Guarana extract 20% | Paullinia cupana

Properties: Guarana is a remarkable herb with truly divine origins. Over centuries, it has become a crucial part of a rich tradition of South American native tribes where it has been known as an invigorating energy boost and aphrodisiac. Thanks to many health properties, it has received nicknames such as “youth elixir” or “divine gift”. Perhaps this is because there have been many fascinating legends describing the mysterious, even unnatural, origin of this herb.

What is about guarana that makes it so popular? And we’re not talking about popularity among indigenous peoples alone. After all, there are probably few people that heard about the Sateré-Mawé tribe and its close relationship with this herb. Yet, we encourage you to dive into this topic. Still, there is a higher chance that we’ll encounter the word “guarana” in the TV ads about energy drinks. In some soft drinks guarana is used as a major, and sometimes even the main ingredient. Indeed, this plant is able to improve overall energy and stimulate the brain which is one of the reasons why it is worth learning more about it. Some of you may already be familiar with the fact that guarana seeds are a great source of caffeine – actually better than coffee. It is estimated that seeds of Paullinia cupana contain 2 or even 3 times more caffeine than those of Coffea arabica. Because of that, they bring a decent energy boost that will probably get you on your feet in no time! And we often seek that energy in the morning when we (or at least some of us) enjoy drinking coffee. It has been proven that caffeine is able to reduce the feeling of fatigue by affecting receptors of adenosine – one of the key neurotransmitters that control cycles of sleeping and wakefulness.

However, it is worth remembering that guarana offers much more than a refreshing kick of energy. This herb contains many active compounds that have a positive effect on cognitive functions of the brain. That makes guarana especially helpful as a support for attention and memory processes since it regulates the activity of main neurotransmitters that affect intellectual performance, e.g. dopamine, serotonin and acetylcholine. Besides that, it has been shown that a higher amount of caffeine can provide benefits for physical performance, particularly during weight training or other high intensity exercises. If we also mention the fact that guarana helps to reduce free oxygen radicals, has a beneficial influence on the skin and improves digestion, it shouldn’t be such a big mystery why the indigenous peoples of South America praised Paullinia cupana herbs so much.

Occurrence: Guarana (Paullinia cupana) is a climbing shrub from the soapberry (Sapindaceae) family of flowering plants. The vines of guarana can reach up to 12 meters in height, while the leaves are usually 40 cm in length and are made of a few smaller, elongated parts. The flowers of Paullinia cupana are gathered in clusters, they are relatively small and have a white color. The most distinctive part of the whole plant is the fruit that can be compared to a tangerine – both in orange or even reddish color and a round shape. Inside the fruit, there are black seeds surrounded by white pulp. From the distance, they look like big eyes which sometimes actually might be a frightening sight. Perhaps because of that, the inhabitants of Amazonia came up with many legends that were supposed to explain this extraordinary appearance of mature guarana fruits.

Guarana seeds are the most important resource collected from this herb. They contain high amounts of caffeine and other purine alkaloids. It is worth mentioning that caffeine can have different names depending on its origin, even though it is still the same substance. In coffee caffeine is known as… yeah, you probably guessed – caffeine! When this compound is in tea, it might be called theine. In yerba mate it is recognized as mateine. Caffeine found in guarana seeds is called guaranine although it seems to be a less popular name.

Guarana comes from the Amazon basin and at first it had occurred mostly in the South-Eastern region of the river in the Brazilian state of Amazonas, near cities such as Maués or Parintins. Currently, Brazil is the home of the biggest plantations of guarana. It is estimated that this country produces about 3.3 mln tons of dried Paullinia cupana seeds per year.

Biochemistry: Guarana contains multiple active compounds. However, most of its properties are based on purine alkaloids. This group includes mainly xanthine and its derivatives – caffeine (known as guaranine), theobromine and theophylline. The seeds of guarana also contain polyphenols (catechins), tannins and saponins.

Guaranine found in the seeds of Paullinia cupana affects the nervous system, improving concentration as well as mood and energy level. This compound increases heart rate and the speed of metabolic processes. On the molecular level, guaranine acts as an antagonist of adenosine receptors (A1 or A2A). The molecules of guaranine bind with adenosine receptors, blocking their activation. Because of that, this substance improves the activity of neurotransmitters such as: dopamine, serotonin, epinephrine and norepinephrine.

Fun fact: The common name of Paullinia cupana is based on the name of Guarani tribe from South America. In the language of this indigenous group the word “guaraná” means “divine eyes”.