The plant of guarana is a curling evergreen vine with large leaves, the birthplace of which is Brazil. The fruits of guarana during maturation open and open seeds, which are valuable raw materials and are used in various fields of medicine. Consider how useful the seeds of this plant are, and how they are applied.
Chemical composition of guarana seeds
Guarana is the record holder for caffeine - its seeds contain at least twice as much of this substance as in coffee beans. To be more precise, Guarana contains not caffeine, but guaranin is a substance similar in composition and properties, but it affects the body more gently.
Other active substances that make up the seeds of guarana are:
- tannins;
- tannin;
- xanthine;
- theophylline;
- theobromine;
- proanthocyanidins;
- catechins;
- organic acids (salicylic, lemon);
- sucrose;
- vitamins A, B, E;
- microelements (potassium, magnesium, calcium, sodium, etc.).
Useful properties of guarana
During oral administration, preparations based on guarana seeds have the following effects on the body:
- activation of the central nervous system;
- improvement of cognitive abilities (thinking, consciousness, memory);
- prolonged toning;
- acceleration of major metabolic processes;
- decreased appetite;
- stimulation of digestion;
- restoration of working capacity;
- relief of certain types of pain (neuralgic, radicular, migraine);
- improving the excretion of lactic acid from muscle tissue with intense physical exertion;
- decreased body temperature;
- relief of diarrhea symptoms of non-bacterial etiology;
- antibacterial action;
- antiplatelet action;
- antioxidant action;
- withdrawal of hangover syndrome;
- stimulation of sexual desire;
- increased blood pressure;
- increased heart rate, etc.
Application of guarana for medicinal purposes
In the pharmacy you can buy guarana extract - dry powder from the seeds of the plant, which is used to make medicinal drinks. Also on sale are preparations based on guarana seeds in the form of capsules. The effect of guarana extract has a positive effect in the following cases:
- obesity;
- chronic fatigue syndrome ;
- decreased memory and attention;
- disruptions in metabolic processes in the body
- reduced performance and endurance;
- increased physical or mental stress;
- nervous exhaustion;
- weakness of the central nervous system;
- disorders of the digestive system;
- migraine;
- a hangover and so on.
Dosage and duration of reception of the drug are individual, depending on the indications.
Contraindications to the use of guarana
It should be borne in mind that overdose, as well as prolonged and regular use of drinks, products and preparations containing guarana seeds, does not have a better effect on the state of the central nervous and cardiovascular system. In particular, the following side effects may occur:
- tachycardia;
- sleep disorders;
- increased blood pressure;
- nausea;
- tremor;
- irritability;
- convulsions, etc.
Do not take guarana preparations with:
- pregnancy and lactation;
- psychoses;
- epilepsy;
- insomnia;
- atherosclerosis;
- increased arterial pressure;
- cardiovascular diseases;
- a stomach ulcer.
You should also know that guarana preparations are not compatible with certain types of antibiotics, oral contraceptives, iron preparations and some other medicines. In any case, before starting to use guarana, you should consult your doctor.