Guarana and coffee contain different plant chemicals but share caffeine in common. Caffeine is a stimulant, and having too much of it can cause side effects such as anxiety and palpitations.

This article discusses whether the effects of consuming caffeine are different depending on whether it comes from guarana or coffee. On average, guarana contains more caffeine than coffee, which can vary depending on the preparation.

In addition, a review of eight placebo-controlled studies states that pure guarana can contain up to 5. Read more about caffeine. Guarana producers make guarana by shelling, washing, drying, or roasting the seeds.

They then grind the seeds into a powder. People can consume guarana:. They can buy guarana in tablet or capsule form, as liquid, or as a multi-ingredient supplement, especially in weight loss products.

Read more about guarana. Evidence of coffee use dates back to the 15th century when people used it within the Sufi monasteries of Yemen. However, research suggests that it originally came from Ethiopia. Coffea arabica and Coffea canephora are the main plants that provide coffee for human consumption.

Making coffee is complex. It involves processing the coffee cherries to yield green coffee beans, which producers then dry and roast. The most common way to consume coffee is as a brewed beverage. People can buy the roasted coffee beans whole and grind them at home.

Alternatively, they can buy ground coffee or other preprepared coffee products, such as freeze-dried coffee. No evidence indicates that guarana is healthier than coffee or vice versa. Research suggests that both substances can have beneficial effects on human health. Guarana contains flavonoids and proanthocyanidins.

These plant compounds could have positive health impacts, such as reducing inflammation and lowering cholesterol. Coffee may help prevent inflammatory and oxidative stress-related conditions, including obesity , metabolic syndrome , and type 2 diabetes.

People may respond to guarana and coffee in different ways. Unless a substance causes unwanted side effects, consuming either in moderation can be part of a nutritious diet. Read about the health benefits and disadvantages of coffee. The table below lists possible unwanted side effects of guarana and coffee.

Side effects may occur due to the caffeine content in the substances, particularly if people consume them in high doses. The Food and Drug Administration FDA states that milligrams mg or 4—5 cups of coffee per day will not likely cause negative side effects.

Daily doses of caffeine from guarana can range from —1, mg. If a person uses more than one product containing guarana or other sources of caffeine, they may develop side effects or caffeine toxicity.

The powder is kneaded into a dough then shaped into cylinders, making Guarana bread or Brazilian cocoa - this would then be grated and immersed into hot water along with sugar.

Typical use Guarana Powder - 1 to 4 grams can be taken daily, spread throughout the day. Guarana is very high in caffeine and can cause insomnia if taken in the evening. Guarana Tincture - ml per day. Can be taken throughout the day in small servings or as directed by a Herbal Practitioner.

Constituents Caffeine, also known as guaranine, phenols, tannins, theophylline, theobromine, alkaloids, terpenes, flavanoids, starch, and saponins. Precautions Guarana is not recommended during pregnancy or breast feeding.

Related products. Organic Guarana Capsules mg. Guarana Seed Fluid Extract Strong Tincture. Guarana Powder. Rio Amazon Guarana mg vegicaps. It is also useful for stomach swelling gases , dyspepsia bad digestion and even to control obesity. It is also used to support cardiovascular health, particularly to strengthen the heart while reducing the formation of clots.

It has a higher percentage of caffeine than coffee, which is why it tends to be included in energy drinks. The active ingredient from guarana is called guaranine.

Its seeds can be toasted like coffee beans in order to make guarana infusions. Its stimulating effect also enhances the focus concentration and mental acuity.

This results in an improved control of the mental faculties due to the stimulation of the central nervous system. This effect is especially beneficial to enhance the ability to study or to solve problems.

It is usually advertised as a herbal extract that supports weight loss. This is due to its ability to increase the thermogenesis apart from helping to control the appetite anorectic effect. Its ability to increase the body temperature uses more calories since there is a higher percentage of fatty acids that can be oxidized.

This will help us obtain an important energy supply to enhance our metabolism , even when we are resting. Caffeine also has a diuretic effect , which will be beneficial for those who tend to retain liquids.

Another interesting property of guarana is the fact that it contributes to improving our sexual relationships. This is due to the fact that it increases the libido since it is an aphrodisiac and invigorating element.

Consequently, this means that it can increase the energy and stamina, improving the sexual activity overall, even though it will not improve the erection.

Caffeine is an allowed ergogenic support. This means that we can consume it without any issue regarding an anti-doping test. Moreover, it has been observed that it can increase both the strength and the resistance of the muscles. This will reduce the onset of physical and mental fatigue , which is related to more intense and longer workouts or events.

The main difference between a Guarana and Caffeine supplement anhydrous is that lies on the fact that the latter acts faster, apart from having a shorter effect. On the other hand, the caffeine from Guarana will produce a progressive effect that will last a lot longer.

It is important to take this into account depending on the activity that we are going to practice. They can also be combined. These seeds are an effective way of increasing the energy progressively. This is the reason why it is perfect for those who want to improve their performance without the effects of caffeine nor energy drinks.

In general, Guarana can be purchased as a single product or as a formula that includes other compounds that is designed for weight loss. The dose can change from one person to another, since each one has a different sensitivity to caffeine.

In this way, the dose may move between mg of guarana. Moreover, it is always advisable to start with the lowest dose and observe its effects. You should consult your doctor before starting to use guarana supplementation if you are using any medication.

Pregnant women should not take supplements with high doses of stimulants. Some of the risks and side effects of guarana are the same ones that we can find in caffeine and, depending on the dose, the sensitivity, and tolerance of the person.

Despite its early ancestral use by indigenous tribes, the first reports regarding the benefits of guarana consumption for human health were published in the 19th century.

Since then, the use of guarana seed in powder and extract forms has been studied for its diverse effects on human health, such as stimulating, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, hypocholesterolemic, and anti-obesity effects. These effects are attributed to the high content of bioactive compounds found in guarana seeds, especially methylxanthines and flavonoids.

In fact, the Brazilian Food Supplement Law has officially acknowledged guarana as a source of bioactive compounds. The number and diversity of studies focused on guarana and human health are increasing; thus, organizing and describing the available evidence on guarana and its applications is necessary to provide a framework for future studies.

In 2 clinical trials on over normal to slightly overweight people, a commercial herbal extract with guarana, yerba mate, and damiana delayed stomach emptying, which reduced hunger and calorie intake [ 23 , 24 ]. A multi-ingredient fat-loss product with guarana, green tea, yerba mate, caffeine, saw palmetto, Fo-Ti, eleuthero root, cayenne pepper, and yohimbine improved fat burning from exercise, reduced the perception of fatigue, and increased satiety in a small trial on 12 people [ 25 ].

However, a commercial formula with guarana, green tea, and bitter orange had no effect on the metabolic rate in a small trial on 20 people [ 26 ]. In addition to burning fat, guarana may prevent the generation of fat altogether by decreasing the production of proteins that contribute to the fat generation and increasing the production of those that prevent it, as seen in a cell-based study [ 27 ].

Although several trials have been carried out, they all tested guarana as part of multi-herbal formulations. The evidence to support the use of guarana for weight loss is thus insufficient until more clinical trials using it alone are conducted.

Guarana is often used in products for cellulitis, based on its high content of caffeine and alkaloids. Many anti-aging creams, cleansing lotions and soaps, shampoos, and conditioners also use guarana as an active ingredient [ 5 ].

In a clinical trial on 43 men, a topical formula with guarana, creatine , and glycerol applied for 6 weeks improved skin health. Seed extracts of guarana possess strong antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, possibly conferring additional benefits for their use as additives in cosmetics [ 5 ].

A single clinical trial cannot attest to the effectiveness of topical guarana to improve skin health and appearance. Its preliminary results should be replicated in more trials on larger populations.

In an observational study on over elderly people, the regular intake of guarana was associated with a reduced incidence of high blood pressure, obesity, and metabolic syndrome. In women, it was also associated with lower cholesterol total and LDL cholesterol levels [ 20 ].

In another study on 42 healthy elderly patients, regular guarana intake was associated with reduced LDL oxidation, suggesting it may help prevent artery clogging atherosclerosis [ 29 ]. Other environmental and genetic factors may have contributed to the effects observed.

No clinical evidence supports the use of guarana for any of the conditions listed in this section. Below is a summary of the existing animal and cell-based research, which should guide further investigational efforts.

However, the studies should not be interpreted as supportive of any health benefit. The extract of guarana seeds has free radical -scavenging effects, possibly due to the high concentration of tannins in the seeds [ 5 ].

Guarana protected against cadmium-induced free radical damage by reducing morphological changes in Leydig cells critical to the male reproductive system and inflammatory responses in rats exposed to this metal. This promoted sperm and testosterone production [ 5 , 30 ].

Guarana extract killed E. coli in test tubes. 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 ]. The guarana powder had a more pronounced anti-inflammatory effect than the caffeine. A study examined the effects of roasted guarana seed water on roundworms and came to the conclusion that guarana has antioxidant properties.

Antioxidants target the free radicals that harm cells. Free radical damage can lead to issues like heart disease and cancer. Antioxidants slow or even prevent this damage. Guarana may have wound-healing properties, according to a study.

Researchers used roasted P. cupana seeds and fresh acai seed berries to create a guarana-acai GA extract, which they tested on earthworms after tail amputation. After 24 hours, cells exposed to GA had a higher concentration of collagen, without any abnormalities. A study found that guarana may help with weight loss.

After analyzing the effects of four different diets fed to Wistar rats for 18 weeks, researchers concluded that guarana powder prevented:. Study participants receiving radiation for head and neck cancer experienced pain relief from guarana. They took milligrams mg of dried guarana extract each day for 3 weeks.

Caffeine may reduce pain by interacting with adenosine receptors. A study found evidence that guarana seed powder may help manage cholesterol. Guarana may improve the efficacy of some types of cancer treatments, according to a study. The study examined the effect of guarana on cultured breast cancer cells with and without chemotherapy medication.

A study found that guarana was effective in modifying the metabolism of Escherichia coli E. coli to reduce the production of bacterial folate in the digestive tract. A study investigated eyesight and guarana consumption in older adults.

The study found that those who reported good vision also consumed guarana more regularly than those with poor or regular eyesight.

Guarana may be protective against aging-related eye disease. Guarana is generally considered safe if people monitor their caffeine intake through all sources, including guarana.

People with liver disease or cirrhosis should not take high doses of guarana long term. Because caffeine can cross the placenta , pregnant people should limit or avoid using guarana. Guarana may be safe to take daily if a person monitors their caffeine intake from all sources to avoid caffeine toxicity.

The Food and Drug Administration FDA recommends mg as a safe daily caffeine limit for adults without medical conditions. Abruptly discontinuing caffeine use may result in withdrawal symptoms.

If a person takes guarana daily and wants to stop, they should cut back gradually. People taking stimulant medication may want to ask their prescribing physician whether guarana is safe for them to use. Guarana is an extract from the plant Paullinia cupana.

It has several bioactive chemicals, including the stimulants caffeine, theophylline, and theobromine. In addition to how it can help a person feel more awake and alert, guarana benefits may include anti-inflammatory and pain relief effects.