STUDIES ON THE ESSENTIAL OIL FROM GUARANA

The essential oil from guarana [Paullinia cupana H.B.K. var. sorbilis (Mart.) Ducke] was analysed. Nine components were identified, namely ( 2) methylbenzenes, (1) cyclic monoterpene and (2) cyclic sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, (2) methoxyphenylpropenes and (2) alkylphenol derivativ es. The alleged psychoactivity of the essential oil is presumably due to the identified constituents estragole and anethole. Any contributio n of aminated metabolites of estragole/anethole to the alleged psychoa ctivity of the essential oil of guarana can be excluded. Neither the p sychoactive 4-methoxyamphetamin nor tert-aminoke-tones could be traced in human urine after oral application of guarana.