Guarana ~ Paullinia cupana

Guarana

Latin name: Paullinia cupana

Family: Sapinaceae

Part used: seeds

Habitat: Brazil, Venezuela

Main constituents: xanthine alkaloids (caffeine, theobromine, theophylline, xanthine), tannins

Energetics: warming

Main herbal actions: stimulant, astringent, antiamnesic, antibacterial cardiotonic, antioxidant, inhibits platelet aggregation

Minor herbal actions: anti-obesity, vasodilator, hyperglycemic

Main medicinal uses: diarrhea, hangover, headaches, depression, neuralgia, arteriosclerosis, dyspepsia, fatigue, fever, flatulence, headache, gastroenteritis, urticaria

Minor medicinal uses: malaria, obesity, dysentery, leucorrhea

Preparations: decoction: ½-1 cup qd-tid; 4:1 tincture: 1-3 ml bid, capsules: 1-6 grams qd (Khalsa)

Contraindications: pregnancy, breast-feeding; sensitivity to caffeine or other xanthines; high xanthine consumption should be avoided in high blood pressure, cardiac disorders, diabetes, ulcers, epilepsy; long-term use

Toxicity: safe even at high doses (2g/kg body weight)

Sources: Wren, R.C. Potter’s New Encyclopedia of Botanical Drugs and Preparations; http://www.rain-tree.com/guarana.htm

Guarana Module 2 lecture

• Part used: Seed
• Grows in Brazil and Venezuela
• It is a main caffeine source
• Many indigenous uses
• Dose: 1 to 6 grams/day (Khalsa)
• We don’t know how native population uses it.  It has more caffeine than coffee beans.