Natural Health Advisory

Exotic Brain Enhancer Guarana Seed Extract Improves Memory and Focus Guaraná is a flowering vine that grows in Brazil along the Amazon River. In the 1600s, Native Amazonian tribes were the first to use guaraná seeds as a brain stimulant in foods, beverages, ointments, and medicines.[1] Researchers now understand that guaraná contains more caffeine than any other plant in the world, but its brain enhancing effect is due to its caffeine being bound to tannins and vegetable proteins.[1,2,3] This makes it more difficult to digest and causes it to be absorbed into the body more slowly than other sources of caffeine.[1,3,4] As a result, improvements in memory, attention, and focus last longer and are more noticeable.

Guaraná improves the speed of short-term memory

Short-term memory is a form of working memory where multiple pieces of information are manipulated simultaneously. Simple math skills such as addition and subtraction are examples of working memory.[8] The following include some signs that working memory may be deficient:

Forgetfulness of the recent placement of objects[9]
Inability to comprehend a story or plot
Feelings of being overwhelmed by too much information
Inability to follow instructions or perform tasks

Fortunately, studies indicate that guaraná seed extract improves memory of this kind. In one study, subjects who took 75 mg of guaraná extract showed improved scores on working memory tests for up to 6 hours after taking the supplement.[2] The extract also allowed subjects to focus their attention and remember short-term information more quickly. There are only 9 mg of caffeine in a 75-mg guaraná extract, so the development of any caffeine-related side effects at this dose is unlikely.

Guaraná seed extract improves memory fatigue symptoms

Fatigue is common during prolonged mental exertion because the brain uses 20% of the entire body’s chemical energy.[5] The following symptoms are common in people who experience mental fatigue:

Long periods of thought are required to remember information
Diminished ability to focus over time
Temporary inability to remember information
Inability to react to changing environments[6]
Feelings of physical exhaustion and low exercise tolerance[7]

A 2008 study demonstrated that a supplement of vitamins, minerals, and guaraná can help to improve these symptoms for up to 60 minutes after ingestion.[10] Subjects increased speed and accuracy during cognition tests, and felt less mentally exerted once the tests were completed. Guaraná would be an excellent supplement to take prior to a test, during long periods of driving, or during any other activity that requires sustained periods of mental focus.

Better mood, alertness, and brain activation

Mental fatigue can contribute greatly to frustration, irritability, and bad mood.[13] Research further shows that even small doses of guaraná can improve mood.[11] Once again, subjects were given a 75-mg dose of guaraná extract before taking tests of cognition and mood. The subjects taking guaraná were more alert and were in a more consistent, content mood. Even MRI scans show increased traffic of neurotransmitters in the areas of the brain responsible for memory and attention processing.[12] Guaraná may therefore be a good choice during stressful or tiring situations.

Safe and natural guaraná supplements

The benefits found in studies were achieved with 75 mg of a pure guaraná extract. Avoid energy drinks, colas, and soft drinks that contain guaraná. These drinks contain large amount of refined sugar and other unhealthy additives, and they most likely do not contain purified guaraná extracts.

Fortunately, the pure extract can be found for under ten dollars at most natural health stores or on the internet.

Capsules – Most brands suggest the use of 2 capsules twice daily for sustained benefits
Powder – Measure 75 mg of powder, and add it to water, smoothies, or shakes
Liquid – Most brands suggest adding 10 drops to water, twice daily

Follow all directions that appear on the supplement label or the directions of a physician. Other than its high caffeine content, guaraná does not contain any chemicals that may be toxic if taken in excess. Guaraná is not recommended for anyone who does not tolerate caffeine.

[1] Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. Sep 2010; 7(3): 279–282.

[2] Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 2004 Nov;79(3):401-11.

[3] Rätsch C. The Encyclopedia of Psychoative Plants: Ethnopharmacology and its Applications. Rochester, Vermont: Park Street Press; 2005.

[4] Arch Latinoam Nutr. 1996 Dec;44(4 Suppl 1):31S-35S.

[5] EMBO Rep. Jan 2010; 11(1): 2.

[6] Conf Proc IEEE Eng Med Biol Soc. 2012;2012:6442-5.

[7] J Appl Physiol (1985). 2009 Mar;106(3):857-64.

[8] Dev Neuropsychol. 2008;33(3):205-28.

[9] Annu Rev Psychol. 2008;59:193-224.

[10] Appetite. 2008 Mar-May;50(2-3):506-13.

[11] J Psychopharmacol. 2007 Jan;21(1):65-70.

[12] Nutrients. 2013 Sep 13;5(9):3589-604.