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 Guaranį is an evergreen vine found growing in the wild
basins of the Amazon rain forests. The indigenous people of the
Amazon rain forest have used crushed guaranį seed as a beverage and
a medicine. Guaranį was used to treat diarrhea, decrease fatigue,
reduce hunger, and to help arthritis.
Guarana's active
components are guaranine and the alkaloids theobromine and
theophylline. Guaranine is almost identical in chemical structure to
caffeine and has many of the same effects. Guarana also contains
tannins, which may account for its traditional use to treat
diarrhea.
Guarana, in combination with Asian ginseng and
Siberian ginseng, is often used by athletes in an attempt to produce
an energizing effect. However, there are not any clinical studies
conclusively substantiate the benefit of guarana for this
purpose.
Guarana for Weight
Loss
Guaranį contains a substance similar to
caffeine called guaranine. Guaranine stimulates the central nervous
system, increases metabolism, and has a mild diuretic effect. It has
been suggested that in combination with ephedra or ephedrine,
guarana (guaranine) may be effective in helping to promote weight
loss. This effect is probably due to an appetite suppressing
mechanism, an increase in calorie burning, or
both.
Possible Side
Effects
Guaranine, a chemical compound found in
gurana, produces many of the same effects as caffeine. Individuals
with conditions that may be complicated by high caffeine intake
(including insomnia, depression, and pregnancy) should consult with
a physician before adding guarana to their
diet.
Dosage
Guarana products that
provide up to 400 milligrams of caffeine per day are considered
safe.
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