Symptom → Plant Sources
Guarana (Paullinia cupana) as a tool for helping with Muscle soreness
inferred from ergogenic action
In a double-blind crossover trial, eleven endurance-trained participants ingested caffeine, guarana (Paullinia cupana, containing 130 mg caffeine) or placebo before cycling. Guarana improved 15-min time-trial work output versus placebo, with lower perceived exertion, indicating an ergogenic effect possibly involving central mechanisms reducing perceived effort.
The present study aimed to systematically assess acute, dose-related behavioural effects of an extract of guaraná plant for the first time in humans. This double-blind, counterbalanced, placebo-controlled study (n=26) assessed the acute mood and cognitive effects throughout the day of four different doses (37.5 mg, 75 mg, 150 mg and 300 mg) of a standardised guaraná extract (PC-102). Assessment included the Cognitive Drug Research computerized test battery and Bond-Lader mood scales. Guaraná improved secondary memory performance and increased alert and content mood ratings. The two lower doses produced more positive cognitive effects than the higher doses. This research supports previous findings of cognitive improvements following 75 mg guaraná and provides the first exploration of different dose effects of guaraná in humans. The findings suggest that the effects cannot be attributed to caffeine alone.
4 sources supporting Guarana for Muscle soreness. Includes scientific publications, books, monographs and traditional-use references.
Mechanistic basis
This use is associated with the plant's physical performance / ergogenic action. Further evidence for that pharmacology:
In high-fat-diet-fed mice, guarana (Paullinia cupana) reduced body weight, adipose depots, glycaemia and triglycerides, increased oxygen consumption and energy expenditure, and stimulated mitochondrial biogenesis in muscle and brown adipose tissue, demonstrating that guarana increases energy metabolism and helps control weight gain.