La mercatique transatlantique d’un végétal psychoactif : le guaraná entre remède et aliment (1840-1921)

Guaraná, (Paullinia cupana Humbodlt Bonpland Kunth var. sorbilis [Mart.] Ducke) is a psychoactive plant that is considered a physical and intellectual energizer. Global plant since the end of the 20th century, it is one of the few Amazonian crops that has become a typical Brazilian industry. During this article we will study the transatlantic commodity chains of the guaraná between its first productions diffusions from 1840 on until the invention of the first guaraná-based modern drink in Brazil. During this period the plant became the object of a strong scientific interest on the other side of the Atlantic, especially in France and Germany, with the identification of its active molecule, the guaranine. Once isolated this alkaloid was largely distributed as a remedy thanks to the support of numerous scientists and merchants in the European drugstore network. At the same time in Brazil, the production and consumption of the plant mixed and increased within the population. All along these marketing roundtrips between Brazil and France, guaraná transformed its status from remedy to food