Botanical Overview
Paullinia cupana, commonly known as Guarana, belongs to the Sapindaceae family. Native to the Amazon basin and northern South America, especially Brazil, the medicinally used part is the seed. Guarana seeds are known for their stimulant properties due to their high caffeine content.
Energetics
Guarana is considered warming and drying in nature. It has bitter and pungent tastes and is tonifying in effect, primarily supporting qi energy.
Primary Actions
- Stimulant
- CNS stimulant
- Diuretic
- Antioxidant
- Fat burner
Indications
Western
Guarana is traditionally used to combat fatigue, improve concentration, support mild depression, assist in weight management, and reduce fluid retention.
Syndromes
- Mental and physical fatigue
- Mild obesity
- Circulatory insufficiency
TCM
No traditional Chinese Medicine uses documented.
Ayurveda
No traditional Ayurvedic uses documented.
Unani
No traditional Unani uses documented.
Constituents & Mechanisms
Guarana seeds contain stimulant alkaloids such as caffeine and theobromine, as well as tannins, saponins, polyphenols, and catechins which contribute to antioxidant and metabolic effects.
Dosage & Preparations
- Extract standardized to 2-7% caffeine: 75-150 mg caffeine daily
- Powdered seeds: 1-3 g daily
- Tea infusion: 2-4 g seeds per cup, 1-2 times per day
Safety & Contraindications
Due to its high caffeine content, guarana should be used cautiously in people with cardiovascular conditions, hypertension, anxiety disorders, and is contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation. It may interact with stimulant drugs, anticoagulants, MAO inhibitors, and theophylline. Overuse can cause insomnia, gastrointestinal upset, and toxicity related to caffeine overdose.
Astrological Correspondences
No reliably sourced planetary or elemental rulers identified for Paullinia cupana.
Selected References
- Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects (2011)
- Guarana (Paullinia cupana Kunth): A Popular Stimulant and Its Effects, PMC (2013)
- PFAF (Plants For A Future) Database
- World Health Organization Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants (1999)