Guarana Research Articles

Characterization and comprehensive analysis of the ecological interaction networks of bacterial communities in Paullinia cupana var. sorbilis by 16S rRNA gene metabarcoding.

Endophytes improve the host performance in areas of high plant endemicity. Paullinia cupana is an Amazonia plant species of economic and social importance due to the high caffeine concentration in its seeds. An interesting strategy to identify endophytic microorganisms with potential biotechnological application is to understand the factors that influence the endophytic community to rationalize the host management programs. We used the next-generation sequencing for bacterial 16S rRNA gene to examine how the P. cupana organ, genotype, and geographic location influenced its endophytic bacterial community. We obtained 1520 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) distributed in 19 phyla, 32 classes, 79 orders, 114 families and 174 genera. The P. cupana roots and leaves were specifically colonized by the bacterial genera Acidothermus and Porphyromonas, respectively, with high relative frequency. The plant organ type influenced the endophytic community's richness, diversity, OTUs composition, relative abundance of phyla and genera, and genera interaction network. However, the host plant genotype and geographic location influenced the composition and interaction among genera in the network analysis. Prevotella is a super-generalist genus in the interaction network of endophytic bacteria of P. cupana. This study revealed endophytic bacterial groups of importance to P. cupana and stressed that the host plant organ modulates the structure and interactions within this community. Our results indicated that the microbial community adapted to colonize P. cupana by adjusting to its composition and interaction network. The isolation of abundant and super-generalist bacterial genera shall help to examine their functionality to the composition and fitness of the endophytic community of P. cupana.

Protective effect of guarana-loaded liposomes on hemolytic activity

Paullinia cupana var. sorbilis (Mart.) Ducke, popularly known as guarana, is one of the most promising plants in Brazilian flora and has attracted considerable interest from the scientific community owing to its numerous therapeutic activities and less side effects. Hence, using nanotechnology is a viable alternative to primarily improve the physicochemical characteristics and bioavailability of guarana. The objective of the present study was to develop, characterize, and evaluate the stability of liposomes containing guarana powder and to evaluate their antioxidant and hemolytic activity in vitro. Three different concentrations of guarana powder and two methods of liposome preparation were tested. Liposomes were developed and characterized, and their stability was analyzed by evaluating physicochemical parameters. Hemolytic activity of guarana liposomal formulation (G-Lip) was compared with that of guarana in its free form (FG) and of liposome without guarana (W-Lip). Red blood cells from rats were exposed to these different formulations dissolved in phosphate buffer solution (PBS; pH 7.4). The best stability was achieved for the formulation containing 1 mg mL−1 guarana powder produced by the reverse phase evaporation method. FG showed dose-dependent antioxidant activity, which was maintained in G-Lip. W-Lip showed high hemolytic activity in PBS at pH 7.4 possibly because of the presence of polysorbate 80, and on addition of guarana to these structures, the hemolytic process was reversed. The same protective effect was observed for FG. It is believed that the complex structure of guarana, primarily the presence of polyphenols, exerts a powerful antioxidant action, helping to protect erythrocytes.

510 Ginger, Paullinia Cupana, Muira Puama, and L-citrulline (COMP-4) as a Novel Natural Treatment for Severe Constipation

INTRODUCTION: Epidemiologic studies report that about 15% of adults and 30% of people older than 60 years suffer from constipation in the United States. The actual prevalence is likely greater as many people believe their bowel habits are normal and underreport symptoms of constipation. Moreover, most recent surveys assessing current medical management of constipation show that patients are dissatisfied and believe that conventional treatments, like laxatives and colonic stimulants, are suboptimal since they can cause explosive bowel movements which are difficult to control. COMP-4, a combination of ginger, Paullinia cupana, muira puama, and L-citrulline is a novel nutraceutical that has been shown to stimulate the production of nitric oxide and cGMP in smooth muscle cells resulting in smooth muscle relaxation and possibly increases intestinal secretion. In this study, we aim to demonstrate that treatment with COMP-4 is an effective treatment for severe constipation. METHODS: Seventeen patients with constipation were treated COMP-4 (2-4 capsules per day) for 2-4 weeks. Constipation was defined as two or more of the following: the sensation of incomplete evacuation, Bristol stool score 1-2 (hard, lumpy nut or sausage-shaped bowel movements), and straining during the majority of defecations. Patients were surveyed before and after the treatment regarding their approximate number of bowel movements per week, their typical Bristol stool score, the presence of abdominal pain, and the feeling of incomplete evacuation. Statistical analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon rank test with a P < 0.05 considered significant. RESULTS: Following treatment with COMP-4, the average weekly number of stools significantly (P < 0.0001) increased from 2.7+/-0.68 to 7.3+/- 1.11 (Figure 1). Prior to COMP-4, 16/17 patients reported incomplete bowel evacuation during bowel movements. After COMP-4, 10/17 patients reported complete bowel evacuation. The mean Bristol Stool Score significantly (P < 0.0001) increased from 1.5+/- 0.15 to 3.4+/-0.29 with softer and more formed stools (Figure 2). Patients also experienced a significant (P < 0.0001) decrease in abdominal pain (Figure 3). CONCLUSION: The combination of ginger, Paulinia cupana, muira puama, and L-citrulline improves the frequency and consistency of stools and helps relieve symptoms of constipation. The nutraceutical may be a novel agent used to treat severe constipation not responding well to other conventional treatments.

Safety of Guarana Seed as a Dietary Ingredient: A Review

The seeds of the guarana plant (Paullinia cupana Kunth, family Sapindaceae) are well-known to many cultures as a stimulant, aphrodisiac, and astringent. Its rhizome was traditionally boiled into a tea by Amazonian cultures. Today, guarana seeds are ground to a fine powder and sold as powder, tablets, and capsules. This review focuses on the traditional uses, phytochemistry, and biological activities of the guarana seed to evaluate its safety as a dietary ingredient. A comprehensive review of published literature was conducted to identify articles that focused on the phytochemistry, pharmacology, and safety of guarana. On the basis of this review, guarana is not currently known to be associated causally with any serious health risks when consumed properly. Overall, guarana is generally recognized as safe as a dietary ingredient marketed for its flavor and caffeine content. If guidelines for caffeine intake are respected, guarana consumption is not likely to be associated with any serious health risks.

The effects of Guarana (Paullinia cupana) supplementation on the cognitive performance of young healthy adults – a Systematic Review

Abstract Objectives Guarana (Paullinia cupana) from the Sapindaceae family, native to the Amazon basin, is a natural stimulant herb that can be found in popular energy drinks, pharmaceutical shops or local herb shops. With the use of natural health products increasing, guarana has gained a fair amount of popularity in the past years. In this systematic review, we examined the effects of guarana supplementation on cognitive performance. A secondary objective was to compare guarana with caffeine on cognitive performance. Methods Searches were made in PubMed using the terms ‘Guarana’ or ‘Paullinia cupana’. Filters focused on Controlled Clinical trials. Inclusion criteria were met by studies using interventions with guarana, while focusing on guarana’s effects on cognition. Participants needed to be young, healthy adults. Studies not published in English or Greek were excluded. The last date of our search was March 7, 2019. Results A total of 29 studies were identified and screened. After screening, 17 studies were excluded. The remaining 12 studies were found eligible for data extraction. After reading the full text of the 12 studies, 3 studies were excluded. In the end, 9 studies were found eligible for our systematic review (n = 369 participants). In these studies, guarana showed to improve reaction time and accuracy of performance at cognitive tasks. No significant differences were found when comparing guarana with caffeine. Conclusion Guarana seems to improve reaction time and accuracy of performance at tasks, but no significant effects were found when compared with caffeine. High quality randomized controlled clinical trials with a low risk of bias are needed to further study the herb.

Caffeinated beverages contribute to a more efficient inflammatory response: Evidence from human and earthworm immune cells

The role of caffeinated beverages on efficiency of acute inflammatory responses is not yet fully understood. This study analyzed the effect of five hot water extracts, coffee (CO), black/green tea (BT/GT), yerba mate (YM), and guarana (GU) on inflammatory modulation of non-activated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), yeast-activated human neutrophils, and granulocytic coelomocytes from Eisenia fetida earthworm. Based on preliminary tests, a concentration of 10 μg/mL was chosen for subsequent assays, as at this concentration, the extracts exhibited antioxidant, genoprotective, and non-cytotoxic properties. Immunoassays using 24-h PBMC supernatant showed that all extracts decreased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ), and increased levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine, IL-10. Further, these extracts induced overexpression of cytokine genes in 24-h cultures. These results suggest that an increase in the levels of mRNAs and/or inactive cytokines in the cytoplasm improves the “immune cytokine response. Analysis of the yeast encapsulation processes, and production of human neutrophils and coelomocyte extracellular DNA traps suggests that extracts also improve the immune response in humans and earthworms. However, for E. fetida, the intensity of these results varied from extract. Overall, our results suggest that caffeinated beverages may improve an organism's efficiency against acute inflammatory processes.

Interaction between low-level laser therapy and Guarana (Paullinia cupana) extract induces antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects and promotes proliferation in dermal fibroblasts.

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has several clinical applications; however, its benefits are not universal. Therefore, combination therapy with LLLT and extracts from the guarana (Paullinia cupana) plant may improve its effectiveness as guarana extracts exhibit anti-aging properties. To evaluate the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and proliferative effects of combined LLLT and guarana extract therapy on human dermal fibroblasts. Human dermal fibroblasts (HFF-1) were cultured and initially exposed to several concentrations (1, 3, 5, 10, 30µg/mL) of guarana extract. The experimental concentration of guarana extract was selected by analyzing cytokine levels, DNA oxidation, and apoptotic markers in LLLT-exposed (4J/cm2 ) and LLLT-unexposed fibroblast cultures. After 72hours, the cells were analyzed using spectrophotometric, fluorimetric, immunological, and gene expression (qRT-PCR) assays. Flow cytometry was used to evaluate the effect of each treatment on cell cycle. Fibroblasts treated with guarana (5µg/mL) exhibited anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties been used in complementary protocols. Combined guarana and LLLT treatment significantly decreased protein carbonylation, lipoperoxidation, and DNA oxidation, downregulated the mRNA and protein expression of pro-inflammatory molecules, and upregulated IL-10 gene and protein expression. Guarana plus LLLT also decreased the levels of caspases 1, 3, and 8, increased the percentage of S-phase cells, and decreased FGF-1 and KGF-1 levels. Some of these changes were also observed after treatment with guarana or LLLT alone. Our results suggest that concomitant treatment with guarana and LLLT may promote fibroblast biostimulation and thus is clinically relevant.

Pressurized liquid- and supercritical fluid extraction of crude and waste seeds of guarana (Paullinia cupana): Obtaining of bioactive compounds and mathematical modeling

In this work pressurized liquid- (PLE) and supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), combined with the enzymes cellulase and pectinase were applied to improve the recovery of phenolics and alkaloids from crude and waste seeds of guarana. The kinetic behavior of extractions was evaluated with the mathematical modeling of overall extraction curves (OECs) using a two straight-lines spline. The maximum recovery of catechin (50.59g/100g extract) and caffeine (46.19g/100 extract) was raised in the PLE assisted with enzymes. The PLE assisted with enzymes also enhanced the total phenolic content and antioxidant potential, in comparison with the control samples and the 50% hydroethanolic solutions. The low recovery of target compounds by SFE is justified by the poor affinity of polar structure of catechins and methylxanthines in carbon dioxide. For most of the modeled OECs, the constant extraction rate time span was 40min and the convective mass transfer mechanism was predominant.

Effect of guarana (Paullinia cupana) seed and pitanga (Eugenia uniflora L.) leaf extracts on lamb burgers with fat replacement by chia oil emulsion during shelf life storage at 2 °C.

The effects of guarana seed and pitanga leaf extracts on the physical-chemical and sensory characteristics, and oxidative stability of modified atmosphere-packaged lamb patties with fat replacement during storage (2 °C) were investigated. Four treatments were prepared: control (without antioxidant); with BHT (10 mg/kg); with 250 mg/kg guarana extract (G250); with 250 mg/kg pitanga extract (P250). Analysis included the proximate composition (moisture, protein, fat, and ash) and sensory acceptance (day 0); pH, color (L*, a*, b*), TBARs, carbonyl content, DPPH, and visual sensory assessment (0, 6, 12, and 18 days); fatty acid profile and volatile compounds (0 and 18 days). G250 and P250 did not alter the centesimal composition and the acceptance of the lamb burgers on day 0. The extracts also delayed discoloration of the burgers, endowed the reddest intensity, and retarded lipid and protein oxidation throughout storage time, particularly P250, which presented the lowest TBARs levels (6.92 mg MDA/kg) and carbonyl values (5.59 nmol carbonyl/mg), and the highest antioxidant activity (249.48 μg Trolox/g), at day 18. The MUFA, SFA, and PUFA levels, AI, TI, and h/H ratio were comparable between treatments; only the n-6/n-3 ratio was higher in P250 treatment but within the recommended levels. More volatile compounds were derived from lipid oxidation in the control and BHT treatments than G250 and P250 treatments. As a result, both G250 and P250 groups are effective against color deterioration, and lipid and protein oxidation, without impairing the sensorial characteristics, representing a promising alternative to replace synthetic antioxidants by natural products in lamb burger.

Gloeosporiocide, a new antifungal cyclic peptide from Streptomyces morookaense AM25 isolated from the Amazon bulk soil.

Actinobacteria are known by their ability to produce several antimicrobial compounds of biotechnological interest. Thus, in this study, we isolated and identified by partial 16S RNA sequencing ∼100 actinobacteria isolates from guarana (Paullinia cupana) bulk soil. Besides, we isolated from the actinobacteria Streptomyces morookaense AM25 a novel cyclic peptide, named gloeosporiocide, molecular formula C44H48N11O7S3 (calculated 938.2901), and characterized by the presence of cyclized cysteins to form three thiazols. The novel compound had activity against the plant pathogen Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, assayed by the paper disk diffusion method (42.7% inhibition, 0.1 mg disk-1) and by the microdilution assay (1.25 g L-1). Our results reveal the potential of the actinobacteria from the Amazon rhizospheric soils as biocontrol agents as well as producers of new compounds with antifungal activity. Thus, this work constitutes a step forward in the development of the biotechnology of actinobacteria in the production of compounds of agronomic interest.

Guarana as a source of bioactive compounds

A high daily intake of fruits and vegetables is an important strategy to promote health. The mechanism explaining the health benefits of plant food materials is attributed, at least in part, to their high content of bioactive phenolics. Guarana (Paullinia cupana) is a typical product from Amazon biota and, mainly as a source of caffeine; its seeds are commonly used as stimulants. However, guarana seeds are also rich in catechin, epicatechin, procyanidin B1, and procyanidin B2. Guarana exhibits potential health benefits in cognitive function and prevention of cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, it is a promising source of antihyperglycemic and antibacterial compounds for prevention and/or management of type 2 diabetes and oral diseases. However, to confirm these benefits in humans, clinical trials are needed to provide evidence to support these anecdotal observations.

Guarana as a source of bioactive compounds

A high daily intake of fruits and vegetables is an important strategy to promote health. The mechanism explaining the health benefits of plant food materials is attributed, at least in part, to their high content of bioactive phenolics. Guarana (Paullinia cupana) is a typical product from Amazon biota and, mainly as a source of caffeine; its seeds are commonly used as stimulants. However, guarana seeds are also rich in catechin, epicatechin, procyanidin B1, and procyanidin B2. Guarana exhibits potential health benefits in cognitive function and prevention of cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, it is a promising source of antihyperglycemic and antibacterial compounds for prevention and/or management of type 2 diabetes and oral diseases. However, to confirm these benefits in humans, clinical trials are needed to provide evidence for these anecdotal observations.

Lipotoxicity-associated inflammation is prevented by guarana (Paullinia cupana) in a model of hyperlipidemia

Hyperlipidemia causes lipotoxicity which prompts an inflammatory response linked to the development of cardiovascular diseases. Natural compounds have been receiving special attention for its potential to treat diseases, inexpensiveness, and safety. Guarana (Paullinia cupana) has demonstrated notable anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which may prevent chronic diseases caused by changes in lipid profile. Thus, this study aims to evaluate the effect of guarana powder (Paullinia cupana) in the purine metabolism and inflammatory profile in lymphocytes and serum of rats with Poloxamer-407-induced hyperlipidemia. Pretreatment with guarana 12.5, 25, and 50 mg/kg/day or caffeine (0.2 mg/kg/day) by gavage was applied to adult male Wistar rats for a period of 30 days. As a comparative standard, we used simvastatin (0.04 mg/kg) post-induction. Hyperlipidemia was acutely induced with intraperitoneally injection of Poloxamer-407 (500 mg/kg). Guarana powder and caffeine increased the activity of the E-NTPDase (ecto-apyrase), and all pretreatments decreased the E-ADA (ecto-adenosine deaminase) activity, reducing the inflammatory process caused by lipotoxicity. In hyperlipidemic rats, ATP levels were increased while adenosine levels were decreased, guarana and caffeine reverted these changes. Guarana powder, caffeine, and simvastatin also prevented the increase in INF-γ and potentiated the increase in IL-4 levels, promoting an anti-inflammatory profile. Guarana promoted a more robust effect than caffeine. Our results show that guarana powder and caffeine have an anti-inflammatory as seen by the shift from a proinflammatory to an anti-inflammatory profile. The effects of guarana were more pronounced, suggesting that guarana powder may be used as a complementary therapy to improve the lipotoxicity-associated inflammation.

Prevention of Osteoporosis in the Ovariectomized Rat by Oral Administration of a Nutraceutical Combination That Stimulates Nitric Oxide Production.

Osteoporosis represents an imbalance between bone formation and bone resorption. As a result of low estrogen levels, it is markedly prevalent during menopause, thus making such patients susceptible to fractures. Both bone formation and resorption are modulated by nitric oxide (NO). Currently, there are no risk-free pharmaceutical prevention therapies for osteoporosis. COMB-4, a nutraceutical combination of Paullinia cupana, Muira puama, ginger, and L-citrulline, known to activate the NO-cGMP pathway, was reported to accelerate fracture healing in the rat. To determine whether COMB-4 could be effective in preventing menopausal osteoporosis, it was compared to estradiol (E2) in an ovariectomized (OVX) rat osteoporosis model. Nine-month-old female Sprague Dawley rats were divided into SHAM, OVX, OVX+E2, and OVX+COMB-4. After 100 days of treatment, bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) were measured by DXA scan. TRAP staining was performed in the femur and lumbar vertebrae. TRACP 5b and osteocalcin levels were assayed in the serum. MC3T3-E1 cells were differentiated into osteoblasts and treated with COMB-4 for one week in order to evaluate calcium deposition by Alizarin staining, cGMP production by ELISA, and upregulation of the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) enzymes by RT-PCR. OVX resulted in a decrease in BMD, BMC, and serum osteocalcin and an increase in serum TRACP 5b. Except for an increase in BMC with COMB-4, both E2 and COMB-4 reverted all bone and serum markers, as well as the number of osteoclasts in the vertebrae, to SHAM levels. Incubation of MC3T3-E1 cells with COMB-4 demonstrated an increase in the three NOS isoforms, cGMP, and calcium deposition. COMB-4 increased BMD in OVX rats by inhibiting bone resorption and increasing calcium deposition presumably via activation of the NO-cGMP pathway. It remains to be determined whether COMB-4 could be a potential nutraceutical therapy for the prevention of premenopausal bone loss.

Production and characterization of solid lipid microparticles loaded with guaraná (Paullinia cupana) seed extract.

Guaraná is a native fruit of the Amazon rainforest, which presents high levels of phenolic compounds. However, these bioactive compounds may be unstable in food processing and gastrointestinal conditions. Thus, this work aimed to characterize guaraná seed extract (GSE) followed by microencapsulation using a spray-chilling method and with vegetable fat as carrier, as well as to evaluate the particles. Phenolic-rich GSE was produced using 50% (w/w) hydroalcoholic solution and dehydrated by spray drying and lyophilization. Powdered GSE was characterized in relation to its inhibitory activity on digestive enzymes. Solid lipid microparticles (SLM) were evaluated for the retention of bioactive compounds and the release profile of phenolic compounds in simulated gastrointestinal conditions. Powdered GSE showed anti-obesity potential due to the high inhibitory activity of lipase. Regarding the retention of phenolic compounds, at least 75% were detected after 90 days at 25 °C in SLM. Moreover, SLM loaded with 7.5% GSE released approximately 99% of phenolic compounds in simulated gastrointestinal conditions. These results show the efficiency of spray chilling for protection and release of phenolic compounds from GSE, allowing future application in food.

Evaluation of Paullinia Cupana as a green corrosion inhibitor for carbon steel utilizing gravimetric and electrochemical noise techniques

In view of the damage caused by corrosion and constant concern for the environment, the antioxidant properties found in Paullinia Cupana make it possible to apply this plant as a green corrosion inhibitor. Extract of Paullinia Cupana shell was used as a green inhibitor for the inhibition of mild steel corrosion in 1.0 M HCl and 0.5 M H2SO4 solution. The corrosion performance of the extract was evaluated using gravimetric, electrochemical noise (ECN), metallographic and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analyses. The gravimetric measurements showed that Paullinia Cupana shell presents a strong inhibitive characteristic, showing an efficiency of about 76.8% and 57.4% for HCl and H2SO4 acidic mediums, respectively, and the mechanism of action is physisorption. ECN allowed to analyze the variation of the corrosion charge over time, and about 8.6 and 2.2 times less charge generated with the inhibitor was observed in HCl and H2SO4 acidic mediums, respectively, and the type of localized corrosion also decreased. Metallographic analysis showed the efficiency of the inhibitor from micrographs of the electrodes before and after the electrochemical tests. Also, FTIR analysis showed compounds being consumed in H2SO4 medium indicating that this medium oxidizes the Paullinia Cupana compounds. Therefore, the results suggest that the Paullinia Cupana extract exhibits good inhibition in HCl medium.

Use of Guarana for Hot Flashes after Breast Cancer: Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Phase II Trial

Background: Hot flashes are common in menopausal women and significantly affect the quality of life of many patients diagnosed with breast cancer for which hormone replacement therapy is not indicated. In a previous uncontrolled study, guarana ( Paullinia cupana ) showed significant decreases in the amount and intensity of hot flashes in this group of women. Hypothesis/Purpose: The main objective was to reduce the intensity and frequency of hot flashes with the use of PC-18, compared with placebo in women who survived breast cancer without current evidence of disease. Study Design: The present study consists of a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, uni-institutional, two-arm phase II clinical trial. Methods: The experimental group received the purified dry extract of Paullinia cupana (PC-18) at a dose of 37.5 g twice daily, while the other group received placebo, also twice daily. Results: The study included 40 patients who had completed surgical, chemotherapeutic and/or radiotherapeutic treatment for more than 3 months and who were on adjuvant hormone therapy at the time of inclusion, 20 in each arm. Both groups showed significant reductions in the number and intensity of hot flashes, with no significant difference between the arms. There was a higher intensity and frequency of hot flashes in patients receiving tamoxifen compared with those who received aromatase inhibitors. The toxicities observed were not very significant. Conclusion: This concludes that PC-18 did not demonstrate significantly greater capacity than placebo for control of hot flashes in women with a history of breast cancer and adjuvant hormone therapy.

167 Improvement in SHIM Scores with the iNOS Stimulator, Revactin®

Revactin®, a mixture of three components found in nature (ginger root, muira puama and Paullinia cupana) combined with the amino acid, L-citrulline, has been shown both in vivo and in vitro to act directly on the corporal smooth muscle cells (CSMC) to upregulate the production of the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) enzyme. This results in an increase in the intracellular production of nitric oxide (NO) and cGMP which has been shown in the rat to act in an anti-apoptotic and anti-oxidative manner and, when given long-term, leads to an improvement in the CSMC to collagen ratio and an improvement in erectile function . A recently reported short-term pilot study conducted in men primarily in their 7th decade of life demonstrated that the Revactin® was not only safe but surprisingly also elicited some early improvement in their erectile function. To examine the efficacy of Revactin® on early erectile function among middle-aged men with erectile dysfunction.

Rizobacteria Isolated in the Amazon and Its Influence on the Growth of Guarana Seedlings

Guarana (Paullinia cupana var. Sorbilis (Mart.) Ducke) is a species native from Amazon which has high caffeine concentration. The interactions between guarana and microorganisms in Amazonian soils need to be investigated, especially in relation to the seedling production process, due to its beneficial relationships such as biosynthesis and the supply of stimulating substances, which may result in shortening of the nursery garden or increased productivity. Thus, this research had the objective of evaluating the potential of growth caused by rhizobacteria (Burkholderia ambifaria and Bacillus sp.) in rooting of guarana seedlings. The root length, volume, dry matter of the aerial part, height, number of leaves, leaf area and dry matter of shoot were evaluated at 180 days after planting emergence. Were also determined the carbohydrate and proline content of the aerial part. The rhizobacteria did not influence the growth of the seedlings, however, the carbohydrate contents were higher when the inoculation of the rhizobacteria was carried out with the Burkholderia ambifaria bacteria in the cultivar BRS-Amazonas, with the best results. The proline levels were higher in the control treatment of the two cultivars.

Guaraná (Paullinia cupana) catechins and procyanidins: Gastrointestinal/colonic bioaccessibility, Caco-2 cell permeability and the impact of macronutrients

Abstract Guarana (Paullinia cupana) seeds are rich in flavan-3-ols (catechins) and reduce oxidative stress in humans. We determined the concentration and in vitro bioaccessibility of catechins in guarana seeds from two geographical origins, and measured their Caco-2 permeability. The effect of macronutrients on catechins’ bioaccessibility and Caco-2 permeability was also evaluated. Guarana seeds from southern Bahia and Maues contained, respectively, 30.0 and 26.8 mg catechin/g, 20.2 and 20.0 mg epicatechin/g, 3.7 and 3.8 mg procyanidin B1/g, and 3.3 and 4.9 mg procyanidin B2/g. Bioaccessibility ranged between 65 and 95% for catechin monomers and 50–140% for dimers. Casein inhibited bioaccessibility of catechin dimers, while vegetable oil improved bioaccessibility of total procyanidins. Guarana catechin monomers and dimers were able to permeate through Caco-2 cell monolayers (Papp 0.31–0.35 × 10−6 cm/s) without effect from co-digested macronutrients. Guarana seeds are a source of highly bioaccessible catechins, which can permeate the intestinal epithelium with negligible effect from macronutrients.