Guarana, or Paullinia cupana, is a celebrated plant native to the Amazon basin, highly valued for the stimulating properties of its seeds. Beyond its primary name, this plant has accrued a variety of other names throughout its history, reflecting its cultural significance, botanical classification, and widespread use. Understanding these alternative names provides insight into its rich heritage and global recognition.
Scientific Names and Botanical Classification
Paullinia cupana
This is the most widely recognized scientific name for the guarana plant. It is a member of the Sapindaceae family, which also includes maple trees and lychees. Indigenous to the lush Amazon rainforests of Brazil and Venezuela, the term cupana is believed to derive from the Tupi-Guarani language, reflecting its native origins. The vibrant red fruit of this climbing plant splits open to reveal a dark seed, which is partially covered by a white aril, creating a striking visual resemblance to an eyeball.
Paullinia sorbilis
An older scientific name and common synonym for the species, Paullinia sorbilis is less frequently used today but still appears in historical and some botanical texts. The use of this name highlights the evolution of botanical nomenclature over time as scientists refined the classification of the Amazonian flora.
English and Colloquial Names
Brazilian Cocoa
Because of its similar preparation and use as a stimulating beverage, guarana seeds were sometimes referred to as 'Brazilian cocoa' or 'Cacao Brésilien'. Historically, the seeds were roasted, pounded into a paste, and then dried, much like cocoa beans are processed to create chocolate. This name also speaks to its high caffeine content and origins in Brazil.
Guaranine
This name is a bit of a misnomer. Early scientific studies identified the key stimulating alkaloid in guarana and named it 'guaranine'. It was later confirmed that guaranine is chemically identical to caffeine. So, while 'guaranine' is technically a synonym for caffeine from a chemical perspective, it is still sometimes used as an alternative name for the extract or active ingredient derived from the guarana plant.
Zoom
Some commercial products, particularly in the dietary supplement and energy drink market, have historically used the informal and descriptive name 'Zoom'. This name directly references the energizing and stimulating effects associated with guarana, appealing to consumers looking for a quick boost of energy.
Regional and Other Descriptive Names
Guaraná Paste or Gum
This name describes the traditional processed form of guarana, where the powdered seeds are mixed with water to form a paste and then dried into hardened sticks or blocks. These solid blocks could then be grated into drinks, serving as a concentrated form of the stimulant for easy storage and transport.
Guarana Kletterstrauch
This is a German name for the guarana plant, translating literally to 'guarana climbing shrub'. It provides a simple, direct description of the plant's growth habit.
Cupana
Used in parts of South America like Peru and Venezuela, 'cupana' is a regional variant of the name that reflects the plant's scientific designation (Paullinia cupana) and indigenous roots.
Comparison Table: Guarana Names and Their Context
| Name | Type | Context | Origin | Primary Association |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paullinia cupana | Scientific | Botanical classification | Latin (Indigenous Influence) | Academic, Biological |
| Brazilian Cocoa | Colloquial | Traditional preparation/processing | English/French | Historical, Food/Beverage |
| Guaranine | Chemical | Active compound identification | Scientific | Chemical composition, Caffeine |
| Zoom | Commercial/Colloquial | Modern market for energy products | English | Stimulating effect, Marketing |
| Guaraná Paste | Descriptive | Traditional processed form | Portuguese/Regional | Preparation method, Culinary |
| Cupana | Regional | Usage in certain South American countries | Indigenous/Spanish | Regional variants, Indigenous heritage |
The Cultural Significance of Guarana's Names
Each name for guarana tells a part of its story, from its scientific classification to its role in indigenous Amazonian culture. The indigenous Sateré-Mawé people of Brazil have a deep spiritual connection to the plant, with a myth telling of its origins from a divine child. For these communities, guarana was not just a stimulant but a sacred part of their culture and medicine. As European explorers and traders encountered the plant, they adopted names that reflected its function and resemblance to other well-known products, like cocoa, as it became a commercial commodity. Later, with the rise of modern supplement and energy drink markets, names like 'Zoom' were created to appeal to a wider audience, focusing solely on its energizing effects. The multiple names serve as a fascinating timeline of the plant's journey from a traditional Amazonian remedy to a globally recognized supplement.
Conclusion
Guarana is known by a variety of names, each reflecting a different facet of its history and use. Its scientific names, Paullinia cupana and Paullinia sorbilis, ground it in botanical science, while colloquial names like 'Brazilian cocoa' and 'Zoom' speak to its traditional preparation and modern marketing. Regardless of the name used, guarana's fame is built upon the potent stimulating properties of its seeds, which have been valued for centuries by indigenous communities and are now enjoyed worldwide. The diversity of names is a testament to the plant's global journey and enduring appeal as a natural source of energy and focus.
Other Guarana Forms and Their Names
Guarana Powder
Refers to the ground seeds, the most common form sold for supplements and drinks.
Guarana Extract
A concentrated liquid or powder derived from the seeds.
Guarana Seeds
Refers to the raw seeds of the Paullinia cupana fruit.
Guarana Syrup
Sweetened, liquid form used primarily in the beverage industry.
