Guarana

Guarana is a caffeine-containing seed used for alertness and energy. Effects largely track its caffeine content.

Overview

What is guarana?

Guarana is a plant that contains caffeine, theophylline, and theobromine. Most benefits of guarana can be attributed to the effects of these compounds.

Dosage

A typical dose is 50-75 mg per day.

Due to its caffeine content, guarana should be supplemented earlier in the day.

Effect graph

Effect heatmap

Possible clinical benefit at 4 stars or greater.


Cancer-related fatigue	★★★★★	Medium
Cognitive performance	★★★★★	Low
Obesity	★★★★★	Low
Erectile dysfunction	★★★★★	Low
Mood	★★★★★	Very Low / None

Weakest

Strongest

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SupplementDEX Database

5 conditions for , and rated at least stars. All purchase bands. No minimum star filter.

Consider purchase★★★★★

How we scored this

Effect SizeMediumEvidenceMediumTrustHigh

A recent review of several studies including 229 cancer patients suggests that guarana may help reduce cancer-related fatigue, a common and exhausting symptom many cancer patients experience during and after treatment.

Evidence Review

A recent review of several studies including 229 cancer patients suggests that guarana may help reduce cancer-related fatigue, a common and exhausting symptom many cancer patients experience during and after treatment.
The analysis found that guarana led to a moderate decrease in tiredness when compared with placebo or no treatment.
However, because the studies varied and were limited in number, more research with larger patient groups is needed to confirm these benefits.

Browse 2 studies1 meta-analysis

MetaNatural supplementation to effectively treat cancer-induced fatigue: evidence of a meta-analysis on the use of guaraná2024n=229

A meta-analysis of 229 patients found guarana (Paullinia cupana) supplementation significantly reduced cancer-related fatigue versus control.

Effect: Benefit
Population: Adults
Participants: 229
Ages: 18+

RCTEffectiveness of guaraná (Paullinia cupana) for postradiation fatigue and depression: results of a pilot double-blind randomized study2009n=36

In a pilot crossover RCT of 36 breast cancer patients during adjuvant radiation, guarana (75 mg/day) did not significantly reduce fatigue or depression versus placebo.

Effect: No Benefit
Dose: 75 mg/day
Population: Breast cancer patients
Participants: 36

Cognitive performanceView condition →

Cognitive performance

Reconsider purchase★★★★★

How we scored this

Effect SizeLowEvidenceVery HighTrustMedium

It is unclear if guarana helps improve thinking or memory.

Evidence Review

It is unclear if guarana helps improve thinking or memory.
Some studies in healthy people show that small doses of guarana extract with caffeine can make people perform certain thinking tasks faster and improve memory for a few hours, but it does not help with reaction time or accuracy.
Larger doses do not seem to work better.
A study in young cyclists found that guarana may make reaction time and alertness better than placebo but not better than caffeine.
Taking guarana regularly for up to five months does not improve brain function in adults.

Browse 12 studies1 meta-analysis

RCTEffects of Acute Guarana (Paullinia cupana) Ingestion on Mental Performance and Vagal Modulation Compared to a Low Dose of Caffeine2024n=11

In 20 participants, acute guarana (500 mg, 130 mg caffeine) improved cognitive test performance and vagal modulation versus low-dose caffeine or placebo.

Effect: No Benefit
Dose: 130 mg/day
Population: Athletes
Participants: 11
Avg age: 22.5±4.2

MetaEffect of Guarana (Paullinia cupana) on Cognitive Performance: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis2023n=328

A meta-analysis (328 participants) found acute guarana ingestion modestly enhanced attention and memory performance versus control.

Effect: Benefit
Dose: 500 mg/day
Participants: 328

RCTEffects of Dietary Supplementation of a Microalgae Extract Containing Fucoxanthin Combined with Guarana on Cognitive Function and Gaming Performance2023n=61

In 61 healthy adults over 30 days, fucoxanthin-rich microalgae extract plus guarana (500 mg/day) improved cognitive function and gaming performance versus control.

Effect: Benefit
Duration: 30 days
Dose: 500 mg/day
Population: Healthy adults
Participants: 61
Avg age: 22±4

RCTCognitive effects of guarana supplementation with maximal intensity cycling2022n=25

In 25 participants, guarana (125 mg/kg) enhanced post-exercise cognitive performance after maximal cycling versus equivalent caffeine or placebo.

Effect: Benefit
Dose: 125 mg/kg
Participants: 25

RCTThe Effects of Supplementation with a Vitamin and Mineral Complex with Guaraná Prior to Fasted Exercise on Affect, Exertion, Cognitive Performance, and Substrate Metabolism: A Randomized Controlled Trial2015n=45

In 45 active males, a vitamin-mineral complex with guarana (500 mg/day) before fasted exercise improved mood, perceived exertion, and cognition versus control.

Effect: Benefit
Dose: 500 mg/day
Population: Active males
Participants: 45
Avg age: ~21

RCTHeart rate variability and cognitive function following a multi-vitamin and mineral supplementation with added guarana (Paullinia cupana)2014n=56

In 56 adults (ages 19–45), a multivitamin-mineral supplement with 300 mg guarana improved heart rate variability and cognitive performance versus placebo.

Effect: Benefit
Dose: 300 mg/day
Population: Adults
Participants: 56
Ages: 19–45

RCTAcute effects of different multivitamin mineral preparations with and without Guaraná on mood, cognitive performance and functional brain activation2013n=20

In 20 adults, multivitamin-mineral preparations with guarana acutely improved mood, cognition, and brain activation on fMRI versus preparations without guarana.

Effect: Benefit
Population: Healthy adults
Participants: 20
Avg age: ~29

RCTImproved cognitive performance and mental fatigue following a multi-vitamin and mineral supplement with added guaraná (Paullinia cupana)2008n=129

In 129 young adults (ages 18–24), a vitamin/mineral/guarana supplement improved cognitive performance and reduced mental fatigue versus placebo on demanding tasks.

Effect: Benefit
Population: Young adults
Participants: 129
Ages: 18–24

Controlled trialA double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-dose evaluation of the acute behavioural effects of guaraná in humans2007n=26

In 26 adults, acute guarana doses (37.5–300 mg) improved attention and memory without adverse effects in a double-blind dose-ranging trial.

Effect: Benefit
Dose: 37.5–300 mg/day
Population: Adults
Participants: 26

Controlled trialImproved cognitive performance in human volunteers following administration of guarana (Paullinia cupana) extract: comparison and interaction with Panax ginseng2004

In a crossover trial, guarana extract improved cognitive performance, with additional benefit when combined with Panax ginseng versus placebo.

Effect: Benefit
Dose: 9 mg

RCTThe effects of long-term administration of guarana on the cognition of normal, elderly volunteers1996n=15

In 45 elderly volunteers over long-term follow-up, guarana supplementation did not produce significant cognitive changes versus caffeine or placebo.

Effect: No Benefit
Population: Older adults
Participants: 15

RCTAcute effects of the Paulinia cupana, "Guaraná" on the cognition of normal volunteers1994n=30

In 30 healthy volunteers, acute guarana did not improve cognition, anxiety, or sleep versus caffeine or placebo in a double-blind study.

Effect: No Benefit
Population: Healthy adults
Participants: 30

Erectile dysfunctionView condition →

Erectile dysfunction

Reconsider purchase★★★★★

How we scored this

Effect SizeLowEvidenceLowTrustLow

Early research shows that men with erectile dysfunction who took two capsules of a supplement called Revactin twice daily for three months improved their ability to have erections and satisfaction with intercourse.

Evidence Review

Early research shows that men with erectile dysfunction who took two capsules of a supplement called Revactin twice daily for three months improved their ability to have erections and satisfaction with intercourse.
However, it did not improve sexual desire or orgasm.
Revactin contains guarana, muira puama, ginger root, and L-citrulline, so it is not known if guarana alone is responsible for these effects.

Browse 1 study

Safety and efficacy of daily Revactin® in men with erectile dysfunction: a 3-month pilot study2018n=11

In men with erectile dysfunction, Revactin (containing ginger among ingredients) 500 mg/day for 2 months improved erectile function measures versus baseline in a pilot study.

Effect: Benefit
Duration: 2 months
Dose: 500 mg/day
Population: Men with erectile dysfunction
Participants: 11
Ages: 33–77

MoodView condition →

Mood

Do not purchase★★★★★

How we scored this

Effect SizeVery Low / NoneEvidenceLowTrustMedium

Early research shows that taking guarana 1080 mg daily for five days does not improve mood.

Evidence Review

Early research shows that taking guarana 1080 mg daily for five days does not improve mood.

Browse 1 study

RCTEffects of a commercial product containing guaraná on psychological well-being, anxiety and mood: A single-blind, placebo-controlled study in healthy subjects2013n=27

In 27 healthy adults, guarana extract (350 mg three times daily for 5 days) did not significantly change psychological well-being, anxiety, or mood versus placebo.

Effect: No Benefit
Duration: 5 days
Dose: 350 mg 3×/day
Population: Healthy adults
Participants: 27
Avg age: 25.4±6.4

ObesityView condition →

Obesity

Reconsider purchase★★★★★

How we scored this

Effect SizeLowEvidenceLowTrustMedium

A small study in overweight women who took guarana, yerba mate, and damiana for 45 days found that it helped participants feel more full after meals.

Evidence Review

A small study in overweight women who took guarana, yerba mate, and damiana for 45 days found that it helped participants feel more full after meals.
The treatment led to a modest reduction in weight, but more research is required and it is not clear how much of the effect came from guarana itself.

Browse 1 study

RCTWeight loss and delayed gastric emptying following a South American herbal preparation in overweight patients2001n=22

In 22 overweight patients, the herbal blend YGD (yerba mate, guarana, damiana) delayed gastric emptying and reduced body weight over 45 days versus placebo.

Effect: Benefit
Duration: 12 months
Dose: 3 YGD capsules before each meal
Population: Healthy adults
Participants: 22

Database Snapshot

Studies per condition

Guarana evidence base by condition

Most guarana research is concentrated in a handful of conditions.

Cognitive performance accounts for 12 of 17 studies (71%).
Cancer-related fatigue accounts for 2 of 17 studies (12%).
Erectile dysfunction accounts for 1 of 17 studies (6%).
Sparse coverage remains for Cancer-related fatigue, Erectile dysfunction, Mood.

Studies per year

Guarana publications over time

Safety

Guarana is likely safe when consumed in typical amounts from foods.

Frequently Asked Questions

References

Sources17 references

SupplementDEX uses only high-quality sources to determine supplement effectiveness.

SupplementDEX Database · Cancer-related fatigue

2 references

1.SupplementDEX Database: Cancer-related fatigue — Natural supplementation to effectively treat cancer-induced fatigue: evidence of a meta-analysis on the use of guaraná2024
A meta-analysis of 229 patients found guarana (Paullinia cupana) supplementation significantly reduced cancer-related fatigue versus control.
View on PubMed 395362492024
2.SupplementDEX Database: Cancer-related fatigue — Effectiveness of guaraná (Paullinia cupana) for postradiation fatigue and depression: results of a pilot double-blind randomized study2009
In a pilot crossover RCT of 36 breast cancer patients during adjuvant radiation, guarana (75 mg/day) did not significantly reduce fatigue or depression versus placebo.
View on PubMed 193888662009

SupplementDEX Database · Cognitive performance

12 references

3.SupplementDEX Database: Cognitive performance — Effects of Acute Guarana (Paullinia cupana) Ingestion on Mental Performance and Vagal Modulation Compared to a Low Dose of Caffeine2024
In 20 participants, acute guarana (500 mg, 130 mg caffeine) improved cognitive test performance and vagal modulation versus low-dose caffeine or placebo.
View on PubMed 389312472024
4.SupplementDEX Database: Cognitive performance — Effect of Guarana (Paullinia cupana) on Cognitive Performance: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis2023
A meta-analysis (328 participants) found acute guarana ingestion modestly enhanced attention and memory performance versus control.
View on PubMed 366783052023
5.SupplementDEX Database: Cognitive performance — Effects of Dietary Supplementation of a Microalgae Extract Containing Fucoxanthin Combined with Guarana on Cognitive Function and Gaming Performance2023
In 61 healthy adults over 30 days, fucoxanthin-rich microalgae extract plus guarana (500 mg/day) improved cognitive function and gaming performance versus control.
View on PubMed 371111362023
6.SupplementDEX Database: Cognitive performance — Cognitive effects of guarana supplementation with maximal intensity cycling2022
In 25 participants, guarana (125 mg/kg) enhanced post-exercise cognitive performance after maximal cycling versus equivalent caffeine or placebo.
View on PubMed 361469462022
7.SupplementDEX Database: Cognitive performance — The Effects of Supplementation with a Vitamin and Mineral Complex with Guaraná Prior to Fasted Exercise on Affect, Exertion, Cognitive Performance, and Substrate Metabolism: A Randomized Controlled Trial2015
In 45 active males, a vitamin-mineral complex with guarana (500 mg/day) before fasted exercise improved mood, perceived exertion, and cognition versus control.
View on PubMed 262259932015
8.SupplementDEX Database: Cognitive performance — Heart rate variability and cognitive function following a multi-vitamin and mineral supplementation with added guarana (Paullinia cupana)2014
In 56 adults (ages 19–45), a multivitamin-mineral supplement with 300 mg guarana improved heart rate variability and cognitive performance versus placebo.
View on PubMed 255589052014
9.SupplementDEX Database: Cognitive performance — Acute effects of different multivitamin mineral preparations with and without Guaraná on mood, cognitive performance and functional brain activation2013
In 20 adults, multivitamin-mineral preparations with guarana acutely improved mood, cognition, and brain activation on fMRI versus preparations without guarana.
View on PubMed 240673872013
10.SupplementDEX Database: Cognitive performance — Improved cognitive performance and mental fatigue following a multi-vitamin and mineral supplement with added guaraná (Paullinia cupana)2008
In 129 young adults (ages 18–24), a vitamin/mineral/guarana supplement improved cognitive performance and reduced mental fatigue versus placebo on demanding tasks.
View on PubMed 180770562008
11.SupplementDEX Database: Cognitive performance — A double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-dose evaluation of the acute behavioural effects of guaraná in humans2007
In 26 adults, acute guarana doses (37.5–300 mg) improved attention and memory without adverse effects in a double-blind dose-ranging trial.
View on PubMed 165338672007
12.SupplementDEX Database: Cognitive performance — Improved cognitive performance in human volunteers following administration of guarana (Paullinia cupana) extract: comparison and interaction with Panax ginseng2004
In a crossover trial, guarana extract improved cognitive performance, with additional benefit when combined with Panax ginseng versus placebo.
View on PubMed 155820122004
13.SupplementDEX Database: Cognitive performance — The effects of long-term administration of guarana on the cognition of normal, elderly volunteers1996
In 45 elderly volunteers over long-term follow-up, guarana supplementation did not produce significant cognitive changes versus caffeine or placebo.
View on PubMed 89845821996
14.SupplementDEX Database: Cognitive performance — Acute effects of the Paulinia cupana, "Guaraná" on the cognition of normal volunteers1994
In 30 healthy volunteers, acute guarana did not improve cognition, anxiety, or sleep versus caffeine or placebo in a double-blind study.
View on PubMed 76385221994

SupplementDEX Database · Erectile dysfunction

1 reference

15.SupplementDEX Database: Erectile dysfunction — Safety and efficacy of daily Revactin® in men with erectile dysfunction: a 3-month pilot study2018
In men with erectile dysfunction, Revactin (containing ginger among ingredients) 500 mg/day for 2 months improved erectile function measures versus baseline in a pilot study.
View on PubMed 297322862018

SupplementDEX Database · Mood

1 reference

16.SupplementDEX Database: Mood — Effects of a commercial product containing guaraná on psychological well-being, anxiety and mood: A single-blind, placebo-controlled study in healthy subjects2013
In 27 healthy adults, guarana extract (350 mg three times daily for 5 days) did not significantly change psychological well-being, anxiety, or mood versus placebo.
View on PubMed 237061112013

SupplementDEX Database · Obesity

1 reference

17.SupplementDEX Database: Obesity — Weight loss and delayed gastric emptying following a South American herbal preparation in overweight patients2001
In 22 overweight patients, the herbal blend YGD (yerba mate, guarana, damiana) delayed gastric emptying and reduced body weight over 45 days versus placebo.
View on PubMed 114245162001

Green Tea

Green tea and its catechins (EGCG) are studied for metabolic, cardiovascular, and cognitive outcomes. Effects are often modest.

Hawthorn

Hawthorn is traditionally used for heart-related symptoms. Clinical evidence is mixed and depends on extract and outcome.

On this page

Overview Dosage Effect graph Effect heatmap SupplementDEX Database Database Snapshot Safety Frequently Asked Questions References