It is believed to improve endurance and performance in athletes, reduce appetite, and promote weight and fat loss, while being used for mental stimulation and clarity.

It also has aphrodisiac properties. The indigenous people of the Amazon drank a guarana beverage daily as a tonic and a larger amount when they wanted to conceive. They also used it to treat diarrhea, headaches, and fever. It is also a diuretic and contributes to weight loss.