Paullinia cupana aka Guarana Will Free You from Fatigue

Paullinia cupana (lat. Paullinia cupana) is a shrub-like plant from the soapberry family (lat. Sapindaceae). Better known than the plant itself are its seeds called guarana, which are often used to increase performance and stimulate the central nervous system. Paullinia cupana originates from South America, specifically from Venezuela and Brazil. Many local tribes consider these plants magical due to their stimulating effects. The almost miraculous effects of guarana are now being discovered by the whole world. Preparations containing guarana are sought after especially by students and people who need to quickly boost energy and increase performance. Don't rely on preparations from the pharmacy, now you can grow your own guarana too.

Paullinia cupana has a long history

Indians living in the Amazon region, where paullinia traditionally grows, have known and used its stimulating effects for centuries. Indians cultivated paullinia on plantations before Christopher Columbus discovered America. Even the name guarana is derived from the word "gua-ra-na" meaning "great tree of the forest" in the language of the Amazonian Indians. Some scientists therefore still maintain the view that today's wild-growing plants are remnants from the original Indian plantations. Paullinia spread to Europe later, thanks to the Jesuit missionary Joao Felipe Bettendorf. People knew the stimulating effects of guarana, and therefore began conducting chemical analyses to determine the composition of paullinia seeds. The first chemical analysis was performed as early as 1700 by the German botanist Theodor von Martius, who isolated a substance he called guaranine. Today we no longer encounter guaranine but rather the new designation caffeine.

Paullinia cupana contains more than just caffeine

It is known that guarana contains almost 2x more caffeine than coffee, but that's not all. Other significant stimulants contained in guarana are theobromine and theophylline. To enhance the effect of guarana, a few drops of lemon juice are often consumed. The main advantage of guarana is the gradual release of caffeine and other stimulating substances, moreover the caffeine contained in guarana is much gentler on the stomach than coffee. Mature paullinia seeds contain up to 6% caffeine.

Effects of Guarana on the Human Body

Guarana is known primarily as a stimulant, so many people are surprised that the spectrum of beneficial effects is much broader. As a stimulant, guarana helps invigorate the mind, stimulates brain functions and mental activity, and increases mental alertness. Guarana can also be used to improve mood during depression and stress, and it does not cause unwanted euphoric states. Especially students and highly intellectual workers will appreciate the memory improvement caused by guarana consumption. Many people feel tired from excessive heat or cold, and guarana can also alleviate this problem. You can use guarana just like the indigenous people for pain relief, as it acts as an analgesic. By displacing lactic acid from muscles, it relieves cramps and improves blood circulation. Guarana has its place in many alternative medicine approaches. In ethnic medicine, guarana is used to detoxify the blood, bind toxic substances, and provide overall disinfection. It leads to stabilization of liver function, improvement of blood circulation, and strengthening of the heart. Especially women following various diets know guarana as an ingredient in weight loss supplements. Most commonly for these purposes, it is used in combination with ephedrine. Guarana can also be used preventively when staying in exotic countries as a digestive tract disinfectant and as prevention against constipation or diarrhea caused by exotic conditions the body is not accustomed to. Guarana has no negative side effects in this regard, which are common with chemical preparations. Recently, guarana extracts have begun to be used in the production of cosmetic preparations designed against cellulite. Preparations with guarana are very effective against cellulite because they dilate blood vessels and have lipolytic effects.

Although guarana appears to be a miraculous cure-all, it does have negative side effects when consumed excessively, but they are no more serious than excessive consumption of coffee, black tea, or cola. The most common side effect is insomnia, inner restlessness, rapid heartbeat, and stomach problems. Guarana consumption is generally not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women. People sensitive to caffeine should also avoid it. Excessive consumption is not recommended for people with high blood pressure, heart disorders, diabetes, tumors, and epilepsy.

Guarana Plant

Guarana plant is a climbing shrub resembling a liana. It can grow up to 12 metres in height. The stems are distinctly grooved, and the leaves are large and pinnate. Guarana blooms with small white or yellow flowers arranged in grape-like inflorescences. The fruits are capsules with one large black seed embedded in a red fleshy pulp. When ripe, the fruits burst open, exposing the black seed from within the pulp. It is precisely these seeds that are harvested, before they fall to the ground. They are then further processed by roasting, removing the husk, and grinding. Guarana paste is created by mixing with water.

Growing Guarana

Due to its native habitat, guarana requires specific conditions for successful growth. A tropical environment with sufficient moisture is ideal. Guarana is therefore more suitable for owners of spacious winter gardens or tropical greenhouses. Guarana plants are cultivated similarly to grapevines. Seedlings are planted at spacing of approximately 2 x 2 metres and regularly pruned. Guarana can also be grown from seeds, but growers will need to wait some time for fruits. Guarana seeds should be planted in a substrate with sufficient sand or gravel content to ensure good drainage. Seeds are sown approximately 1.5 cm deep into the prepared substrate. To improve germination, it is advisable to soak the seeds in warm water for several hours. After sowing, place the growing container in a bright location at room temperature. The simplest growing container to use is a mini greenhouse or propagator, which eliminates the need to maintain constant temperature and humidity. After germination, begin to gradually ventilate the growing container and start occasional misting. Water the emerged seedlings frequently and try to provide them with tropical conditions – high humidity and warmth.