Guarana – Natural Caffeine Source with Prolonged Effect

Guarana (Paullinia cupana) is a climbing plant from the Amazon whose seeds have the highest caffeine content of all known natural plants – up to 4–8% caffeine compared to ~1–2% in coffee beans. Thanks to its complex plant matrix, caffeine is released more slowly than with pure caffeine.

Active Ingredient Profile

In addition to caffeine, guarana contains a range of other xanthine alkaloids and antioxidants:

Compound	Content	Effect
Caffeine	3.6–5.8% (seeds)	Adenosine antagonism, stimulation, focus
Theobromine	~0.3%	Mild stimulant, bronchodilatory
Theophylline	~0.15%	Bronchodilatory, weak stimulant
Tannins	12%	Slow caffeine release; astringent
Catechins, Epicatechins	Variable	Antioxidant, cardioprotective
Saponins	Variable	Anti-inflammatory

Guarana vs. Pure Caffeine

3 min read

Apigenin – The Flavonoid for NAD+, Sleep, and Anti-Inflammation

Apigenin is a naturally occurring flavone found abundantly in chamomile, parsley, and many other plants. It acts as a CD38 inhibitor (thereby increasing NAD+ levels), exhibits anxiolytic and sleep-promoting properties, and possesses well-documented anti-inflammatory effects.

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NMN – Nicotinamide Mononucleotide for NAD+ and Cell Rejuvenation

NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide) is a direct precursor to NAD+, a coenzyme essential for energy production, DNA repair, and sirtuin activation. NAD+ levels decline significantly with age—NMN supplementation is intended to counteract this process.

Spermidin – Formkraft Supplement Lexikon

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Spermidine – Autophagy, Cell Rejuvenation, and Longevity

Spermidine is a natural polyamine found in almost all cells of the body and is considered one of the strongest autophagy inducers. It supports cellular self-cleaning, inhibits aging processes, and has promising effects on heart health, memory, and immune function.

3 min read

GABA – The most important inhibitory neurotransmitter for calm and sleep

GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system and regulates neuronal excitability, relaxation, and sleep quality. As a supplement, it is known for its anxiolytic and sleep-promoting effects.

3 min read

Choline – Brain, Liver, and Cell Membranes

Choline is an essential nutrient and quasi-vitamin indispensable for the synthesis of acetylcholine (neurotransmitter), phosphatidylcholine (cell membranes), and betaine (methylation metabolism). It supports liver function, cognitive performance, and early childhood brain development.

Pantothensäure (Vitamin B5) – Formkraft Supplement Lexikon

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Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5) – Energy, Cortisol, and Wound Healing

Pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) is a water-soluble B vitamin that is essential for the entire energy metabolism as a building block of coenzyme A (CoA). It supports cortisol synthesis, accelerates wound healing, and improves cholesterol levels.

3 min read

Biotin - The Vitamin for Hair, Nails, and Metabolism

Biotin (vitamin B7 or vitamin H) is a water-soluble B vitamin essential as a coenzyme for important carboxylase reactions in carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism. As a supplement, it is primarily used to strengthen hair and nails.

Hyaluronsäure – Formkraft Supplement Lexikon

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Hyaluronic Acid – Moisture, Joints, and Skin Aging

Hyaluronic acid is an endogenous glycosaminoglycan that occurs naturally in joints, skin, and connective tissue and plays a crucial role in moisture retention. As a supplement, orally administered hyaluronic acid can alleviate joint discomfort and improve skin quality.

Tribulus Terrestris – Formkraft Supplement Lexikon

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Tribulus Terrestris – Testosterone, Libido, and Athletic Performance

Tribulus terrestris is a widely used plant in traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine, primarily known for its libido-enhancing and potentially androgenic properties. The active ingredients are steroidal saponins, especially protodioscin.

Vitex (Mönchspfeffer) – Formkraft Supplement Lexikon

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Vitex (Chasteberry) – Hormone Balance and Cycle Regulation

Vitex agnus-castus, known as Chasteberry, is an herbal supplement for natural support of hormone balance in women. It acts on the pituitary gland via dopaminergic mechanisms and can alleviate menstrual irregularities and PMS symptoms.

Passionsblume – Formkraft Supplement Lexikon

3 min read

Passionflower – Natural Anxiety Relief for Inner Peace

Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) is one of the most effective herbal anxiolytics and is used for anxiety, nervousness, and sleep disorders. Its active ingredients interact with GABA receptors and promote deep relaxation without sedation.

Schwarzkümmelöl – Formkraft Supplement Lexikon

4 min read

Black Seed Oil – The Oil from the Orient with a Broad Spectrum of Effects

Black seed oil (Nigella sativa) has been referred to for millennia as a "remedy for everything but death." The active ingredient, thymoquinone, has strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties.

Mariendistel – Formkraft Supplement Lexikon

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Milk Thistle – Liver Protection and Regeneration with Silymarin

Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is the most important medicinal plant for the liver. The active ingredient complex silymarin has strong hepatoprotective, antioxidant, and regenerative properties and is used clinically in liver diseases.

3 min read

Valerian – The natural sleep and calming plant

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is one of the oldest and best-researched medicinal plants for sleep disorders and anxiety. The root contains a variety of calming active ingredients that affect the nervous system.

Alpha-Liponsäure – Formkraft Supplement Lexikon

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Alpha-Lipoic Acid – The Universal Antioxidant for Nerves and Metabolism

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is a unique antioxidant that is both water and fat-soluble, allowing it to work in all body cells. It supports detoxification, improves insulin sensitivity, and protects the nervous system.

3 min read

NAC – N-Acetylcysteine for Detoxification and Respiratory Health

N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a modified form of the amino acid cysteine and one of the most important precursors of glutathione – the body's strongest antioxidant. NAC supports the liver and lungs and protects cells from oxidative stress.

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Maca – The Andean Root for Energy, Libido, and Hormone Balance

Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is a plant species from the Peruvian Andes and is considered a powerful superfood with adaptogenic properties. It is valued for its effects on energy, libido, fertility, and hormonal balance.

3 min read

Ginseng – The Royal Adaptogen for Energy and Vitality

Ginseng is one of the most traditional adaptogens in the world, valued for its energy-boosting, stress-reducing, and immune-strengthening properties. Panax Ginseng contains unique ginsenosides with a broad spectrum of biological activity.

Ginkgo Biloba – Formkraft Supplement Lexikon

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Ginkgo Biloba – Blood Circulation, Memory, and Antioxidants

Ginkgo Biloba is one of the oldest remedies in the world and is valued for its blood circulation-promoting and neuroprotective properties. Memory, concentration, and cognitive performance in particular have been shown to benefit from Ginkgo extract.

Boswellia – Formkraft Supplement Lexikon

3 min read

Boswellia – Frankincense Extract for Inflammation and Joint Pain

Boswellia serrata, also known as Indian frankincense, is a powerful herbal anti-inflammatory that is particularly well-researched for arthritis, asthma, and inflammatory bowel diseases.

3 min read

Curcumin – The Anti-Inflammatory Compound in Turmeric

Curcumin is the main active ingredient in turmeric root and is considered one of the most potent natural antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents. It unfolds its full effect particularly in combination with piperine.

Melatonin – Formkraft Supplement Lexikon

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Melatonin – The sleep hormone for better regeneration

Melatonin is the body's natural sleep hormone, regulating the sleep-wake cycle. As a supplement, it is particularly helpful for jet lag, shift work, and difficulty falling asleep.

Vitamin K2 – Formkraft Supplement Lexikon

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Vitamin K2 – Vitamin D3's Partner for Bones and Heart

Vitamin K2 directs calcium to the bones and keeps it out of the arteries – the indispensable partner of Vitamin D3.

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Sodium – The Misunderstood Electrolyte

Sodium is the most important extracellular electrolyte for water balance and nerve conduction – particularly important during prolonged endurance exercise.

Thermogenese – Formkraft Supplement Lexikon

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Thermic Effect of Food – How Food and Supplements Increase Calorie Expenditure

Thermogenesis is the calorie-burning effect of food and certain supplements – caffeine and EGCG are the most effective natural boosters.

Elektrolyte – Formkraft Supplement Lexikon

3 min read

Electrolytes – Hydration, Performance, and Cramps

Electrolytes are essential for hydration and muscle contractions – especially important for athletes during long or intense sessions.

2 min read

Inositol – Hormone Balance, PCOS, and Mental Health

Inositol improves insulin sensitivity and helps with PCOS and anxiety disorders – one of the few natural compounds with broad evidence.

3 min read

Berberine – The Plant Molecule with Metformin-like Effects

Berberine activates AMPK like metformin – lowers blood sugar, cholesterol and triglycerides with excellent scientific evidence.

Bittermelone – Formkraft Supplement Lexikon

2 min read

Bitter Melon – Natural Blood Sugar Regulator

Bitter melon naturally regulates blood sugar with insulin-like compounds – used for centuries in traditional medicine.

Chrom-Picolinat – Formkraft Supplement Lexikon

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Chromium – Blood Sugar, Insulin Sensitivity, and Cravings

Chromium improves insulin sensitivity and can reduce cravings—a trace element with a role in blood sugar regulation.

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5-HTP – Serotonin Precursor for Mood and Satiety

5-HTP increases serotonin for better mood, sleep, and appetite control – a natural approach to emotional eating.

Glucomannan – Formkraft Supplement Lexikon

3 min read

Glucomannan – The Natural Satiety Booster

Glucomannan is a natural fiber from the konjac plant – it swells in the stomach and provides long-lasting satiety.

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MCT Oil – Fast Energy from Healthy Fats

MCT oil provides fast energy from healthy medium-chain fatty acids – ideal for ketogenic diets and brain performance.

Grüntee-Extrakt – Formkraft Supplement Lexikon

2 min read

Green Tea Extract - Antioxidant, Fat Burner and Longevity

Green Tea Extract (EGCG) combines antioxidant protection with mild thermogenesis – ideal as a natural fat burner boost.

2 min read

CLA - Conjugated Linoleic Acid for Body Composition

CLA is a natural fatty acid to improve body composition – supports fat loss while maintaining muscle mass.

L-Carnitin – Formkraft Supplement Lexikon

3 min read

L-Carnitine – Fat Burning and Energy

L-carnitine transports fatty acids into the mitochondria for burning – especially valuable for vegans and during aerobic training.

Citrullin-Malat – Formkraft Supplement Lexikon

3 min read

Citrulline Malate – Endurance, Pump, and Reduced Muscle Soreness

Citrulline malate combines NO-boost with improved energy production – more pump, more reps, less muscle soreness.

2 min read

DMAE – Focus and Acetylcholine Precursor

DMAE supports acetylcholine synthesis for improved focus and cognitive clarity - a nootropic for pre-workout stacks.

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TeaCrine – Caffeine Alternative Without Tolerance Buildup

TeaCrine is a caffeine alternative that builds tolerance more slowly – ideal for extending and enhancing the effects of caffeine.

3 min read

Niacin (Vitamin B3) – Energy, Cholesterol, and the Flush Effect

Niacin (Vitamin B3) is an NAD+ precursor for energy metabolism—known for the flush effect and its impact on cholesterol.

Niacin (Vitamin B3) – Energy, Cholesterol, and the Flush Effect Older post

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L-Tyrosine - Focus, Stress Resistance, and Dopamine Newer post

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Property	Guarana	Pure Caffeine
Onset of action	Slower (~60–90 min.)	Faster (~30–45 min.)
Duration of action	Longer (due to tannin binding)	Shorter
Peak caffeine concentration	Flatter curve	Steeper peak

Guarana – Natural Caffeine with Sustained Release

Guarana – Natural Caffeine Source with Prolonged Effect

Active Ingredient Profile

Guarana vs. Pure Caffeine

For your daily balance