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Guarana Extract (Paullinia Cupana Seed Extract): Caffeine from the Seed for Energizing Formulations

CONIUNCTA® Guarana Extract (INCI: Paullinia Cupana Seed Extract) is obtained from the seeds of Paullinia cupana and is available as a liquid, water-based extract in three carrier variants: Pentylene Glycol, Propylene Glycol and Glycerin. Characteristic of this extract is the native lead marker caffeine, complemented by tannins and theobromine. For formulators in the cosmetics and food industries, this conventional extract offers a standardized, documented basis for energizing and moisture-promoting applications. It is suitable for vegan formulations and is produced via CONIUNCTA® AVE technology. Paullinia cupana: the guarana seed as a raw material source Guarana (Paullinia cupana) is a South American plant whose seeds form the plant part relevant to this extract. CONIUNCTA® Guarana Extract is based exclusively on the seed extract and is obtained through water-based extraction. Due to the aqueous extraction and the absence of essential oils, the product is free from fragrance allergens as defined in Annex III of Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009. The native extract has a drug-extract ratio (DER) of 1:10, based on dried starting material. The extract content in the final product is approximately 30%. This provides formulators with a concentrated, standardized raw material whose composition remains comparable across the carrier variants. Caffeine as lead marker: markers and documented compounds The primary marker of the guarana seed extract is caffeine, a purine alkaloid. The literature content in the dried material is 2.5 to 7% (Ph. Bras., Schimpl et al. 2013). In the product itself, the indicative caffeine content ranges from 0.6 to 2.2 mg/mL, estimated on the basis of the dry material content, the DER 1:10 and an extraction efficiency of 70 to 90%. In addition to caffeine, further compounds are documented: Tannins (catechins and procyanidins): 5 to 12% Theobromine: 0.2 to 0.5% The TDS also lists water-soluble phytochemicals of the guarana seeds, which may vary depending on botanical origin and batch, including saponins, flavonoid glycosides, phenolic acids, polysaccharides, amino acids, organic acids, choline and water-soluble vitamins. Documented efficacy profile for cosmetics and food The CDS describes an efficacy profile for the caffeine content in cosmetic applications that is documented as lipolytic, microcirculation-promoting and energizing. Phosphodiesterase and adenosine receptors are named as cosmetic targets. Supported cosmetic claim areas according to the CDS are astringent, balancing, moisture-promoting and skin-plumping. For food applications, caffeine is documented in the CDS as a nutritive antioxidant contribution as well as a traditional food component, with the targets metabolic health and reduction of oxidative stress. Important for finished product manufacturers: all product-related claims require independent substantiation in accordance with Regulation (EC) No. 655/2013. Guarana seed extract in three carrier variants: which one fits your formulation? Guarana Extract is available in three water-based carrier systems that differ in composition and application profile: Glycerin variant (INCI: Glycerin, Paullinia Cupana Seed Extract): standardization medium glycerin (≥ 99.5%, anhydrous), approximately 70% of the final product, extract content 30%. According to the CDS, this variant is also suitable for food applications. Propylene glycol variant (INCI: Aqua, Propylene Glycol, Paullinia Cupana Seed Extract): approx. 40% water, 30% extract, 30% propylene glycol. Pentylene glycol variant (INCI: Aqua, Pentylene Glycol, Paullinia Cupana Seed Extract): approx. 50% water, 30% extract, 20% pentylene glycol, with a Natural Origin Index (NOI) of 0.8 according to ISO 16128. According to the CDS, all three variants are suitable for cosmetic applications. The choice of carrier variant depends on the target system of the final product, for example compatibility with the rest of the formulation structure and preservation-related considerations. The recommended usage concentration is 2 to 5% (1 to 3% in the short overview). As a sample calculation, the CDS states a caffeine contribution of 12.0 to 44.0 µg/mL in the formulation at 2% extract usage. For functional foods and beverages, 0.5 to 2% is documented. What is Guarana Extract and what is it used for? Guarana Extract is a caffeine-containing plant extract obtained from the seeds of Paullinia cupana. As a CONIUNCTA® raw material, it is provided in liquid form for the cosmetics and food industries. In cosmetic formulations, the caffeine-based marker is linked to the claim areas documented in the CDS, namely astringent, balancing and moisture-promoting, while in food applications it is linked to the antioxidant contribution of caffeine. The glycerin variant is the carrier variant suitable for food. The extract is specified as a clear liquid with a color ranging from amber to light brown and a density of 1.03 to 1.06. It is free from fragrance allergens as defined in Annex III (EC) No. 1223/2009 and suitable for vegan formulations. Please note that color changes or turbidity may occur depending on storage and temperature; according to the dossier, any filtration that may be required has no effect on quality. Technical documentation, storage and B2B inquiries Shelf life is 24 months when stored dry between 10 and 30 °C in the original sealed container. We provide the complete technical documents, including TDS, SDS and CDS with batch-specific values according to the CoA, to registered customers via our technical documentation. Background information on the manufacturing process can be found on the AVE technology page. Guarana Extract is part of our portfolio of classic plant extracts; the glycerin variant is also part of our glycerin extracts. For samples, specifications and selecting the right carrier variant, you can view Guarana Extract in the CONIUNCTA® shop and contact us directly. CONIUNCTA® - Raw materials, data and services for future-ready formulations.