Abstract
In Western markets, the extract from the seeds of Paullinia cupana Kunth, Sapindaceae, popularly known as Guarana, is most commonly used in high-energy foods and drinks and dietary supplements. However, a broad spectrum of medicinal activities is reported for P.cupana, ranging from stimulation of the central nervous system, in cases of physical or mental stress, to appetite suppression. It can also be used as an aphrodisiac and a treatment for impotence, as well as a medication to reduce fever, stimulate metabolism, induce antiplatelet, antioxidant and antibacterial activites. In addtition, P. cupana has been used in cosmetic preparations, and it has become a popular soft drink in Brazil. In the last two decades, Guarana has emerged as a key ingredient in various sports and high-energy drinks. Methylxanthines, including caffeine, cathechins, theophylline and theobromine, and tannins are compounds which are reported for this plant. This article reviews the most up-to-date information on the botanical, chemical and pharmacological aspects of P. cupanaextract, as well as its miscellaneous uses. Key words: Ethnopharmacology, Guarana extract, Paullinia cupana, caffeine, pharmacology, morphology.
Highlights
Paullinia cupana Kunth, Sapindaceae, popularly known as Guaraná, is widely used in Brazil for its medicinal properties, but it is consumed in European countries (Oliveira et al, 2002)
Guaraná extract has an antioxidant effect on nitric oxide (NO) metabolism in situations with higher cellular NO levels(Bittencourt et al, 2013)
Guaraná seeds have been investigated for their potential effect as a chemoprophylactic in carcinogenesis and antigenotoxic activity in vivo (Fukumasu et al, 2011, 2008, 2006a, 2006b; Oliveira et al, 2011, 2002; Leite et al, 2011; Cragg et al, 2006; Espinola et al, 1997), such as the inhibition of platelet aggregation in vitro and in vivo (Bydlowski et al, 1991, 1988), protection against gastric lesions induced by ethanol and indomethacin in vivo (Campos et al, 2003) and the treatment of inflammatory allergic diseases (Jippo et al, 2009)
Summary
Paullinia cupana Kunth (Sapindaceae): A review of its ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry and pharmacology. In Western markets, the extract from the seeds of Paullinia cupana Kunth, Sapindaceae, popularly known as Guaraná, is most commonly used in high-energy foods and drinks and dietary supplements. A broad spectrum of medicinal activities is reported for P. cupana, ranging from stimulation of the central nervous system, in cases of physical or mental stress, to appetite suppression. It can be used as an aphrodisiac and a treatment for impotence, as well as a medication to reduce fever, stimulate metabolism, induce antiplatelet, antioxidant and antibacterial activites.
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