Soviet Medical Encyclopedia

Guarana

Pharmacology, Internal Medicine

Also known as: Pasta Guarana, Paullinia sorbilis

Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.

Summary

Guarana is a preparation made from the seeds of Paullinia cupana, native to Brazil, containing caffeine, resin, and tannic acid. In 1930s medicine, it was used to treat migraines, dysentery, chronic intestinal catarrh, and pediatric dyspepsia.

Encyclopedia entry (1928–1936)

GUARANA, Pasta Guarana, the ripe and cleaned seeds of Paullinia cupana Kunth, s. P. sorbilis Martius (family Sapindaceae), growing in Brazil. The seeds are roasted, crushed, and worked with water into a dough, which is then dried. Guarana contains caffeine (3–5%), resin, and tannic acid. It is used for migraine (dose 0.5–2.0), dysentery, chronic intestinal catarrh, and infant dyspepsia.

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Cite this page

“Guarana.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/guarana/