Guarana Seed
Basic composition of Guaraná beans
Caffeine 4%
Catechutannic acid 5%
Catechic acid 0.6%
Tannins 12%
Starch 30%
Protein 15%
Oil 0.16%
Calcium 0.08%
Phosphorus 0.01%
Magnesium 0.05%
Kalium 0.27%
Essential oil: The essential oil isolated from powdered seeds contain 2 methylbenzenes, a cyclic monoterpene, 2 cyclic sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, 2 methoxyphenylpropenes, and 2 alkylphenol derivatives.
Important Medicinal Properties
Paullinia cupana is rich in medicinal properties. The understanding of these properties will help us to better utilize this herb. These also indicate the conditions in which we should avoid it.
Below is given medicinal properties along with the meaning.
Analgesic: Relieve pain
Anti-aggregant: Decrease platelet aggregation, and inhibit thrombus formation. Such medicines are effective in the arterial circulation, where anticoagulants have little effect.
Anti-inflammatory: Reduce inflammation.
Aphrodisiac: Stimulates sexual desire.
Central nervous system (CNS) stimulant: speeds up physical, and mental processes.
Diuretic: Causes increased passing of urine.
Immunostimulant: Increase motility of the gastrointestinal smooth muscle.
Stimulant: Temporarily increase alertness, and energy.
Thermogenic: Increase the heat in the body.
Tonic: Restore, tone, and invigorate systems in the body.
Medicinal Uses of Paullinia cupana (Guarana)
Guarana contains 2.5–7.0% of caffeine, and has all the effects of caffeine. It is used as a popular remedy for weight loss, loose motion, and fatigue. It prevents platelet aggregation. It stimulates gastric acid secretion, and thus helps in Dyspepsia. Guarana has diuretic effect which helps the body to get rid water retention. It gives relief in pain, and swelling in the body. Its analgesic effect is comparable to aspirin. It is used as stimulant, astringent, antipyretic, antineuralgic, antidiarrheal, and anti-influenza agent.
Guarana is used traditionally in the treatment of many disorders including:
Boosting energy, and alertness
Drowsiness
Diarrhea
Fatigue
Headache, Migraine
Increasing stamina, and libido
Neuralgia (intermittent pain along the course of a nerve, especially in the head or face)
Obesity
Pain
Paralysis
Urinary tract infections
Water Retention