GUARANA (PAULLINIA-CUPANA) - TOXIC BEHAVIORAL-EFFECTS IN LABORATORY-ANIMALS AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY IN-VITRO

The effects on toxic and behavioral levels of guarana (Paullinia cupan a) were assessed in rats and mice subsequent to acute and chronic admi nistrations and were compared to those produced by Ginseng (Panax gins eng). Experimental parameters included tests for antioxidant capacity in vitro and measured in vivo, toxicological screening, progress in we ight, motor activity, death rate, and histopathological examination of the viscera. Guarana showed an antioxidant effect because, even at lo w concentrations (1.2 mu g/ml), it inhibited the process of lipid pero xidation. Ln high doses of 1000-2000 mg/kg (i.p. and p.o.) it did not induce significant alterations in parameters for toxicological screeni ng. No effects on motor activity were observed, neither did guarana al ter the hypnotic effect of pentobarbital. Ginseng (250-1000 mg/kg i.p. ), however, elicited reductions in motor activity, eyelid ptosis and b ristling fur. Consumption of liquids containing guarana or ginseng and progress in weight of the animals remained at levels similar to the c ontrols, even after prolonged administration. The percentage mortality was equivalent in control and in treated groups. The absence of toxic ity of guarana was also demonstrated by histopathological examination, with no alteration being detected in heart, lungs, stomach, small and large intestine, liver; pancreas, kidneys, bladder and spleen. (C) 19 98 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.