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Citation
Tags
HERO ID
5156931
Reference Type
Journal Article
Subtype
Review
Title
Paullinia cupana: a multipurpose plant - a review
Author(s)
Medeiros Marques, LL; Fiuza Ferreira, ED; de Paula, MN; Klein, T; Palazzo de Mello, JC
Year
2019
Is Peer Reviewed?
0
Journal
Revista Brasileira de Farmacognosia
ISSN:
0102-695X
Publisher
Elsevier Editora Ltda
Location
CURITIBA-PR
Volume
29
Issue
1
Page Numbers
77-110
Language
English
DOI
10.1016/j.bjp.2018.08.007
Web of Science Id
WOS:000460752000012
Abstract
Seeds of guarana (Paullinia cupana Kunth, Sapindaceae) feature diverse pharmacological functions, for example, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, stimulating, and cognitive functions, as well as liver protection and weight loss. Many of these actions are probably due to the high content of methylxanthines and tannins in its seeds. In Brazil, the world's largest producer of guarana, the plant material is predominantly used in the soft drinks industry, although it is also used in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. Although the Amazon region has the largest cropping area, the state of Bahia is the main guarana producer in Brazil (71%). This review focuses mainly on the possible pharmacological actions of guarana that have been investigated. Moreover, it discusses less-considered topics, such as the toxicology and quality control of seeds and extractives of guarana that will ultimately influence the safety of its use. In addition, it presents a detailed discussion of the methods used to prepare herbal drugs and their extracts, focusing on the importance of standardization and on the direct impact of preparatory factors, on the pharmacological properties of guarana extracts. © 2019 Sociedade Brasileira de Farmacognosia
Keywords
Guarana; Pharmacological properties; Quality control; Standardization; Toxicology
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