This plant is found largely in Brazil, Uruguay and Venezuela. The plant was named after the German medical botanist Paullini, who died in 1712. The seeds of P. sorbilis are sometimes also used with it to prepare Guarana, which was first made by a particular South American Indian tribe. The seeds crushed and mixed with water and Cassava and left to ferment forms a popular national drink. Its activity is to raise metabolism and acts as a stimulant, tonic (folk medicine), and in the homeopathic mother tincture for headaches. Active substances include catechin tannins, caffeine, theobromine and other xanthines.
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