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Common Names:	Guarana
Parts used and where grown:	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 supplements.
In what conditions might guarana be supportive?	athletic support fatigue weight loss and obesity
Historical or traditional use:	The indigenous people of the Amazon rain forest used crushed guaraná seed as a beverage and a medicine. Guaraná was said to treat diarrhea, decrease fatigue, reduce hunger, and to help arthritis.¹ It also has a history of use in treating hangovers from alcohol abuse and headaches related to menstruation.
Active constituents	Guaranine (which is nearly identical to caffeine) and the closely related alkaloids theobromine and theophylline make up the primary active agents in guaraná. Caffeine’s effects (and hence those of guaranine) are well known and include stimulating the central nervous system, increasing metabolic rate, and having a mild diuretic effect.² One long-term study found no significant effects on thinking or mental function in humans taking guaraná.³ Caffeine may have adverse effects on the blood vessels and other body systems as well as on a developing fetus, and presumably guaranine would have similar effects. Guaraná also contains tannins, which act as astringents and may prevent diarrhea.

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References:

1. Duke JA. CRC Handbook of Medicinal Herbs. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 1985, 349.
2. Leung A Y, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs, and Cosmetics, 2d ed. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1996, 293-4.
3. Galduroz JC, Carlini EA. The effects of long-term administration of guarana on the cognition of normal, elderly volunteers. Rev Paul Med 1996;114:1073-8.