Guarana

The plant from whose seeds guarana is extracted has the botanical name Paullinia cupana. This climbing plant grows in the rainforests of South America, in southern Venezuela, Brazil and Uruguay. Centuries ago, the Amazon Indians (Quaramis) discovered guaraná, the red fruit of a liana plant, and called it "warana". They dried the seeds and ground them into powder on the rough tongue of the piracucu fish. Dissolved in water, they obtained a refreshing drink for their hunting trips and even today it is the main ingredient of a popular drink.

Effect

Guaraná has a refreshing and invigorating effect on body and mind. Guarana caffeine has the same chemical composition as that in coffee, tea or mate and also has the same physical effect. Caffeine acts on certain receptors in the brain and stimulates areas that are responsible for activity. It not only improves and stimulates intellectual performance, but also physical performance - by stimulating breathing, metabolism, skeletal muscles, muscle and heart activity. This increases blood pressure and body temperature. Guarana reduces tiredness and, taken in moderation, temporarily improves concentration and performance. The stimulating effect of guarana is particularly noticeable in people who are subject to symptoms of fatigue. It also stabilizes the circulation and calms the stomach and intestines. Guaraná is healthy and has a strengthening and restorative effect on the whole body when used regularly. Guaraná is also known in Brazil for strengthening potency and promoting a lively sex life. In contrast to coffee caffeine, however, it is free from irritants, which is why it is very well tolerated by many people who cannot otherwise drink coffee. Due to the oily and fatty plant substances (saponins), the ingredients and especially the guaranine are only released slowly, little by little. It works evenly for four to six hours without causing side effects. Guarana has an invigorating and refreshing effect on body and mind and is particularly recommended for people who cannot tolerate coffee or black tea but do not want to do without the stimulating effect of caffeine. One gram of powder contains approx. 40 mg caffeine = approx. 1/2 cup of coffee.

Safety and side effects

Guarana is probably safe and harmless for most adults when used in amounts typically used in food or when used in medicinal amounts for short periods of time. However, due to its high caffeine content, guarana is unlikely to be safe and harmless when used in large quantities or for prolonged periods of time. The lethal dose of caffeine is estimated to be 10 to 14 grams (150 to 200 mg per kilogram of body weight; the "typical" man weighs about 70 kilos, so the lethal dose is 10,500 - 14,000 mg). This is quite a high dose, considering that a cup of coffee provides between 95 and 200 mg of caffeine. However, serious poisoning can occur at doses below 150 to 200 mg per kilogram of body weight, depending on individual caffeine sensitivity, smoking habits, age and previous caffeine use. The side effects are dose-dependent. In typical doses, the caffeine contained in guarana can cause insomnia, nervousness, restlessness, stomach irritation, nausea, vomiting, increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, rapid breathing, tremors, delirium, diuresis and other side effects. Sensitive people react to even small amounts of caffeine with insomnia, restlessness, increased heart rate and diarrhea. Excessive consumption of guarana can lead to irritability, sleep disorders, headaches, palpitations, tinnitus, anxiety, stomach cramps, irregular heartbeat, hyperactivity and tremors. The body is deceived for a while about its natural signs of fatigue, and it also dampens feelings of hunger and thirst. However, the artificial activity breaks down after a certain time, as the body is then at the end of its tether. Very high doses can cause sweating. Guarana should not be consumed before going to bed. This is because the caffeine would significantly reduce the amount of deep sleep.

People who regularly consume guarana may experience caffeine withdrawal symptoms if they reduce their usual consumption.

Precautions and warnings

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Pregnant and breastfeeding women should be cautious when using guarana due to the caffeine content. Small amounts are probably not harmful, but consumption of more than 200 mg of caffeine per day has been linked to an increased risk of miscarriage and other adverse effects.

• Anxiety disorders: The caffeine contained in guarana could exacerbate anxiety disorders.

Blood clotting disorders: There is evidence from studies conducted with animals suggesting that the caffeine in guarana may exacerbate blood clotting disorders, although this has not yet been observed in humans. If you suffer from a blood clotting disorder, you should consult your doctor before using guarana.

Diabetes: Some research suggests that the caffeine in guarana may affect the way diabetics process sugar and make it more difficult to control blood sugar. There is also interesting research suggesting that caffeine may increase the warning signs of low blood sugar in people suffering from type 1 diabetes. Some studies show that the symptoms of low blood sugar are more intense when they begin in the absence of caffeine, but if the low blood sugar persists, the symptoms are more severe with caffeine. This could help diabetics recognize and treat low blood sugar levels. One drawback, however, is that caffeine could increase the incidence of hypoglycemia. For these reasons, diabetics should talk to their doctor before using guarana.

• Diarrhea: The caffeine in guarana can aggravate diarrhea, especially in large amounts.
• Irritable bowel syndrome: The caffeine contained in guarana - especially in large quantities - can exacerbate the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome as well as diarrhea.
• Heart disease: The caffeine in guarana could cause irregular heartbeat.
• High blood pressure: The caffeine in guarana could increase blood pressure in people with high blood pressure. However, this effect may be weaker in people who regularly consume guarana or other caffeinated products.
• Glaucoma: The consumption of guarana can increase intraocular pressure. This increase begins within 30 minutes and lasts for at least 90 minutes.
• Osteoporosis: Consuming green tea can increase the amount of calcium excreted in the urine. This could weaken the bones. If you suffer from osteoporosis, you should therefore limit your caffeine intake to less than 300 mg per day (about 2 to 3 cups of green tea). Taking calcium supplements could help to compensate for calcium loss. Postmenopausal women who suffer from a genetic problem that impairs the body's use of vitamin D should use guarana with caution.

Interactions

Guarana should not be taken in combination with the following medications:

Amphetamines

Stimulants such as amphetamines accelerate the function of the nervous system. By accelerating the function of the nervous system, stimulants can cause a feeling of inner restlessness and speed up the heartbeat. The caffeine contained in guarana could also accelerate the function of the nervous system. Consuming guarana in combination with stimulants could cause serious problems including accelerated heart rate and high blood pressure. For this reason, guarana should not be taken in combination with stimulants.

Cocaine

Stimulants such as cocaine accelerate the function of the nervous system. By accelerating the function of the nervous system, stimulants can cause a feeling of inner restlessness and speed up the heartbeat. The caffeine contained in guarana could also accelerate the function of the nervous system. Consuming guarana in combination with stimulants could cause serious problems including accelerated heart rate and high blood pressure. For this reason, guarana should not be taken in combination with stimulants.

Ephedrine

Stimulants accelerate the function of the nervous system. The caffeine and ephedrine contained in guarana are both stimulants. Taking guarana in combination with ephedrine can cause excessive stimulation and sometimes serious side effects and heart problems. For this reason, guarana and ephedrine should not be taken at the same time.

Care should be taken when combining guarana with the following medications:

Adenosine

The caffeine contained in guarana could block the effects of adenosine. Adenosine is often used by doctors to perform a test of the heart called a cardiac stress test. Due to the possible interactions, you should stop consuming guarana and other caffeine-containing products at least 24 hours before such a test.

Antibiotics (quinolone antibiotics)

The body breaks down the caffeine contained in guarana in order to be able to excrete it. Some antibiotics can reduce the rate at which the body breaks down caffeine. Taking these antibiotics in combination with caffeine can increase the risk of caffeine side effects including shakiness, headaches, increased heart rate and more.

Cimetidine

The body breaks down the caffeine contained in guarana in order to excrete it. Cimetidine can reduce the rate at which the body breaks down caffeine. Taking cimetidine in combination with guarana may increase the risk of caffeine side effects including shakiness, headaches, increased heart rate and others.

Clozapine

The body breaks down clozapine in order to excrete it. The caffeine contained in guarana appears to reduce the rate at which the body breaks down clozapine. Taking guarana in combination with clozapine could increase the effects and side effects of clozapine.

Dipyridamole

The caffeine contained in guarana could block the effects of dipyridamole. Dipyridamole is often used by doctors to perform a test of the heart called a cardiac stress test. Due to the possible interactions, you should stop consuming guarana and other caffeine-containing products at least 24 hours before such a test.

Oestrogens

The body breaks down the caffeine contained in green tea in order to excrete it. Estrogen can reduce the rate at which the body breaks down caffeine. Taking estrogen in combination with caffeine could cause shakiness, headaches, rapid heartbeat and other side effects. For this reason, you should limit your caffeine intake if you are taking estrogens.

Fluvoxamine

The body breaks down the caffeine contained in guarana in order to be able to excrete it. Fluvoxamine can reduce the rate at which the body breaks down caffeine. Taking fluvoxamine in combination with guarana can increase the effects and side effects of caffeine.

Lithium

The caffeine contained in guarana can increase the rate at which the body excretes lithium. If you consume products that contain caffeine and are taking lithium, you should slowly reduce your intake of caffeine-containing products. Stopping caffeine intake too quickly can increase the side effects of lithium.

Medication for depression ( monoamine oxidase inhibitors / MAOI)

Guarana contains caffeine. Caffeine can stimulate the body. Some medications used for depression can also stimulate the body. Consuming guarana in conjunction with these medications could result in excessive stimulation. This could cause serious side effects including rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure, nervousness and more.

Medications that slow down blood clotting

Guarana could slow down blood clotting. The consumption of guarana in combination with medications that also slow down blood clotting could increase the risk of bleeding and the tendency to bruise.

Some medications that can slow blood clotting include aspirin, diclofenac (Voltaren), ibuprofen, naproxen and others.

Nicotine

Stimulants such as nicotine accelerate the function of the nervous system. By accelerating the function of the nervous system, stimulants can cause a feeling of inner restlessness and speed up the heartbeat. The caffeine contained in guarana could also accelerate the function of the nervous system. Consuming guarana in combination with stimulants could cause serious problems including accelerated heart rate and high blood pressure. For this reason, guarana should not be consumed in combination with stimulants.

Phenylpropanolamine

The caffeine contained in guarana can stimulate the body. Phenylpropanolamine can also stimulate the body. Consuming guarana in combination with phenylpropanolamine could result in excessive stimulation and increase the heart rate, raise blood pressure and cause nervousness.

Riluzole

The body breaks down riluzole in order to be able to excrete it. The consumption of guarana can reduce the rate at which the body breaks down riluzole and thus increase the effects and side effects of riluzole.

Theophylline

Guarana contains caffeine. Caffeine works in a similar way to theophylline. In addition, caffeine can reduce the rate at which the body breaks down theophylline. Consuming guarana in combination with theophylline could increase the effects and side effects of theophylline.

Care should be taken when combining guarana with the following medications:

Alcohol

The body breaks down the caffeine contained in guarana in order to be able to excrete it. Alcohol can reduce the rate at which the body breaks down caffeine. Consuming alcohol in combination with guarana can increase the risk of caffeine side effects including shakiness, headaches, increased heart rate and more.

Birth control pills

The body breaks down the caffeine contained in guarana in order to excrete it. The contraceptive pill can reduce the rate at which the body breaks down caffeine. Consuming guarana in combination with the contraceptive pill can cause shakiness, headaches, rapid heartbeat and other side effects.

Fluconazole

The body breaks down the caffeine contained in guarana in order to be able to excrete it. Fluconazole can reduce the rate at which the body breaks down caffeine. Taking fluconazole in combination with guarana can increase the risk of caffeine side effects including shakiness, headaches, increased heart rate and others.

Diabetes medications

Guarana may increase blood sugar levels. Diabetes medications are used to lower blood sugar levels. By increasing blood sugar levels, guarana could reduce the effectiveness of diabetes medication. For this reason, blood sugar levels should be carefully monitored. It is possible that the dosage of diabetes medication may need to be adjusted.

Mexiletine

The body breaks down the caffeine contained in guarana in order to be able to excrete it. Mexiletine can reduce the rate at which the body breaks down caffeine. Taking mexiletine in combination with guarana can increase the risk of caffeine side effects including shakiness, headaches, increased heart rate and others.

Terbinafine

The body breaks down the caffeine contained in guarana in order to excrete it. Terbinafine can reduce the rate at which the body breaks down caffeine. Taking terbinafine in combination with guarana may increase the risk of caffeine side effects including shakiness, headaches, increased heart rate and others.

Ingredients

Guarana contains about twice to three times as much caffeine as coffee: 100 g of guarana seeds contain 3-6 g of caffeine. It is partially bound to tannins and is therefore only released slowly in the body. Guarana contains 11 g fat, 3 g protein, 10 g starch and 50 g fiber, with traces of theobromine and theophylline. Guarana is also free from irritants.

Dosage

The dosage depends on the caffeine content. It must be taken into account that individual sensitivity to caffeine can vary greatly. To make matters worse, the caffeine content of guarana preparations is usually not stated, but it is generally much higher than in coffee.

Maximum daily dose

400 mg caffeine corresponding to 7 to 11 g guarana

Requirements in sport

Top athletes not only benefit from an improved physical condition through regular guarana consumption, they also report that it can prevent muscle cramps.

Overall, guarana has a wide range of different positive effects on the human organism. Among other things, it strengthens the body and nerves, helps with mood swings and chronic fatigue, relieves headaches and muscle tension. You should take a dosage of 2-5g guarana 30 minutes before training to achieve a performance-enhancing effect such as more energy, stamina and a brighter mood. To be on the safe side, you should start with the low dosage. The effect lasts for about 4-6 hours.