User:Hyattaj/sandbox

I will be explaining where the high doses of caffeine comes from in these energy drinks. Also, why it is bad for your health and what it can do to your heart and body.

Guaraná has a long history of use as a stimulant in South America. Its purported stimulant effects have often been attributed to the presence of caffeine 63. The effects on toxic and behavioral levels of guarana (Paullinia cupana) were assessed in rats and mice subsequent to acute and chronic administrations and were compared to those produced by Ginseng (Panax ginseng). Experimental parameters included tests for antioxidant capacity in vitro and measured in vivo, toxicological screening, progress in weight, motor activity, death rate, and histopathological examination of the viscera. Guarana showed an antioxidant effect because, even at low concentrations (1.2 μg/ml), it inhibited the process of lipid peroxidation. In high doses of 1000-2000 mg/kg (i.p. and p.o.) it did not induce significant alterations in parameters for toxicological screening. No effects on motor activity were observed, neither did guarana alter the hypnotic effect of pentobarbital. Ginseng (250-1000 mg/kg i.p.), however, elicited reductions in motor activity, eyelid ptosis and bristling fur. Consumption of liquids containing guarana or ginseng and progress in weight of the animals remained at levels similar to the controls, even after prolonged administration. The percentage mortality was equivalent in control and in treated groups. The absence of toxicity 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 64. Ginseng therapy elevated mood, improved psychophysical performance, and reduced fasting blood glucose (FBG) and body weight. The 200-mg dose of ginseng improved glycated hemoglobin, serum PIIINP, and physical activity 65.

63. Scholey, A., and C. Haskell. "Journals on the Web." Journals on the Web. Drugs of the Future, 2008. Web. 14 Apr. 2014.

64. Mattei, R., R. F. Dias, E. B. Espinola, E. A. Carlini, and S. BM Barros. "Guarana (Paullinia Cupana): Toxic Behavioral Effects in Laboratory Animals and Antioxidant Activity in Vitro." Guarana (Paullinia Cupana): Toxic Behavioral Effects in Laboratory Animals and Antioxidant Activity in Vitro. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 1998. Web. 14 Apr. 2014.

65. Sotaniemi, Eero A., Eila Haapakoski, and Arja Rautio. "Diabetes Care." Ginseng Therapy in Non-Insulin-Dependent Diabetic Patients: Effects on Psychophysical Performance, Glucose Homeostasis, Serum Lipids, Serum Aminoterminalpropeptide Concentration, and Body Weight. N.p., 1995. Web. 14 Apr. 2014.