Guaraná for Sports & Fitness

Botanical name: Paullinia cupana

Why do athletes use it?*

Some athletes say that guaraná

helps improve stamina.

What do the advocates say?*

Guaraná contains a substance similar to caffeine, which could be responsible for caffeine-like effects such as improving endurance performance. However, no research has directly tested guaraná in athletes.

How much is usually taken by athletes?

Some athletes take guaraná during their training; however, there is no scientific research to support this use.

Are there any side effects or interactions?

As with any caffeinated product, guaraná may cause insomnia, trembling, anxiety, palpitations, and urinary frequency.¹ Guaraná should be avoided during pregnancy and breast-feeding.

Are there any drug interactions?
Certain medicines may interact with guaraná. Refer to drug interactions for a list of those medicines.

Parts used and where grown

Guaraná is an evergreen vine indigenous to the Amazon basin. The vast majority of guaraná is grown in a small area in northern Brazil. Guaraná gum or paste is derived from the seeds and is used in herbal preparations.

Resources

See a list of books, periodicals, and other resources for this and related topics.

*Athletes and fitness advocates may claim benefits for guaraná based on their personal or professional experience. These are individual opinions and testimonials that may or may not be supported by controlled clinical studies or published scientific articles on guaraná. For more complete and detailed information, including references and safety information, see Guaraná as an herbal remedy.

References
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1. Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C, et al. (eds). PDR for Herbal Medicines. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics, 1998, 1017–8.

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The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or chemist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires March 2007.