Dried Herb & Tea

Guarana Seed

Paullinia cupana var. sorbilis

T Traditional use

EMA lists guarana seed powder as a traditional remedy for fatigue and weakness. It has caffeine; avoid with heart disease, high blood pressure or ulcers.

Energy & Focus
Guarana Seed
Pregnancy⚠ Avoid
Breastfeeding⚠ Avoid
Children⚠ Avoid
Drug interactionsInteraction reported
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At a glance

Guarana (Paullinia cupana) is the caffeine-rich seed of an Amazonian vine. EMA recognises the traditional use of the seed powder for fatigue and a sensation of weakness. Because it contains caffeine, it should not be used with high blood pressure, heart rhythm problems, stomach or duodenal ulcers or an overactive thyroid.

Parts used: seed
Key constituents: Caffeine, Theobromine and theophylline, Tannins (catechins)

Updated: October 24, 2026

Sources include an EMA HMPC monograph. Its scope is limited to the specified species, plant part and preparation; this is not professional approval.

What is it used for?

  • T Traditional use

    Traditional use: Documents traditional use, not clinical efficacy or safety for everyone.

    How do we rate evidence levels? →

    EMA recognises guarana seed powder as a traditional herbal medicinal product for symptoms of fatigue and sensation of weakness. This use is based on long-standing experience. [2]

How is it used?

Food

The powdered seed is taken in solid forms such as capsules or tablets. It is not taken before bedtime because it may disturb sleep. See a doctor if symptoms last more than 1 week.

Amount: 450 mg powder per dose, up to 5 times a day

Duration limit: 1 week

[2]

Safety & interactions

Minimum age: 18 years

  • Do not use with stomach or duodenal ulcers, cardiovascular disorders such as high blood pressure and arrhythmias, or an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism).
  • Not recommended under 18 due to lack of data.
  • Not recommended in pregnancy or breastfeeding; caffeine crosses the placenta and passes into breast milk. EFSA advises limiting total caffeine to 200 mg a day in pregnancy.
  • According to EFSA, healthy adults should not exceed 400 mg of total caffeine a day; count caffeine from coffee, tea and energy drinks too.
  • Do not use in the evening or before bedtime, as it may disturb sleep.
[2][1]

Drug interactions

Drug interactions
Medicine / substanceEffectSeverity
MAO inhibitor drugs (some antidepressants)People taking these drugs should use guarana with caution; ask your doctor. [2]Moderate
Sedatives and sympathomimetic drugsCaffeine-containing preparations reduce the effect of sedatives and increase side effects of sympathomimetic drugs (such as some decongestants). [2]Moderate

Side effects

  • Sleeplessness (especially when taken in the evening)

⚕ When to see a doctor

  • If high fever, shortness of breath or purulent/bloody phlegm develops
  • If symptoms do not improve within 1–2 weeks or worsen
  • If severe abdominal pain, jaundice, rash or allergic reaction occurs

Frequently asked questions

Does guarana give energy?

EMA recognises guarana seed powder as a traditional use for fatigue and weakness. Its caffeine is responsible for the stimulant effect.

Is guarana stronger than coffee?

Guarana also contains caffeine; the amount varies between products. Total caffeine should not exceed 400 mg a day in adults; count energy drinks and coffee as well.

Does guarana help with weight loss?

Weight loss is not part of the EMA assessment and there is no verified evidence.

Can I take guarana while pregnant?

EMA does not recommend use in pregnancy or breastfeeding; caffeine crosses the placenta and passes into breast milk.

Does guarana raise blood pressure?

Because it contains caffeine, it should not be used by people with high blood pressure or heart rhythm problems.

Sources

Source type is not an efficacy rating. A monograph may document traditional use or safety. Claim numbers link to the relevant source; the access date does not indicate professional approval.

  1. Scientific Opinion on the safety of caffeineEFSA NDA Panel · 2015 · Official agency informationSource accessed:
  2. Community herbal monograph on Paullinia cupana Kunth ex H.B.K. var. sorbilis (Mart.) Ducke, semenEMA HMPC · 2013 · MonographSource accessed:

Cite This Page

Guarana Seed (Paullinia cupana var. sorbilis). Herbadex — Doğal Şifa Rehberi (2026). https://herbadex.com/en/herb/guarana-seed/

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