Why is guarana bad for you

This promoted sperm and testosterone production [ 5 , 30 ]. Guarana extract killed E. Although E. Guarana extract also killed Streptococcus mutans , a bacterium associated with cavities, caries, and gingivitis [ 32 , 33 , 34 ]. Guarana induced harmful mutations in Salmonella typhimurium , a microbe that causes food poisoning with typhoid-like symptoms [ 7 ]. Further clinical research is needed to determine if guarana may be of any use in treating or preventing infections caused by these microorganisms.

Do not under any circumstances attempt to replace conventional cancer therapies with guarana or any other supplements. If you want to use it as a supportive measure, talk to your doctor to avoid any unexpected interactions. Guarana contains several compounds with potential anti-cancer effects catechin, epicatechin, ent-epicatechin, and procyanidins B1 , B2 , B3, B4, A2, and C1 [ 35 ].

In mice, guarana inhibited, delayed, or reversed the development, growth, and spreading of tumors, as well as increasing cancer cell death [ 35 , 36 ]. Guarana delayed the growth and reduced the survival of colon and breast cancer cells [ 37 , 38 ].

There are very few human trials available. Additionally, guarana was often used in combination with other herbal extracts or multivitamin and multimineral complexes. More clinical research testing guarana alone is needed to confirm their preliminary results. Little is known about the other constituents of guarana because its effects are often attributed solely to caffeine. It is difficult to assess to what degree these constituents contribute to the full effects of guarana.

Herbal extracts have complex dose-effect relationships on behavior and physiology, and it is possible that artificially higher doses of caffeine are masking the effects of the other active ingredients. Although guarana has been marketed as an aphrodisiac by soda manufacturers to help launch guarana drinks in industrial nations, no clinical research on this effect has been conducted.

Unless combined with other active ingredients, its effects as an aphrodisiac are probably negligible [ 39 ]. Keep in mind that the safety profile of guarana is relatively unknown, given the lack of well-designed clinical studies.

The list of side effects below is not a definite one and you should consult your doctor about other potential side effects based on your health condition and possible drug or supplement interactions.

Most cited negative effects of guarana are a direct result of the use of energy drinks with guarana extract. Consumers experienced negative symptoms similar to caffeine overdose or those associated with sugar and high fructose corn syrup [ 40 , 41 ]. Although not widely or specifically studied, guarana should be expected to exhibit the same range of adverse effects as those associated with caffeine [ 42 ]. In one case, a year-old man with no significant health problems had symptoms of caffeine toxicity after ingesting guarana extract.

He experienced nausea, vomiting, anxiety, and heart palpitations [ 43 , 44 ]. Human brain cells had increased cell death in the presence of a combination of caffeine, taurine, and guarana [ 41 ]. Tannins in guarana may cause inflammation [ 45 ].

The extract of guarana seeds showed low toxicity, evidenced by an unchanged average lifespan, in mice subjected to long-term ingestion [ 15 , 5 ]. Always consult your doctor before supplementing and let them know about all drugs and supplements you are using or considering.

Amiodarone , a drug used to treat irregular heartbeat, was given to a group of rats along with guarana extract. The rats taking guarana had decreased blood levels of amiodarone, indicating a reduced bioavailability of the drug [ 47 ]. Extracts of Panax ginseng , which are often sold in combination with guarana, contain similar potentially active components. In a clinical trial on 28 healthy people, a combination of guarana and ginseng significantly improved their performance in numerical tasks.

However, there is no evidence of synergism between the 2 supplements [ 8 ]. YDG is an herbal supplement composed of yerba mate , guarana, and damiana. In a group of 58 normal-to-slightly-overweight women, YDG consumption decreased food intake [ 24 ].

Catuama is a preparation consisting of guarana, ginger , Muira puama potency wood , and Trichilia catigua. It showed a potent relaxing effect on blood vessels in different animal species. Catuama reverted heartbeat irregularities in isolated rabbit hearts. Because guarana contains a naturally high concentration of caffeine, it grants many of the same effects obtained with this compound alone [ 3 ]. Commercially available products containing guarana come in many forms.

The main commercial use of guarana in Brazil is to make a carbonated soft drink [ 5 ]. In guarana extract, the caffeine concentration can be 2x-3x that found in the seed. Traditionally, guarana extract is prepared in Brazil using hot water or hydro-alcoholic solutions as a solvent. One of the uses of concentrate extracts is to produce guarana-based energy tonics. Food and Drug Administration. The guarana vine originated in the Amazon basin, where local people have long taken advantage of its stimulating properties.

A 17th century Jesuit missionary noted that guarana gave members of an Amazon tribe "so much energy, that when hunting, they could go from one day to the next without feeling hungry. Very generally speaking, whenever you see both guarana and caffeine on an ingredients list, you can read guarana as even more caffeine. Additionally, however, guarana contains tiny amounts of theophylline and theobromine the later is chemical that makes chocolate poisonous to dogs and cats , which are similar to caffeine, although they exert subtly different effects on the body.

Guarana also contains molecules called tannins, which some say causes the caffeine in guarana to release slowly, producing a long-lasting energy plateau. Doses containing more than mg of caffeine daily have been linked to side effects. In general, guarana has the same kind of effects as coffee on the body, and these are typically dose-dependent.

According to NYU Langone Medical Center, a typical dose of guarana supplies somewhere in the neighborhood of 50 milligrams of caffeine. A cup of coffee contains approximately twice this amount. It is promoted as a stimulant, increasing alertness in people who are tired or sleepy. It is also promoted as an aid for weight loss. The FDA has not approved this herb for any medical use.

Side Effects and Safety Concerns According to the best available evidence, taurine has no negative side effects when used in the recommended amounts While there have been no direct issues from taurine supplements, athlete deaths in Europe have been linked to energy drinks containing taurine and caffeine.

Red Bull contains caffeine, taurine, B vitamins, and sugar — all of which may provide a short-term energy boost 1 , 5. Monster contains these ingredients as well but adds guarana, ginseng root, and L-carnitine, which may also increase energy levels 1 , 6 , 7. I honestly try not to drink more than two in a 24 hour period. Caffeine and other stimulants also can have an adverse effect on the heart and blood pressure, research has shown. Overdosing on caffeine can cause vomiting, palpitations, high blood pressure and, in severe cases, seizures and death.

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