Guarana (Paullinia cupana), also known as Brazilian cocoa, is used in the Brazilian amazon like coffee or tea in much of the rest of the world. The dried paste made from ground seeds is the most common medicinal portion. Containing about 3.5% caffeine (dry weight), guarana extract preparations can be as high as 20% caffeine. While guarana is most often used for its caffeine content, some have used it for its tannin constituents as an astringent (for diarrhea, intestinal inflammations etc.). Many herbalist believe it is dangerous to use guarana as a stimulant for weight loss, especially when it is combined ephedrine containing products (Ephedra etc.). Guarana is available as a dried herb, extract, powders, and standardized extracts.