Last update April 17, 2016

Brazilian cocoa

Likely Compatibility

Fairly safe. Mild or unlikely adverse effects. Compatible under certain circumstances. Follow-up recommended. Read Commentary.

Seeds of this climbing plant which is native from the Amazon area and has spread throughout South America are used.
It contains alkaloids, xanthines (caffeine 1 to 7%, theobromine 0.01 to 0.2%, and 0.01 to 0.3% theophylline) and tannins.

Unproven properties are: nervous stimulant, diuretic, bronchodilator.
Indications according to Commission E of the German Health Ministry: none
Indications approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) are: states of fatigue and weakness

Components appear as a part of many drinking brands, teas, capsules and tablets with energizing and slimming purposes.
There are reports on many cases of seizures and cardiac arrhythmias poisoning associated to their consumption.

At latest update no published data were found on excretion into breast milk, however, it is well known that xanthines are excreted in the breast milk, so consumption should not exceed an amount equivalent to 300 mg of caffeine a day during lactation.

See also info on Coffee and Caffeine when used as medication.

Suggestions made at e-lactancia are done by APILAM team of health professionals, and are based on updated scientific publications. It is not intended to replace the relationship you have with your doctor but to compound it. The pharmaceutical industry contraindicates breastfeeding, mistakenly and without scientific reasons, in most of the drug data sheets.

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Other names

Brazilian cocoa is Guarana in Latin, botanical name.

Is written in other languages:

Group

Brazilian cocoa belongs to this group or family:

Tradenames

Main tradenames from several countries containing Brazilian cocoa in its composition:

  • 102 Plus™. Contains other elements than Brazilian cocoa in its composition

References

  1. Moustakas D, Mezzio M, Rodriguez BR, Constable MA, Mulligan ME, Voura EB. Guarana provides additional stimulation over caffeine alone in the planarian model. PLoS One. 2015 Abstract
  2. Ciszowski K, Biedroń W, Gomólka E. Acute caffeine poisoning resulting in atrial fibrillation after guarana extract overdose. Przegl Lek. 2014 Abstract
  3. Pendleton M, Brown S, Thomas CM, Odle B. Potential toxicity of caffeine when used as a dietary supplement for weight loss. J Diet Suppl. 2013 Abstract
  4. Schimpl FC, da Silva JF, Gonçalves JF, Mazzafera P. Guarana: revisiting a highly caffeinated plant from the Amazon. J Ethnopharmacol. 2013 Abstract
  5. Jalili J, Askeroglu U, Alleyne B, Guyuron B. Herbal products that may contribute to hypertension. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2013 Jan;131(1):168-173. Abstract
  6. Woods DJ. Guarana: Paullinia cupana, P. sorbilis; also known as Brazilian cocoa and 'zoom'. J Prim Health Care. 2012 Abstract

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