Guarana for Chemotherapy-Related Fatigue
Guarana may relieve fatigue caused by chemotherapy treatments for breast cancer, according to a new study.
Guarana, or Paullinia cupana, is a species native to South America. Guarana has the same effect as caffeine and is often used for energy and weight loss. There is some evidence that suggests guarana may be beneficial for mood enhancement and cognitive function; however, additional research is necessary before conclusions can be made.
In a recent study, 75 patients with fatigue related to their first chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer were randomly assigned to receive 50 milligrams of guarana twice daily or a placebo for 21 days. Seven days after treatment ended, the patients switched groups and completed the other course of treatment.
Several outcome measures, including the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue questionnaire, the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Endocrine Symptoms and the Brief Fatigue Inventory were taken on the first day of treatment and again on days 21 and 49.
The researchers found that guarana significantly improved assessments on fatigue and endocrine symptoms by days 21 and 49. No adverse effects were noted.
The authors concluded that guarana should be considered as an alternative treatment for chemotherapy-related fatigue for breast cancer patients; however additional research is necessary to further evaluate these findings.
For information about guarana, please visit Natural Standard's Foods, Herbs & Supplements database.
References
- de Oliveira Campos MP, Riechelmann R, Martins LC, et al. Guarana (Paullinia cupana) Improves Fatigue in Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Systemic Chemotherapy. J Altern Complement Med. 2011 Jun;17(6):505-12. View Abstract
- Natural Standard: The Authority on Integrative Medicine. www.naturalstandard.com