Paullinia cupana, commonly known as guarana, is a climbing plant native to the Amazon basin and particularly widespread in Brazil. A member of the Sapindaceae family, guarana is famous for its seeds, which contain around twice the concentration of caffeine as coffee beans, making them a powerful stimulant. As well as being used as an energy-boosting nutraceutical, guarana seeds are used in the Beverages industry to produce energy Beverages and soft Beverages. The plant also plays an important role in the indigenous cultures of South America as a source of energy.
