Guaranine is an analogue of caffeine contained in the seeds of Guarana ( Paullinia cupana ). This active ingredient is widely used as a stimulant, both in extemporaneous preparations and in the form of specific food supplements or energy drinks.
In dietary supplements, guarana is usually found in the form of extract or ground seeds. The latter contain on average 3 to 8% of caffeine, a powerful alkaloid which is responsible for the interesting properties of guarana.
In fact, caffeine promotes the release of two hormones, called adrenaline and noradrenaline (catecholamines), thanks to its competitive antagonist action against adenosine receptors.
Catecholamines favor the increase of body metabolism, heart rate, blood pressure and the number of respiratory acts (thus increasing blood oxygenation).
For this reason, guarana is recommended in case of mental and physical fatigue, depression and convalescence.
In sports, guarana extracts are successfully used to improve both physical and intellectual resilience to work.
It is often recommended as a useful supplement to speed up weight loss and suppress appetite.
Doses and method of intake
One gram of guarana contains about 50 mg of caffeine (5%), a little less than a cup of coffee, which on average provides 80 mg. It must however be considered that guarana seeds are much richer in caffeine than coffee beans (3-8% against 1-2.5%). The doses of intake vary from product to product, in any case it is important not to exceed the recommended quantities and avoid prolonged use.
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Among the side effects of excessive and uncontrolled use of guarana we mention: hypertension, headache, anxiety, nausea, vomiting, tachycardia and convulsions. All these side effects are amplified by its simultaneous use with other drugs with similar activity, such as ephedrine or caffeine itself.
It is very important to avoid abruptly suspending the intake of guarana, as symptoms of lithium poisoning may arise, with the appearance of side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, muscle weakness, sweating and tremor (guarana increases the renal elimination of lithium ).
The caffeine contained in the extracts of this plant inhibits the synthesis of phosphocreatine and interferes with the plasma transport of the amino acid (creatine). The two supplements should therefore not be taken at the same time.
Following a chronic intake the body develops a sort of addiction and the effects sought become increasingly bland.
AVOID TAKING HEALTH if you suffer from: diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, hyperthyroidism, anxiety, insomnia and kidney problems. In any case, considering the numerous interactions of guarana with commonly used drugs and with certain foods, it is important to consult a doctor to make sure there are no contraindications to its use.
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