Safety of guarana-containing weight loss supplements: a mini-review

Abstract

Hundreds of herbal preparations are presently marketed as weight loss supplements, but the safety of several of these is uncertain. One such supplement which has generated interest is guarana. Guarana is a common component of several herbal mixtures, and is commonly marketed as a weight loss aid, and as an exercise enhancer. Concerns have been raised about the safety of guarana-containing supplements, and several case reports indicating possible health hazards linked to the use of guarana are documented in the literature. Literature case reports involving the use of supplements involving guarana, either alone or in combination with other products was reviewed and the reported adverse events were documented. Reports of adverse events from clinical trials involving the use of guarana-containing supplements as weight loss aids were also reviewed.14 articles with reports of adverse events were identified both from case reports and clinical trials. These included cardiac arrhythmias, seizures, acute tubular necrosis, hepatic failure and rhabdomyolysis. Adverse events occurred in persons taking combination supplements or drinks containing guarana, as well as in individuals consuming guarana-only pills or drinks. There were no adverse events in a clinical trial with seemingly low doses of caffeine in the guarana extract. Physicians should be more vigi¬lant in watching for possible adverse events in patients consuming guarana. Caution should be exercised in individuals consuming this supplement, and greater surveillance is needed to adequately monitor for ad¬verse events associated with its chronic use.