Guarana Extract
Also known as: Paullinia cupana, guaraná, guarana seed extract
Guarana is the seed of Paullinia cupana, an Amazonian vine whose seeds contain more caffeine by weight than coffee beans, along with theobromine and tannins. Extracts are commonly standardized to 22% caffeine, so 100 mg of extract supplies about 22 mg of caffeine. It is a fixture in energy drinks, pre-workouts, and weight-management formulas. A systematic review and meta-analysis has examined its effects on cognitive performance, where results are partly attributable to caffeine.
Research summary
Caffeine and related methylxanthines block adenosine receptors; tannins slow caffeine release.
Dosage
Daily amounts, of extract.
| Lowest studied | Typical range | Highest studied | Upper limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 mg | 100–400 mg | — | — |
Count guarana's caffeine toward total caffeine: 400 mg of a 22% extract delivers about 88 mg caffeine. Take earlier in the day. Avoid stacking with other caffeine sources without totaling.
Standardization: 22% caffeine (grades from 10% to 50% exist)
Source material: seed extract
Format suitability
- Capsule
- Powder
- Tablet
- Softgel
- Gummy
- Liquid
Bitter and astringent; caffeine content must be declared on the label in some jurisdictions.
Formulation notes
Stimulant; additive with caffeine anhydrous, yerba mate, green tea, and bitter orange.
- Stimulant
- Contains caffeine
Sources
Related ingredients
Caffeine Anhydrous
Sports performancePurified, dehydrated caffeine — the standard stimulant in pre-workouts, energy, and focus products.
Typical: 100–200 mg
MCT Oil
Fatty acidMCT oil is a clear, flavorless oil made by fractionating coconut or palm kernel oil to isolate the medium-chain fatty acids caprylic (C8) and capric (C10) acid as triglycerides.
Typical: 5–15 g
MCT Oil Powder
Fatty acidMCT oil powder is MCT oil spray-dried onto a carbohydrate carrier, most often acacia gum or maltodextrin, to produce a free-flowing powder that disperses in water.
Typical: 5–10 g
Yerba Mate Extract
BotanicalYerba mate is the leaf of Ilex paraguariensis, brewed as a tea across South America.
Typical: 500–1,500 mg
Green Tea Extract (50% EGCG)
BotanicalA leaf extract of Camellia sinensis concentrated for catechins, especially EGCG, with a small amount of naturally occurring caffeine.
Typical: 300–500 mg