stimulantEVIDENCEBUSOTC

Guarana

aka Paullinia cupana

Amazonian climbing plant (Paullinia cupana). Highest natural caffeine content (4-7% by weight). Slower release than coffee.

Dose range200–800mg

Half-life—h

Onset—min

Safety4/5medium evidence base

Mechanism of action

Caffeine-dominant stimulant; guarana seeds contain 4-7% caffeine vs 1-2% in coffee beans. The caffeine is bound to tannins that slow release, producing extended duration relative to pure caffeine. Also contains theobromine and theophylline at meaningful levels. Often combined with damiana or other adaptogens in branded blends.

History

Guarana has been used by indigenous Amazon peoples for centuries as a stimulant and aphrodisiac. The seeds are processed into a paste and consumed as drinks. Modern supplement and energy drink markets adopted guarana in the 1990s; it's a primary ingredient in many energy drinks including Monster and Red Bull. Unscheduled globally.

Benefits

Sustained alertness
EVIDENCEA
Multiple trials.
Cognitive performance
EVIDENCEB
Kennedy 2008.

Side effects

Cardiovascular load (caffeine)commonmoderate
Anxiety, jitterinesscommonmoderate

Cited research

Guarana cognitive effects (Kennedy)2007
PMID 17999366 ↗
Guarana vs caffeine pharmacokinetics2002
PMID 11926893 ↗
Guarana review of effects and applications (Schimpl)2013
PMID 23438316 ↗

Where to buy

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Vendor	Product	Size	Price	Per unit
Nootropics DepotFeatured 4.8	Guarana — Nootropics Depot	—	See vendor	—	Shop Ad
Double Wood Supplements 4.4	Guarana — Double Wood	—	See vendor	—	Shop Ad
Amazon Marketplace 3.5	Guarana — Amazon	—	See vendor	—	Shop Ad

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