(Paullinia cupana)

    General Description:  Plants that grow in the Amazon Basin in Brazil.

    Part Used:  Seed 

    Uses:   

                  CNS stimulate

                  drowsiness

                 analgesics

                  weight loss

                 diuretic

                  headache

                 increase blood pressure

    Action:  Contains 2.5-7% caffeine, (compared to 1-2% in coffee)  Acts as a CNS stimulant, which increases HR, and inhibits platelet aggregation, stimulates gastric acid secretion, causes diuresis and relaxes bronchial smooth muscle.  

    Dosage:  200-800mg guarana extract (1:4) before breakfast/lunch, not to exceed 3 gms. daily.

    Precautions/Adverse Effects:  Can produce nausea,  vomiting, nervousness, insomnia, tachycardia and arrhythmias

                Interactions with other herbs: Those herbs that  contain caffeine (ephedra/ma huang) and black or green tea.                                    

                Interactions with other drugs:  All CNS stimulants, including decongestants, methylphenidate, dextroamphetamine, beta2 agonists.  Oral contraceptives, MAOI's, diabetes therapy, CNS depressants, and theophylline.                                    

                Interactions with food:  Grapefruit juice increases levels.                                  

Contraindications:  Do use with gastric disease, ulcers, cardiac disease depression anxiety, pregnancy/lactating and children.

 Nursing Considerations:                                     

  Likely safe when used in the amounts typically found in foods.

                    Guarana has been approved by the US in amounts that are found in foods.

   Abrupt discontinuation can result in physical withdraw symptoms.

  Can produce a tolerance and psychological dependence.

   Can produce prolong bleeding time levels.

(References)