Guarana Components

Guarana, scientific name is Paullinia cupana, is a plant native to Brazil that inhabitants of that country have used for hundreds of years for medicinal purposes. It is also known as Brazilian cocoa, guarana gum, guarana seed and zoom cocoa. Guarana comes from the seeds and gum of the plant. Its use in energy drinks and as a weight-loss supplement raises questions as to the components, or ingredients of guarana.

Caffeine

• According to an article in Men's Health, one seed of guarana has a caffeine content of 4 to 5 percent. A coffee bean contains 1 to 2 percent. Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center states that caffeine is responsible for any actions of guarana as an appetite suppressant, stimulant and remedy for fatigue. In energy drinks, gaurana is listed as an ingredient without reference to its caffeine content. Avoid consuming guarana with other caffeine drinks like coffee, tea or soda.

Alkaloids

• Sloan-Kettering lists two alkaloids as components of guarana: theophylline and theobromine. Alkaloids are organic compounds with nitrogen as their base. Theophylline is found in black and green tea and is considered to be a stimulant. It has been used to relax airways for respiratory problems and to lower blood pressure. Theobromine is found in cocoa beans used for chocolate; its highest concentration is found in dark chocolate. It is similar to caffeine but much weaker. Its use will lower blood pressure. It relaxes the bronchi muscles in the lungs and can be used as a cough medicine.

Tannins

• Catechutannic acid and catchol are the two tannins found in guarana. Tannins are organic compounds found on the skins of grapes that give wine a bitter taste. Tannins are used to turn hides into leather. The two tannins in guarana are used in treatment of diarrhea on their own, which was one of the uses by natives in Brazil.

Saponins

• Saponins are chemical compounds with foamy characteristics used in shampoos and facial cleansers. Their natural sources include peas and soybeans. Health benefits include boosting the immune system, lowering cholesterol, increasing bone health and some benefit in reducing the risk of cancer. Some health benefits have only been established with regard to saponins in specific plants and not in guarana.