guarana plant
Paullinia cupana
Paullinia cupana, commonly known as guarana, is a plant native to the Amazon rainforest. Traditionally, its seeds are used in various South American cultures for their stimulant properties and as a flavoring agent. Scientific studies have shown that guarana may improve physical endurance, specifically enhancing distance covered during certain tests, but it has not demonstrated significant effects on other measures like sprints or agility. While 21 genotypes of guarana from southern Bahia showed variability in fruit and seed traits, suggesting potential for breeding programs, the broader scientific evidence is limited. Withania somnifera (ashwagandha) has been found to be effective in enhancing quality of life and reducing fatigue, pain, and nausea in breast cancer patients, but the evidence for guarana's efficacy remains inconclusive due to methodological weaknesses and heterogeneity. No major safety issues or drug interactions have been recorded for guarana.
- Best evidence
- A
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
What the science says
- This study found that 21 guarana genotypes from southern Bahia showed variability in fruit and seed traits, suggesting potential for breeding programs.
- Guarana improved the distance covered in the YYIR1 test but had no significant effects on countermovement jump, sprints, or agility.
- The study found that Withania somnifera was effective in enhancing quality of life and reducing side effects in breast cancer patients, though further validation is needed.
- Phytotherapy provided a modest improvement in cancer-related fatigue, though evidence was limited by methodological weaknesses and heterogeneity.
Frequently asked questions
What is guarana plant?
guarana plant (Paullinia cupana) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What does the scientific evidence say about guarana plant?
4 sourced findings are recorded for guarana plant; the strongest carries evidence grade A. For example: This study found that 21 guarana genotypes from southern Bahia showed variability in fruit and seed traits, suggesting potential for breeding programs.
How strong is the evidence for guarana plant?
The strongest finding for guarana plant carries evidence grade A — strong evidence. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is guarana plant safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for guarana plant in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does guarana plant interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for guarana plant in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of guarana plant?
guarana plant is also known as: Гуарана, plante de guarana.
Is guarana plant a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T2 Effects of Acute Ingestion of Guarana (Paullinia Cupana) on Soccer Player Performance: A Randomized, Cross-over, Placebo-Controlled Study. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Systematic review and network meta-analysis of the effects of plant active substance on quality of life in breast cancer patients. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Efficacy of Phytotherapy for Cancer-Related Fatigue: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Genetic variability among guarana (Paullinia cupana var. sorbilis (Mart.) Ducke) provenances to support breeding strategies. literature abstract metadata