Paullinia Cupana

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PAULLINIA CUPANA

Paulina cupana is commonly known as Guarana. Other names include Brazilian Cocoa, Guarana paste or Gum.

This plant is indigenous to the Amazon basin and also commonly seen in Brazil.

PARTS OF THE PLANT USED

Leaves, stems, roots and seeds of the plant are used for medicinal purposes.

CHARACTERISTICS OF PAULLINIA CUPANA

It is a climber which belongs to maple family. Guarana has large leaves and bears clusters of flowers. It is popular for its fruit which is similar to the coffee bean in size. The fruits are orange-yellow in colour and contain seeds within. The seeds are collected and dried over fire. The kernel paste is made into cylindrical sticks. The most common forms of Guarana are extracts, syrups and distillates. It is a flavouring agent and used as a source of caffeine in the soft drink industry. The concentration of caffeine is twice the amount found in coffee beans.

Guarana usage has been spread across the globe and has become popular for its revitalizing and stimulating effects.

THERAPEUTIC POWERS OF PAULLINIA CUPANA

This herb has several therapeutic powers like:

Guarana is used as an appetite suppressant. It has diuretic and astringent properties. Guarana is beneficial in providing mental alertness, relieving PMS related headaches. It is also recommended for weight loss. It increases the metabolic rate and reduces appetite which is useful in weight loss. Guarana improves energy levels and physical performance.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Vigilance- Anti-fatigue – Energy

• It considerably increases vigilance.
• It decreases fatigue symptoms to a great extent.
• Guarana works as a nervous system stimulant.
• When used in combination with Ginseng, it improves endurance and strength.
• In combination with Maca and Spirulina, Guarana shows tonic action and useful as a stimulator in sports.
• It influences the immune system and provides stimulating effect to the body.

Memory- Stress – Concentration

• When used in combination with Ginseng, it enhances intellectual performance.
• It facilitates learning.
• In combination with Rhodiola, Guarana is known to improve the level of concentration.
• It provides relief in headaches and migraines.
• Guarana improves blood circulation and decreases stress levels in the body.

Digestion – Weight loss – Fat burning

• Guarana acts as a natural appetite suppressing agent.
• It encourages weight loss.
• Guarana increases the burning of fat.
• Problems like bloating and diarrhea can be relieved with Guarana.
• It eliminates toxins through urine.

The main advantage of Guarana is that it keeps the body awake and alert because of the caffeine substances present in the seeds and other parts of the plant. The effect lasts for few hours. It is widely used in the Amazon by Indians who want to go into the forest for long walks. They rely on Guarana as it gives the required energy and stimulation.

NUTRIENT COMPOSITION

Guaranine is the primary constituent in the seeds. Natural phenols like catechin and epicatechin are also found. Ash, resin, starch, tannin, theobromine, theophylline, protein and fat are also present in varying quantities in the seeds.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND SIDE EFFECTS IN USING PAULLINIA CUPANA

Pregnant and lactating women should not consume this herb. When taken in moderation, it is safe. Over dosage may lead to trembling, insomnia and palpitations.

PLANET AYURVEDA PRODUCTS THAT USE PAULLINIA CUPANA

Currently there are no Planet Ayurveda Products that use this herb as an ingredient in them; however the below mentioned Planet Ayurveda products are useful in some conditions for which Guarana is used: