Common Names: Guaraná, Paullinia cupana, Brazilian Cocoa
Scientific Names: Paullinia cupana
Guarana, sourced from the Paullinia cupana plant in the Amazon Basin, stands out for its higher caffeine content compared to coffee beans. Traditionally used in Amazonian medicine for its stimulating properties, it contains active ingredients such as caffeine, theophylline, and theobromine, which are effective in alleviating fatigue, hunger, thirst, headaches, and dysmenorrhea. Popular in energy drinks, herbal teas, and dietary supplements, guarana is a significant source of caffeine in South America. While safe in standard doses, excessive consumption can lead to side effects like tremors and agitation. Although there's no strong evidence linking guarana to liver damage, its effects in multi-ingredient supplements on liver health are not fully understood.