Guarana Seed Extract
The uses of the guarana berry pre-dates the discovery of Brazil in 1500. An Amazon tribe by the name of Guaranis were found taking a drink made from the powder of the roasted and ground seeds of the berries. The natives claimed that this drink made from a "miraculous plant" could give such endurance that by drinking it one could go on the hunt for days without food and without feeling hunger or fatigue. These same natives would also speak of the drink taking away headaches, fever and painful muscle spasms.
Today science has been able to confirm the claims of the Amazon natives by researching clinically the chemical composition of this very medicinally rich berry, and established the guarana seeds as having numerous therapeutic properties. The first researchers, among which was Theodore Von Martius of Germany, collected the plant for study in 1700, and 11 years later this material was classified by Kunt as Paullinia cupana. Today the guarana plant is a sustainable rain forest product of enormous value.
There are three powerful alkaloids found in the guarana seed, caffeine (guaranine), theophylline, and theobromine. These alkaloids tone the central nervous system, the heart, and additionally they promote mental focus and clarity, with the added enhancement of memory functions. In comparison, coffee has more than a dozen alkaloids besides caffeine which gives a sudden rush with a relatively fast drop off. The guarana seed contains natural caffeine about 2.5 times stronger than the caffeine found in coffee, tea, or cocoa. The whole seed extract of guarana benefits from all the phyto-nutrients and their linking to the seeds fatty molecules which are absorbed gently over a sustained time, 4-6 hours, providing the lasting stamina and alertness we all want. The result is a beneficial tonic for the heart and brain, yet mild on the body. Research and clinical evidence describe guarana's ability to prevent the formation of blood clots, and the capability of inhibiting platelet aggregation (reducing sticky blood).
In a 1997 study, scientists found that guarana is effective as an energy tonic, for mental sharpness and as a long term memory enhancer with both single and chronic doses. What they found was that the whole seed extract performed better than equal amounts of either caffeine or ginseng. A Brazilian research group, who has been studying guaraná 's apparent effect of increasing memory, believe it to be linked to essential oils found in the seed.
There is a U.S. patent filed on several plants including guarana for promoting sustained energy and mental alertness without nervousness or tension. Guarana is often used in combination with other plants to promote weight loss by creating a sense of fullness.
Guaraná has traditionally been used for headaches and migraines. A 1997 study found the plant has pain-relieving ability. In 2001, a U.S. patent was filed on a combination of plants, including guaraná , to relieve pain and other symptoms associated with migraines and headaches.
There is documented evidence that guarana's antibacterial properties protect against E. coli and Salmonella. It has also demonstrated antioxidant properties. In 1998, scientists showed that a guaraná extract greatly increased blood glucose levels and suppressed hypoglycemia.
Laboratory tests have shown no evidence of toxicity even in large doses, such as 2gms per kilo of body weight. In the United States the FDA has given guarana the GRAS status (generally regarded as safe).
Common Uses for Guarana
- To increase energy and stamina.
- To enhance memory and mental acuity.
- To relieve headaches and PMS.
- As an appetite suppressant.
Other uses and actions include:
- Stimulates metabolism
- Antidepressant
- Antioxidant
- Fights free radicals and localized fat.
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