Guarana: scientific study, cognitive benefits and how to interpret them

Lately in the United States, Guarana has been pegged as the new "be all end all" super food. The extract is reputed to increase mental alertness, fight fatigue, and increase ones stamina and physical endurance. The use of guarana as an effective elixir of energy, for mental clarity, and to enhance a persons long term memory has even been validated by scientists to a certain extent. Individual chemists have gone so far as to patent formulas containing guarana extract (in combination with other ingredients) as remedies for mental alertness and rejuvenated energy levels.

Roughly 50 volunteers were studied, with a completely random distribution of 3 herbal concoctions: placebo, caffeine, and guarana in one study conducted. Another study showed guarana extract improves cognitive performance (when paired with a multivitamin) in short term testing, yet long term studies have been less conclusive. In a recent study at a Biological convention earlier last year, mice were administered placebo and placebo with Guarana to gauge the effects on their energy levels and cognitive skills. Other studies had displayed antioxidant and antibacterial effects on the mice, and also fat cell reduction in mice from excessive digestion of guarana.

The result most scientists are trying to clinically prove is that guarana, orally ingested, provides a clean burst of energy, mental clarity and subtle excitement that lasts between 2 and 4 hours. Keep in mind, as impressive as these results can seem, these studies have not been evaluated by any government agencies, so within the United States there is not medical or regulatory approval that suggests guarana can improve cognitive skills.

So how are we to interpret the products and their results from these studies? The issue seems to be that those companies selling the product are also the ones conducting studies, which can make the results seem very biased - even if that is not the case at all. The fact remains that with all the private studies, history of natural benefits and millions of consumers still purchasing the products, no government or federal body has yet to throw their weight behind the use of Guarana. Before trying any herbal or alternative medical product, be sure to consult your family doctor or health care provider.

You may not be able to use guarana based on your medical history and certain sensitivities that can arise from its use. In other cases, your doctor may recommend a lower dose or special monitoring.

Please note the information provided in this article is NOT intended to replace the advice of a doctor.

 

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