Guarana

Guarana is also known as Paullinia cupana, it’s a climbing plant prized for its fruit. A mature guarana fruit is about the size of a coffee berry. It resembles the human eye, with a red shell encasing a black seed covered by a white aril.

Guarana extract stems from processing the seeds into a powder. Amazonian tribes have used guarana for centuries for its therapeutic properties. It contains an impressive range of stimulants, such as caffeine, theophylline, and theobromine. Guarana also boasts antioxidants, such as tannins, saponins, and catechins. Currently, the beverage industry uses 70% of guarana produced in soft and energy drinks, while the remaining 30% is turns into powder. Here are four benefits of guarana, all supported by science.

Rich in Antioxidants 

Guarana contains (1) compounds with antioxidant properties. These include caffeine, theobromine, tannins, saponins, and catechins. Caco-2 cell and in vitro research published in 2022 (2) showed that guarana’s antioxidant properties may defend against cholesterol concentration in the body and overall aid the clinical management of cardiovascular diseases.

May Decrease “Bad” Cholesterol Oxidation 

Guarana may reduce the risk of heart disease in two ways. First, guarana’s antioxidants may aid blood flow and prevent blood clots. Second, in vitro and in Caco-2 cellular research published in 2022 (2) indicates that guarana may decrease LDL “bad” cholesterol oxidation. Oxidized LDL cholesterol can contribute to plaque buildup in your arteries.

May Increase Cognitive Performance

A 2023 review of research (3) indicated that guarana given over a short period may have an impact on cognitive performance. However, researchers note that it’s unknown if that impact is due to substances in guarana, such as caffeine. They recommend additional research that involves a more in-depth look at those specific substances, including using equal doses of each when evaluating their effect on cognitive performance.

May Provide Pain Relief

Historically, Amazonian tribes used guarana as a pain reliever. Its pain-relieving properties are due to its high caffeine content. Caffeine plays a role (4) in pain management by binding and blocking adenosine receptors. Two of these receptors, A1 and A2a, stimulate feelings of pain. When caffeine binds to these receptors, it can reduce sensations of pain. This is one reason caffeine is commonly found (5) in many over-the-counter pain relief medications. Studies have shown it can significantly enhance their effects.