEV1).
Theophylline
Increased amount suggested in results.
Urate
Elevated levels.
Urinary Calcium
Increased levels.
Vanillylmandelic Acid (VMA)
Increased levels.
How Guarana Interacts With Diseases and Conditions?
Following is how guarana seed powder interacts with different diseases or conditions:
Anxiety Disorders
Paullinia cupana, guarana or guarana seed powder in anxiety disorders can aggravate the situation.
Bleeding Disorders
Paullinia cupana can increase bleeding time.
Cardiac Conditions
Guarana or guarana seed powder can cause arrhythmia.
Diabetes
Not recommended for diabetics.
Diarrhea
Contraindicated in diarrhea.
Glaucoma
Not suggested in glaucoma.
Hypertension
Avoid use in hypertension.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Aggravates IBS.
Osteoporosis
Speeds up bone loss.
What Should Be the Dose/Administration of Guarana?
ORAL No typical dose.
Comments
Comments Guarana is a plant named after the Guarani tribe living in Amazon. That tribe used the seeds of guarana to brew a drink. Guarana or guarana seed powder is very frequently used as a major constituent in various weight loss supplements and energy products.
General Certificate of Analysis (COA)
Specification sheet links below are a standard copy of the COA less the batch or lot number and manufactures dates. Specification sheet can be dated and should only be considered as a general information. Please contact and request an up to date COA if needed for specific updated information before placing order by filling out the contact form with product name and SKU number. If ordering quantities of twenty five kilos or more contact for availability.
