Guarana Seed (Paullinia cupana): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Questions fréquentes

How does guarana work in the body?

Guarana works primarily through caffeine, which antagonizes adenosine receptors in the central nervous system, blocking fatigue signals and promoting alertness. Unlike synthetic caffeine, guarana contains tannins that may slow caffeine absorption, potentially providing a more sustained stimulant effect. Additional compounds including theobromine and theophylline contribute mild stimulant and diuretic actions. This combination supports the traditional use for mental clarity and sustained energy. Evidence level: C.

What medications does guarana interact with?

Guarana interacts with several medication classes due to its high caffeine content. It may increase bleeding risk when combined with anticoagulants like warfarin. Guarana can potentiate other stimulants and reduce the effectiveness of sedatives or anxiolytics. Concurrent use with MAOIs may cause hypertensive crisis. Those taking heart medications, antidepressants, or thyroid hormones should consult a healthcare provider before use. Evidence level: C.

What is the recommended guarana dosage for adults?

Adult dosages typically range from 40-300mg of caffeine equivalent daily, depending on individual caffeine tolerance and intended use. This translates to approximately 500mg-2g of guarana seed powder. Beginners should start at the lower end to assess tolerance. Standardized extracts should follow manufacturer guidelines. Total daily caffeine intake from all sources should not exceed 400mg for most adults. Evidence level: C.

Is guarana safe to take during pregnancy?

No, guarana is considered unsafe during pregnancy. The high caffeine content crosses the placenta and may increase risks of miscarriage, low birth weight, and developmental concerns. Pregnant individuals should limit total caffeine intake to under 200mg daily from all sources. Guarana's concentrated caffeine content makes precise dosing difficult. Breastfeeding individuals should also use caution, as caffeine passes into breast milk and may cause infant irritability and sleep disturbances. Evidence level: C.

What are the side effects of taking guarana?

Common side effects include insomnia, tachycardia, anxiety, and gastrointestinal upset, particularly at higher doses or in caffeine-sensitive individuals. Excessive consumption may cause tremors, headaches, and heart palpitations. Chronic high-dose use can lead to caffeine dependence and withdrawal symptoms including fatigue and irritability upon discontinuation. People with anxiety disorders, insomnia, hypertension, or heart conditions should avoid guarana due to exacerbation risk. Evidence level: C.

Fiche d'information compilée à partir de PubMed

Cette fiche a été compilée à partir de résumés PubMed (NIH) avec l'assistance d'une IA. Chaque affirmation factuelle est citée par un article PubMed réel (voir la liste des sources). Elle n'a pas encore été révisée par un humain — confirmez auprès d'un professionnel de santé avant utilisation.

Compilé à partir de 29 articles PubMed · modèle : gemma4:31b

Résumé

Guarana (Paullinia cupana) is an Amazonian plant used as a stimulant and tonic, primarily characterized by its high caffeine content [PMID:36753599, PMID:22675703].

Contexte

Guarana is an extract of roasted and pulverized seeds of the plant Paullinia cupana, which is indigenous to the Amazon Basin [PMID:36753599]. It is a tropical plant species found in South America [PMID:39082577].

Usages traditionnels

Guarana has been used as a stimulant and tonic to treat fatigue, decrease hunger and thirst, and for headaches and dysmenorrhea [PMID:36753599]. It is also known in many cultures as an aphrodisiac and astringent [PMID:31539257].

Composés actifs

The major active components are caffeine and other xanthine alkaloids such as theophylline and theobromine [PMID:36753599, PMID:22675703]. The seeds also contain polyphenols, including flavonoids, catechins, and tannins [PMID:28973720].

Mécanisme d'action

Guarana exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-adipogenic effects [PMID:36753599, PMID:28632199]. In cellular models, it has been shown to reduce the levels of autophagy and increase cell polarity and viability in mesenchymal stromal cells [PMID:39082577]. It may also stimulate mitochondrial biogenesis and increase basal energy expenditure [PMID:29385074].

Preuves cliniques

Preuve BAthletic Performance (Soccer)

Ingestion of 3g of fruit seed powder did not improve countermovement jump, sprints, or agility in under-17 soccer players [PMID:38958672].

Preuve DWeight Control/Adipogenesis

In 3T3L1 cells, guarana showed a dose-dependent triglyceride-reducing effect and down-regulation of pro-adipogenic genes such as Cebpα, Pparγ, and Creb1 [PMID:28632199].

Preuve DMethotrexate-induced Toxicity

In mouse models, pre-administration of guarana ameliorated methotrexate-induced intestinal damage and testicular dysfunction by regulating antioxidants and inflammatory responses [PMID:34262701, PMID:36168017].

Preuve DCadmium-induced Testicular Damage

Supplementation with P. cupana reduced cadmium-induced morphological impairment in Wistar rat testis [PMID:22659242].

Sécurité et effets indésirables

In conventional doses, guarana has few side effects and has not been linked to liver injury or jaundice [PMID:36753599]. Excessive intake can cause the same effects as too much caffeine [PMID:22675703]. It is generally recognized as safe as a dietary ingredient if caffeine intake guidelines are respected [PMID:31539257].

Interactions médicamenteuses

Guarana is expected to exhibit the same range of drug interactions as those associated with caffeine [PMID:22675703]. A study in rats indicated a potential herb-drug interaction between Paullinia cupana extract and amiodarone [PMID:23304200].

Synthèse des preuves

Evidence consists primarily of narrative reviews, in vitro cellular studies, and animal models (mice/rats), with one small RCT showing no acute performance benefit in soccer players. Human clinical evidence is limited.

Sources PubMed

1.PMID: 36753599 (2012) — Effects of the consumption of guarana on human health: A narrative review. · Comprehensive reviews in food science and food safety
2.PMID: 39082577 (2024) — Guarana (Paullinia cupana) as a potential tool for mesenchymal stromal cells priming in regenerative medicine. · Brazilian journal of medical and biological research = Revista brasileira de pesquisas medicas e biologicas
3.PMID: 34262701 (2021) — Protective effects of guarana (Paullinia cupana) against methotrexate-induced intestinal damage in mice. · Food science & nutrition
4.PMID: 36168017 (2023) — Paullinia cupana seed extract ameliorated methotrexate-induced testicular dysfunction through the regulation of antioxidants, inflammatory, apoptosis/anti-apoptosis, and steroidogenesis-associated genes. · Environmental science and pollution research international
5.PMID: 28632199

Guarana Seed

Sources et citations

Calculer une dose sûre de Guarana Seed

Gui Pi Tang Patent

Nhan Sam Vietnam

Coffea canephora

Questions fréquentes

Résumé

Contexte

Usages traditionnels

Composés actifs

Mécanisme d'action

Preuves cliniques

Sécurité et effets indésirables

Interactions médicamenteuses

Synthèse des preuves

Sources PubMed

Sources gouvernementales

Guarana Seed

Sources et citations

Calculer une dose sûre de Guarana Seed

Plantes associées

Gui Pi Tang Patent

Nhan Sam Vietnam

Coffea canephora

Questions fréquentes

Résumé

Contexte

Usages traditionnels

Composés actifs

Mécanisme d'action

Preuves cliniques

Sécurité et effets indésirables

Interactions médicamenteuses

Synthèse des preuves

Sources PubMed

Sources gouvernementales