Guarana

The Guarana vine has the botanical name of Paullinia cupana.
It is also known as Brazillian Cocoa, Guarana Gum, Guarana Paste
and Zoom.

DESCRIPTION

This plant grows naturally in the Amazon region of Brazil in
South America. The herb is a climbing plant and supports itself in
the huge trees of the equatorial rainforest. Guarana is a source of
caffeine that acts as a stimulant on the central nervous system.
The seeds of the Guarana plant are first air-dried and can be used
in the natural form or finely ground and prepared as capsules,
tablets or as an elixir.

INTERACTIONS

Herbal supplements can alter the effects of certain drugs,
including prescription medications. Always tell your Doctor about
any prescription medications, non-prescription medications, herbs
or other dietary supplements you are taking. 

• Guarana contains substances called tannins, which can block the
  absorption of iron supplements and dietary iron. 
• Certain types of antibiotic medications (called quinolone
  antibiotics, such as ciprofloxacin) can decrease the breakdown of
  certain substances in Guarana and cause side effects such as
  anxiety, headache and irritability. 
• People taking asthma medications containing theophylline should
  avoid Guarana as it may increase the effects of this
  drug. 
• Guarana may reduce the effectiveness of adenosine (for cardiac
  arrhythmia). 
• It is advisable for a person taking ACE inhibitor medication to
  avoid supplements containing Guarana. It is possible that Guarana
  may interfere with the hypotensive action of this medication.
• Fluid loss may be excessive when a herbal preparation
  containing Guarana and a diuretic drug are taken together.

MEDICAL USE

Always consult your Health Professional to advise you on
dosages and any possible medical interactions. 

Guarana contains a caffeine-like substance called guaranine
(up to 7%). First discovered by a South American tribe, Guarana has
been used traditionally for thousands of years as a tonic and a
stimulant. 

It has been suggested that Guarana may help the body
with:

• Suppressing the appetite and as a result may prove useful for
  weight loss.
• Helping to relieve the pain of tension headaches.
• During periods of hard work, both mental and physical.
• When recovering from an illness.
• When facing a testing time, such as examinations.
• Relieving the symptoms of diarrhoea and constipation in some
  people.
• When tiredness impairs the ability to concentrate by improving
  mental alertness
• When training or practising for sport Guarana is reported to
  help increase stamina and cope with the effects of extreme
  heat.

PROPERTIES

Energiser and stimulant.

NOTES

• Moderate intakes of caffeine are considered to be safe during
  pregnancy, however, it is advisable to consult your Health
  Practitioner before taking any supplement to the diet. Guarana
  contains about 5% natural caffeine. 
• Individuals on caffeine-restricted diets should avoid Guarana,
  in particular those with heart problems.
• Individuals with diabetes, chronic headache or stomach ulcers
  should use Guarana with caution. Ask your Doctor or Pharmacist for
  advice.
• Possible side effects include insomnia, nervousness,
  irritability, palpitations, flushing and elevated blood
  pressure.