Guarana, whose botanical name is Paullinia Cupana is a shrub grown in the Amazon which produces berries that have been used medicinally. Hardly any studies have been done with guarana. Guarana (Paullinia cupana Mart.) offers protection against gastric lesions induced by ethanol and indomethacin in rats. Guarana and kola nut enjoy great popularity in their native lands because they are also rich in caffeine, which serves as a stimulant.

Here is a list of supplements that suppress appetite, help with weight loss, manage cholesterol levels, or improve metabolic syndrome. Many of these are found in a product called Diet Rx.
Green-Tea-Extract (Camellia sinensis, standardized to contain 50% polyphenols), Spirulina (Spirulina platensis), Hoodia-Extract (Hoodia gordonii, 20 to 1 extract), CLA fatty acids, Cinnamon root (Cinnamomum cassia), Apple-Cider-Vinegar, Apple pectin, Garcinia Cambogia CitriMax HCA-600 SXS (standardized to contain 60% hydroxycitric acid), Glucomannan konjac 4 to 1 extract, Alpha-Lipoic, Grapefruit extract (Citrus paradise, 4 to 1 extract), Ginger root (Zingiber officinalis), Acetyl-l-Carnitine. Banaba extract (standardized to contain 1 % corosolic acid), 5-HTP, Choline bitartrate, Inositol, Carnitine (Hcl), Pomegranate (standardized to contain 40 % ellagic acid), Bitter melon extract (Momordica charantia), Psyllium husk, Coleus forskohlii (standardized to contain 10 % Forskolin ), Fenugreek seed extract 4 to 1 (Trigonella foenum), Guggul herb (standardized to contain 10 % guggulsterones), and Inulin. Other products to consider include chitosan. We don't think ephedra is a good choice.

Guarana studies for mental enhancement
A double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-dose evaluation of the acute behavioural effects of guaranį in humans.
J Psychopharmacol. 2007 January. Human Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, Division of Psychology, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
The present study aimed to systematically assess acute, dose-related behavioral effects of a guaranį extract supplement. This study evaluated the acute mood and cognitive effects throughout the day of four different doses (37.5 mg, 75 mg, 150 mg and 300 mg) of a standardised guaranį extract (PC-102). Guaranį improved secondary memory performance and increased alert and content mood ratings. The two lower doses produced more positive cognitive effects than the higher doses. This research supports previous findings of cognitive improvements following 75 mg guaranį and provides the first exploration of different dose effects of guaranį supplement in humans. The findings suggest that the effects cannot be attributed to caffeine alone.

Guarana side effects
Guarana has a high concentration of caffeine which may cause heart palpitations or irregularities in those who are sensitive to caffeine.

Guarana studies for weight loss
Weight loss and delayed gastric emptying following a South American herbal preparation in overweight patients.
Andersen T, Fogh J.Medical Center Charlottenlund, Trunnevangen 4A, DK 2920, Charlottenlund, Denmark.
J Hum Nutr Diet. 2001 Jun;14(3):243-50.
Among the herbal preparations known to non-western cultures are materials which may have applications in modulating physiological processes which influence gut motility, food intake and energy balance. One such mixed herbal preparation is 'YGD' containing Yerbe Mate (leaves of Ilex paraguayenis), Guarana (seeds of Paullinia cupana) and Damiana (leaves of Turnera diffusa var. aphrodisiaca). This study had two distinct aims: to determine the effect of a herbal preparation 'YGD' containing Yerbe Mate, Guarana and Damiana on gastric emptying; to determine the effect of the same preparation on weight loss over 10 days and 45 days and weight maintenance over 12 months. The herbal preparation, Yerbe Mate, Guarana and Damiana capsules significantly delayed gastric emptying, reduced the time to perceived gastric fullness and induced significant weight loss over 45 days in overweight patients treated in a primary health care context. Maintenance treatment given in an uncontrolled context resulted in no further weight loss, nor weight regain in the group as a whole. The herbal preparation with guarana is thus shown to be one that significantly modulates gastric emptying. Further clinical studies with dietetic monitoring of energy intake, dietary quality, satiety ratings, body weight and body composition are now indicated, and examination of the active principles contained in the three herbal components may prove. gurana research guarana and weight loss

back to index yohimbe bark guarana research guarana benefits weight loss guarana