Guaraná for Weight Control

Botanical name: Paullinia cupana

Why do dieters use it?*

Some dieters say that guaraná

helps improve weight loss results.

What do the advocates say?*

The herb guaraná contains caffeine and the closely related alkaloids theobromine and theophylline; these compounds may curb appetite and increase weight loss. Caffeine’s effects are well known and include central nervous system stimulation, increased metabolic rate, and a mild diuretic effect.¹ In a double-blind trial, 200 mg per day of caffeine was, however, no more effective than a placebo in promoting weight loss.² Because of concerns about potential adverse effects, many doctors do not advocate using caffeine or caffeine-like substances to reduce weight.

How much is usually taken by dieters?

Guaraná contains substances similar to caffeine that could be responsible for caffeine-like responses in the body, including central nervous system stimulation, increased metabolic rate, and a mild diuretic effect.³ There is no research demonstrating guaraná is effective for weight loss on its own.

Are there any side effects or interactions?

As with any caffeinated product, guaraná may cause insomnia, trembling, anxiety, palpitations, and urinary frequency.⁴ Guaraná should be avoided during pregnancy and breast-feeding.

Are there any drug interactions?
Certain medicines may interact with guaraná. Refer to drug interactions for a list of those medicines.

Parts used and where grown

Guaraná is an evergreen vine indigenous to the Amazon basin. The vast majority of guaraná is grown in a small area in northern Brazil. Guaraná gum or paste is derived from the seeds and is used in herbal preparations.

Resources

See a list of books, periodicals, and other resources for this and related topics.

*Dieters and weight-management advocates may claim benefits for guaraná based on their personal or professional experience. These are individual opinions and testimonials that may or may not be supported by controlled clinical studies or published scientific articles on guaraná. For more complete and detailed information, including references and safety information, see Guaraná as an herbal remedy.

References

1. Leung A, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs, and Cosmetics, 2d ed. NewYork: John Wiley & Sons, 1996, 293–4.

2. Astrup A, Breum L, Toubro S, et al. The effect and safety of an ephedrine/caffeine compound compared to ephedrine, caffeine and placebo in obese subjects on an energy restricted diet. A double blind trial. Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord 1992;16:269–77.

3. Leung A, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs, and Cosmetics, 2nd ed. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1996, 293–4.

4. Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C, et al. (eds). PDR for Herbal Medicines. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics, 1998, 1017–8.

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The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or chemist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires August 2007.