GuaranĂ¡ for Sports & Fitness
Parts Used & Where Grown
GuaranĂ¡ is an evergreen vine indigenous to the Amazon basin. The vast majority of guaranĂ¡ is grown in a small area in northern Brazil. GuaranĂ¡ gum or paste is derived from the seeds and is used in herbal preparations.
How It Works
Caffeine and the closely related alkaloids theobromine and theophylline make up the primary active constituents in guaranĂ¡. Caffeine’s effects are well known and include stimulating the central nervous system, increasing metabolic rate, and having a mild diuretic effect.1 One preliminary trial found no significant actions on thinking or mental function in humans taking guaranĂ¡.2 GuaranĂ¡ also contains tannins, which act as astringents and may prevent diarrhea. However, this action has not been studied in human clinical trials.
Why Do Athletes Use It?*
Some athletes say that guaranĂ¡ helps improve stamina.
What Do the Advocates Say?*
GuaranĂ¡ contains a substance similar to caffeine, which could be responsible for caffeine-like effects such as improving endurance performance. However, no research has directly tested guaranĂ¡ in athletes.
How Much Is Usually Taken by Athletes?
Some athletes take guaranĂ¡ during their training; however, there is no scientific research to support this use.