Naturopathy

Guarana - effect and application

Guarana - effect and application / Naturopathy

The alternative watchmaker from South America

The capsule fruits and seeds of guarana (Paullinia cupana) make coffee real competition. Thanks to its high caffeine content, the guarana extract is a reliable awakener. Unlike coffee, Guarana includes a number of other health-related ingredients. Guarana or guarana has been used in folk medicine and nutrition for hundreds of years among the Amazon tribes. Here, too, we have discovered the advantages of this berry, which is also known as the eye of the forest in its homeland, and is already celebrated by manufacturers of energy drinks as one of the best awakens ever. However, Paullinia cupana can still significantly more. Learn more about this topic here.


contents

  • The alternative watchmaker from South America
  • Characteristics of Guarana:
  • Herbal Portrait: The Green Eye of the Amazon Rainforest
  • Ingredients and effect
  • Not only caffeine is invigorating in Guarana
  • Guarana also revives the skin and mucous membranes
  • Respiratory, heart and digestive tract benefit from Guarana
  • Application and dosage
  • Guarana powder instead of coffee
  • Guarana tablets and capsules for easier dosage
  • Side effects and contraindications:
  • Interesting studies on the effects of guarana
  • Buy Guarana - Pharmacy, drugstore or online trading
  • Conclusion

Characteristics of Guarana:

Scientific name: Paullinia cupana
Family: Soapberry Family (Sapindaceae)
Folk names: Fruit of youth, Eye of the forest, Potion of the gods, Indios green gold
Ancestry: Amazon, South America
Used plant parts: fruit
Main ingredients: Caffeine, tannins, theophylline
Application areas:

  • lack of concentration,
  • Poor circulation,
  • inefficiency
  • and indigestion.
Guarana also has the nickname "Eye of the forest". (Image: Winkler / fotolia.com)

Herbal Portrait: The Green Eye of the Amazon Rainforest

Belonging to the soap tree family (Sapindaceae) guarana originates from the tropical regions of the Amazon basin. There, the woody plant grows either as a vine or in the form of climbing shrubs, depending on site conditions. The orange-red capsule fruits of Guarana immediately catch the eye of a beholder. They grow in racemose fruit stalks and each contains a greenish-black seed stone, which is about more than one centimeter in size and has the main part of the fruit's own ingredients. Once these are ripe, they burst open revealing their black seed kernel, which is surrounded by a white seed coat at the base. The capsule fruits appear in the opened state around it like small eyes, whereby the popular epithet "eye of the forest" results.

The official name was given to "Guarana" (paullinia cupana), on the other hand, by the Guaraní people, who are at home in Brazil, as well as in Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay and Uruguay. Guarana has been valued for centuries as a valuable medicinal plant in folk medicine in its South American homeland. The Amazonian people have always used guarana powdered fruit seeds to make guarana paste. It is used in the folk medicine of the Guaraní until today as a tonic for illness and hunger, but also as a disinfectant for wounds and inflammation. In addition, the Guaraní knew how to use their "Eye of the Forest" as a wake-up agent by making energy-giving drinks from guarana powder.

Traditionally, the Indians process dried fruits and seeds of the plant into guarana powder and then make a paste or drink from the powder extract. The extracts of guarana are then used, for example, for the treatment of

  • diarrhea,
  • Gastrointestinal complaints,
  • Hunger and thirsty feelings,
  • fever,
  • Cardiovascular problems,
  • difficulty concentrating,
  • weakness
  • or to improve performance.
Guarana is easy to find in the rainforest due to the striking red color of its fruits. (Image: Ricardo / fotolia.com)

The invigorating and performance-enhancing effect of Guarana is also responsible for nicknames such as "Fruit of Youth" or, in the case of liquid guarana extracts, "Potion of Youth". Today, we also know the beneficial effects of Guarana

  • inflammation,
  • urinary retention,
  • depressions
  • and migraine.

In particular, the production of energy drinks from guarana extract has now arrived in the modern age. Countless manufacturers swear by guarana powder as an efficient alternative to coffee or chemical stimulants such as taurine and celebrate Guarana as the best herbal energizer ever.

One reason for this is the fact that guarana extract has about three times more caffeine than a comparable amount of coffee beans. In addition, the powder from Guarana also contains various minerals and natural substances, which are invaluable for metabolism, immune defense and digestion. Guarana is therefore not only used as a wake-up agent. From the extract of Paullinia cupana, among others, the following products are made:

  • Energy drinks,
  • Fruit juices and smoothies,
  • fruit teas,
  • chewing gum,
  • Dairy products (for example yoghurt),
  • Dietary supplements
  • and chocolate.

Ingredients and effect

The beneficial guarana extract is often mistakenly called "guarnine". A misleading term that suggests it is a special substance. In truth, however, behind Guarnin hides a whole complex of active ingredients. In addition to the caffeine, which accounts for about seven percent of the guar and gives it its awakening properties, can be found in the guarana powder, among other things, up to 25 percent vegetable tannins, including around 12 percent so-called tannins.

Not only caffeine is invigorating in Guarana

Guarana contains up to eight percent almost three times as much caffeine as the coffee bean. The herbal substance acts not only as a stimulant, but generally stimulating

  • Cardiovascular system,
  • Concentration and efficiency,
  • urine
  • and digestion.

Although caffeine is one of the key ingredients in the putative guarnine, it is not the only ingredient that gives guarana its sustained vitalizing effect. The tannins mentioned above are known to have a disinfecting and anti-inflammatory action. At the same time, the tannins in the guarana extract have a vasoconstricting (astringent) effect. It has the consequence that caffeine is portioned through the vessels, which prolongs its duration of action. Closely related to caffeine are also the natural substances theophylline and theobromine in the extract of guarana. They also have a stimulating and vitalizing effect.

Guarana's dried fruit seeds are ground into powder for use. (Image: Rawf8 / fotolia.com)

Useful information: The effect of caffeine can be significantly prolonged by the vial's own low dosage, which is why guarana extract can develop its invigorating effect on the six hours constant.

Guarana also revives the skin and mucous membranes

The astringent effect of the tannins is due to their special property of removing protein from the skin and mucous membranes. This results in dehydration of the tissue. This mechanism of action is not only used in relation to the vessel's condition. Because as their name suggests, the drying tannins are mainly used in the tanning of leather to remove infectious agents such as bacteria and fungi on the animal skins the breeding ground.

Tannins act on both animal and human skin and mucosal tissue

  • antimicrobially,
  • disinfectant,
  • anti-inflammatory,
  • expectorant,
  • wound and hemostatic.

Respiratory, heart and digestive tract benefit from Guarana

Interesting is the combination effect of tannins and other ingredients in guarana extract. Above all, this means

  • Theophylline (a breakdown product of caffeine),
  • Theobromine (a plant substance related to theophylline),
  • and saponins (vegetable sugar components).

Together they give fruits and seeds of Guarana one

  • respiratory liberating,
  • cholesterol-lowering,
  • bowel regulatory,
  • diuretic,
  • cardiovascular and immune strengthening,
  • stimulating nerves
  • and mood-enhancing effect.
In the smoothie, the bitter taste of guarana is imperceptible. (Image: Joshua Resnick / fotolia.com)

In addition, they enhance the expectorant and anti-inflammatory effects of tannins. Guarana extract is because of this combination effect wonderfully suitable for the treatment and prevention of

  • bronchial diseases,
  • Gastrointestinal complaints,
  • elevated cholesterol levels,
  • urinary tract infections,
  • heart disease,
  • Nervous weakness and mood swings.
Effective ingredients of Guarana
caffeine Stimulates cardiovascular and cardiovascular stimulation, promotes concentration, increases performance, diuretic and stimulates digestion.
tannins Astringent and therefore prolong the duration of action of caffeine; have a disinfecting, anti-inflammatory, expectorant, wound and hemostatic effect.
theophylline Has respiratory, diuretic, cardiotonic and bowel action
theobromine Acts similar to theophylline and additionally mood-enhancing and nerve-stimulating.
saponins Have anti-inflammatory, gastrointestinal, diuretic, expectorant and tonic properties.

Application and dosage

According to Indian tradition, the fruits and seeds of guarana are first dried today and then ground into powder. The guarana extract is then available either in pure powder form or pressed as tablets or capsules. Important in the application of guarana preparations is the correct dosage. Since guarana is a highly efficient, natural awakener, you should be careful when dosing. Because more Guarana does not mean equal performance or health benefits. Rather, the classical side effects of caffeine increase in an overdose and lead to increased

  • high blood pressure,
  • Arrhythmia,
  • a headache,
  • Inner unrest,
  • nervousness
  • and sleep disorders.
Guarana contains about three times as much caffeine as coffee. (Image: kab-vision / fotolia.com)

As a guideline, therefore, a daily dose of a maximum of two grams guarana. Guarana products are generally not recommended for people with existing high blood pressure or heart disease, as it can lead to dangerous blood pressure and cardiac arrhythmias. In the case of pregnancy or lactation, it is also not recommended to consume guarana products, because due to the increased nervous, intestinal and metabolic activity, it could lead to a premature birth or, in the case of nursing mothers, to health problems in the child.

Guarana powder instead of coffee

Due to its high caffeine content, Guarana is particularly suitable as a wake-up agent, because it works for several hours and releases caffeine in a gentle way. Especially people who are particularly sensitive to coffee can therefore find a real alternative in Guarana to get fit in the morning. In addition, guarana is gentler on the stomach lining and irritates it less than coffee.

Who wants to make drinks such as tea, smoothies, shakes or cocoa from Guarana, which uses for this purpose best the powder of the medicinal plant. The bitter taste that Guarana has because of its very high caffeine and tannin content is masked by such mixtures. Since one gram of guarana powder contains 40 to 90 mg of caffeine, a daily dose of a maximum of one to two grams of guarana powder (about half a teaspoon) is recommended for adults.

Guarana tablets and capsules for easier dosage

The dosage of guarana powder is not always easy, especially for beginners. For this reason, guarana extract is also available in pre-dosed tablets and capsules. These not only allow for better dosage, but can also be swallowed whole to avoid the bitter taste. When taking pressed guarana extract, it is important to always drink enough water (about one to three liters a day) so that the active ingredients in the body dissolve completely and distribute well. Unless the package insert recommends otherwise, you should take a maximum of one to three guarana capsules or a maximum of two to three tablets daily.

As a concentrate Guarana is also available in small ampoules that are just as popular in sports as at parties. (Image: Mikhail Glushkov / fotolia.com)

Side effects and contraindications:

An overdose of guarana (from about 20 grams) can cause side effects such as palpitations, inner agitation, headache, stomach irritation and tremors. The symptoms are therefore similar to those of an overdose of coffee. Guarana is not suitable for pregnant women, nursing mothers, people with hypertension or hyperthyroidism. Reasons are the already mentioned side effects, which can be very strong for corresponding risk groups.

Interesting studies on the effects of guarana

The mode of action of guarana has been investigated several times. Among other things, researchers came to the conclusion that drinks made from guarana extract are vitalising only through their high content of caffeine. Thus, the Wachmacher differs from many other energy drinks, which manufacturers must add artificial stimulants to intensify their invigorating effect. Because of their high levels of caffeine, it is only logical that Paullinia cupana has been confirmed to be an excellent awake in studies, as expected. A 2015 study also discovered other active ingredients in the powder of guarana, which further enhance the vitalizing effect. It is believed that these are the aforementioned natural substances theobromine and theophylline.

Particularly interesting is the result of a study by the Institute of Morphology at the Brazilian Federal University of Santa Maria. Here, scientists examined two different test groups, one of which consisted of native seniors who regularly consumed Guarana extract (NG). The other test group (GI) consisted of seniors who had never drunk guarana before. It turned out that the members of the NG group generally had a lower rate of metabolic diseases. The male group members were also found to be less likely to have high blood pressure.

Brain performance is apparently stimulated by Paullinia cupana, according to a Brazilian study. On the one hand, this is interesting for the use of performance-enhancing guarana products in exam situations and other brain-challenging activities. On the other hand, the responsible researchers emphasized that Guarana may also be suitable for the treatment of cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer's due to the memory-improving effect.

The effect of guarana powder on the immune system has also been studied medically. Here, researchers came to the conclusion that Guarana not only has an antibacterial, but also an immune-boosting effect. The latter has been more and more in the focus of science since 2016, because Guarana apparently helps the immune system to target cancer cells.

In order to get to the bottom of the cancer-inhibiting properties of Paullinia cupana, Brazilian researchers conducted another study in 2017. And indeed, the initial results were confirmed. In combination with caffeine, guarana seems to suppress certain cell proteins responsible for the growth of breast and colon cancer. The extract of Paullinia cupana could therefore become relevant in the future as an anti-cancer drug.

Many manufacturers use their energy drinks Guarana. (Image: HandmadePictures / fotolia.com)

Buy Guarana - Pharmacy, drugstore or online trading

In addition to powder, capsules and tablets from Guarana, there are of course also ready to buy energy drinks. In the pharmacy or drugstore on site, there are a lot of preparations that are also available online. Furthermore, Guarana-containing soft drinks are offered in the food trade.

Conclusion

Guarana is not only a wonderful natural ingredient for herbal energy drinks, but also a plant with great healing potential. According to the latest state of research, Paullinia cupana has a revitalizing, metabolism-stimulating and immune-enhancing, even cancer-inhibiting effect. The fruits of the also known as "eye of the forest" Lianenpflanze from the Amazon are thus rightly traded as Superfood. However, you should dose guarana moderately and consume no more than two grams of guarana extract per day to avoid unpleasant side effects. Because a lot does not help much here, as usual, but rather intensifies the unpleasant side effects of too high a dose of caffeine. (Ma)