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Gua3.0

Guarana Research

Mostly mechanism / observationalModerate safety

4 peer-reviewed studies

What the evidence says

Mostly mechanism / observational

Most Guarana studies are mechanism or observational rather than RCTs that measure a clinical effect — keep findings provisional.

Most evidence is from medium-quality meta-analyses and randomised trials published 2015–2024 with a typical study size of 40 participants.

Based on 4 studies · 1 meta-analysis · 2 RCTs · 289 total participants

Confidence

Moderate

By outcome

Energy & fatigueReliable caffeine-driven energy; a meta-analysis supports reduced cancer-related fatigue specifically · 30-60 minutes
Too few graded studies1 study

Active research area

3 studies in the last 5 years · Latest meta-analysis: 2024

20152024

1Meta-Analysisn=229 · medium study2024

The analysis revealed a significant benefit of using guaraná to alleviate cancer-related fatigue, with a standard mean difference of -0.77.

Maselli-Schoueri JH et al. · Rev Assoc Med Bras (2024)

Pooled 5 studies, 229 cancer patients (2009-2023)
Significant fatigue reduction (SMD -0.77, 95% CI -1.34 to -0.21; Z=2.68, p=0.007)
High heterogeneity (I²=78%); authors call for larger prospective RCTs

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2Crossovern=20 · very small study2024

Neither the acute ingestion of guarana nor a low dose of caffeine influenced cognitive performance or provided consistent benefit on mood.

Talik TN et al. · Nutrients (2024)

Double-blind crossover, 20 participants: 100 mg caffeine vs 500 mg guarana (130 mg caffeine) vs placebo
Response time and heart-rate variability unaffected by treatment
No consistent benefit on cognition or mood — a notably null standalone result

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3Review2023

The primary ergogenic nutrients in most energy drinks appear to be caffeine and/or carbohydrate; additive benefits of other ingredients like guarana remain to be determined.

Jagim AR et al. · J Int Soc Sports Nutr (2023)

Position stand reviewing energy drinks/shots, which commonly contain guarana
Concluded caffeine (and carbohydrate) drive ergogenic effects; guarana's independent benefit is unestablished
Advises caution in adolescents, pregnancy, and caffeine-sensitive individuals

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4RCTn=40 · small study2015

A vitamin-mineral complex containing guaraná, taken before exercise, improved subsequent memory performance and reduced perceived exertion — but the effect cannot be attributed to guaraná alone.

Veasey RC et al. · Nutrients (2015)

Crossover RCT, 40 active males, MVM + guaraná vs placebo before a 30-min run
Small reduction in perceived exertion; improved working-memory accuracy and picture-recognition speed
Combination product (multivitamin/mineral + guarana) — guarana's specific contribution is unclear

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View in Research Library

Guarana Research

Mostly mechanism / observational

Natural supplementation to effectively treat cancer-induced fatigue: evidence of a meta-analysis on the use of guaraná.

Effects of Acute Guarana (Paullinia cupana) Ingestion on Mental Performance and Vagal Modulation Compared to a Low Dose of Caffeine.

International Society of Sports Nutrition position stand: energy drinks and energy shots.

The Effects of Supplementation with a Vitamin and Mineral Complex with Guaraná Prior to Fasted Exercise on Affect, Exertion, Cognitive Performance, and Substrate Metabolism: A Randomized Controlled Trial.