Forum Archive Index - July 2000

["nick" <acummin@es.co.nz>]

Guaraná consists of a crystallizable principle, called guaranine, identical
with caffeine, which exists in the seeds, united with tannic acid,
catechutannic acid starch, and a greenish fixed oil.

>From the tannin it contains it is useful for mild forms of leucorrhoea,
diarrhoea, etc., but its chief use in Europe and America is for headache,
especially if of a rheumatic nature. It is a gentle excitant and serviceable
where the brain is irritated or depressed by mental exertion, or where there
is fatigue or exhaustion from hot weather. It has the same chemical
composition as caffeine, theine and cocaine, and the same physiological
action. Its benefit is for nervous headache or the distress that accompanies
menstruation, or exhaustion following dissipation. It is not recommended for
chronic headache or in cases where it is not desirable to increase the
temperature, or excite the heart or increase arterial tension. Dysuria often
follows its administration. It is used by the Indians for bowel complaints,
but is not indicated in cases of constipation or high blood pressure.

Uses
Sticks were initially used by Indians, who grated the stick using the sharp,
rasp like, tongue of the Pirarucu fish. The grated powder was then mixed
into a drink with water and sugar.
The sticks are also used by the Satarê-Mawé tribe and its descendants who
use it to make moulded figures, which are a popular item with tourists.

The powder is widely available and can be mixed with water or fruit juice
and some sugar in the same way.
In Europe, guaraná was first marketed as an alternative, medicinal plant
from the Amazon, beneficial to the overall health and the powder for was
(and still is) sold in health shops.
Some retailers promote it as an afrodisiac, however, there is not much
evidence for this at the moment.

What is the best guaraná soft drink?
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In Brazil, there are many brands of guaraná soft drink. There are good ones
and bad ones and people tend to have a favourite brand, with which they will
stick. It is a lot like beer, some you like, some not.







As for Guarana,
> I understand it is a South American plant extract and is effectively a
> caffeine lookalike, but an internet search on guarana will inform you
more.
>
> Cheers, Phil Boeyen, Business Editor, ShareChat
>
>
>



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