GUARANINE

Guaranine is a plant-derived stimulant compound obtained specifically from guarana seeds, known for its high natural caffeine concentration.
Guaranine provides a gradual and prolonged energy effect due to its interaction with naturally occurring compounds in the plant matrix.
Guaranine is widely preferred in natural energy formulations as an alternative to synthetic caffeine sources.

CAS Number: 58-08-2
EC Number: 200-362-1
Molecular Formula: C8H10N4O2
Molecular Weight: 194.19 g/mol

Synonyms: Guaranine, Caffeine, 1,3,7-Trimethylxanthine, Theine, Methyltheobromine, Guarana caffeine, Trimethylxanthine, Xanthine, 1,3,7-trimethyl-, Coffeine (alternative spelling), Guaranine extract, Caffeine anhydrous, Caffeine base, Thein (historical term), Cafeine (French spelling), Koffein (German spelling)

Guaranine is a bioactive methylxanthine compound naturally present in the seeds of the guarana plant, Paullinia cupana, which is native to the Amazon basin.
Guaranine is structurally and chemically identical to caffeine, with the molecular formula C₈H₁₀N₄O₂, but its physiological effects may differ slightly due to the presence of accompanying phytochemicals such as polyphenols, tannins, and saponins within the plant matrix.

Guaranine is typically obtained through the processing and extraction of guarana seeds, which are known for containing significantly higher caffeine concentrations than coffee beans.
Guaranine is valued for its central nervous system stimulant properties, where it functions by antagonizing adenosine receptors, thereby increasing neuronal activity, enhancing alertness, and reducing the perception of fatigue.

Guaranine is widely incorporated into energy drinks, dietary supplements, functional foods, and pharmaceutical formulations due to its sustained-release effect, which is often attributed to the gradual interaction of caffeine with plant-derived compounds.
Guaranine is also associated with additional bioactive benefits, including mild antioxidant activity and potential improvements in cognitive performance, mood, and physical endurance.

Guaranine is considered an important natural stimulant ingredient in both traditional and modern applications, particularly in formulations targeting energy enhancement, mental focus, and metabolic stimulation.

Uses of Guaranine:
Guaranine is widely used across food, pharmaceutical, and nutraceutical industries due to its potent stimulant properties and natural origin.
Guaranine is commonly incorporated into energy drinks and functional beverages to enhance alertness and provide sustained energy release without the rapid crash associated with synthetic caffeine sources.

Guaranine is also used in dietary supplements and sports nutrition products to support physical performance, increase endurance, and promote fat metabolism.
Guaranine is included in pharmaceutical formulations, particularly in combination with analgesics, to improve pain relief efficiency and reduce fatigue-related symptoms.
Guaranine is additionally utilized in cognitive enhancement products to improve focus, memory, and mental clarity, while in cosmetics it is applied for its stimulating and circulation-boosting effects in formulations targeting skin firmness and eye care.

Energy drinks:
Guaranine is widely used in energy drinks to provide a sustained stimulant effect, enhancing alertness, reducing fatigue, and improving physical performance.

Dietary supplements:
Guaranine is incorporated into capsules, tablets, and powders aimed at boosting energy levels, supporting metabolism, and promoting weight management.

Functional foods:
Guaranine is added to functional food products such as bars, gummies, and beverages to enhance mental focus and provide a natural caffeine source.

Pharmaceutical applications:
Guaranine is used in certain pharmaceutical formulations as a central nervous system stimulant and as an adjuvant in pain relief medications to enhance analgesic effects.

Sports nutrition:
Guaranine is utilized in pre-workout and endurance formulations to improve stamina, increase energy output, and delay fatigue during physical activity.

Cognitive performance products:
Guaranine is included in nootropic formulations designed to improve concentration, memory, and mental clarity.

Cosmetics and personal care:
Guaranine is sometimes used in topical formulations such as anti-cellulite creams and eye treatments due to its stimulating and vasoconstrictive properties.

Traditional herbal use:
Guaranine, through guarana extracts, has been traditionally used for combating fatigue, enhancing mood, and supporting overall vitality.

Stability and Reactivity of Guaranine:

Chemical stability:
Guaranine is stable under normal conditions of temperature, pressure, and storage.

Reactivity:
Guaranine exhibits low reactivity.
Does not undergo hazardous reactions under standard conditions.

Conditions to avoid:
Excessive heat.
Direct sunlight.
Strong oxidizing environments.

Incompatible materials:
Strong oxidizing agents.
Strong acids.
Strong bases.

Hazardous decomposition products:
Thermal decomposition may produce carbon oxides (CO, CO₂).
Nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) may be released.

Handling and Storage of Guaranine:

Handling:
Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene practices.
Avoid inhalation of dust.
Avoid contact with eyes and skin.

Storage:
Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area.

Storage conditions:
Protect from moisture.
Protect from heat.
Protect from direct light exposure.

Packaging materials:
Use sealed plastic, glass, or lined containers compatible with organic compounds.

Shelf life:
Stable under recommended storage conditions for extended periods.

First Aid Measures of Guaranine:

Inhalation:
Move to fresh air.
Seek medical attention if irritation or discomfort persists.

Skin contact:
Wash thoroughly with water and soap.
Remove contaminated clothing.

Eye contact:
Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes.
Seek medical advice if irritation continues.

Ingestion:
Rinse mouth.
Drink water.
Seek medical attention if large amounts are ingested or symptoms occur.

Most important symptoms:
Irritation may occur.
Restlessness may occur.
Mild stimulant-related effects such as increased heart rate may occur.

Firefighting Measures of Guaranine:

Suitable extinguishing media:
Water spray.
Dry chemical powder.
Carbon dioxide (CO₂).
Foam.

Specific hazards:
Combustion may produce irritating fumes.
Toxic gases including carbon oxides and nitrogen oxides may be released.

Protective equipment:
Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus.
Wear full protective gear.

Firefighting instructions:
Avoid inhalation of combustion products.
Cool exposed containers with water spray.

Accidental Release Measures of Guaranine:

Personal precautions:
Avoid dust formation.
Ensure adequate ventilation.
Use appropriate personal protective equipment.

Environmental precautions:
Prevent entry into drains, surface water, and soil.

Cleanup methods:
Sweep or vacuum carefully.
Collect in suitable containers for disposal.
Avoid generating dust.

Additional advice:
Dispose of material in accordance with local regulations.

Exposure Controls / Personal Protection of Guaranine:

Engineering controls:
Provide adequate ventilation.
Use local exhaust systems to minimize exposure.

Respiratory protection:
Use dust mask or respirator if airborne particles are generated.

Hand protection:
Wear chemical-resistant gloves.

Eye protection:
Use safety goggles or protective eyewear.

Skin protection:
Wear appropriate protective clothing to prevent prolonged contact.

Hygiene measures:
Wash hands after handling.
Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking during use.

Identifiers of Guaranine:
Chemical Name: Caffeine
CAS Number: 58-08-2
EC Number: 200-362-1
Molecular Formula: C₈H₁₀N₄O₂
Molecular Weight: 194.19 g/mol
IUPAC Name: 1,3,7-Trimethylpurine-2,6-dione
Origin: Naturally derived from Paullinia cupana (guarana seeds)
Chemical Class: Methylxanthine alkaloid

Properties of Guaranine:
Appearance: White crystalline powder
Odor: Odorless or faint characteristic odor
Taste: Bitter
Chemical Type: Alkaloid (methylxanthine)
Purity: Typically ≥99% (depending on grade)
Melting Point: 235–238°C
Boiling Point: Sublimes before boiling (~178°C at reduced pressure)
Density: ~1.23 g/cm³
pH (aqueous solution): ~5–7
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water, freely soluble in hot water, soluble in ethanol and chloroform
Log P (octanol/water): ~ -0.07
Vapor Pressure: Very low