Guarana, rich in caffeine
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Latin name: Paullinia cupana
Common name: guarana
Family: Spindaceae
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Guarana, Paullinia cupuana, belongs to the Sapindaceae family. It grows mainly in Brazil and in Venezuela. The seeds, amongst the richest in caffeine in the world, have been used for centuries by Indian communities from Brazil to prepare energizing drinks.
Plant name comes from Guaranis, an American TRIBU from Amazonia which ate gurana during starvation periods. Guarana is not only known for its use in energy drinks but also for its health benefits. Its main active principle is identified in 1840: caffeine.
Nowadays, Guarana is still used for its medicinal properties in South America. In addition to its stimulant properties, guarana is also a popular ingredient in herbal weight loss pills.
Composition
Alcaloïds : caffeine, théobromin, théophyllin, xanthin
Flavonoïds : catéchines
Tannins et saponins
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