Effect of γ-irradiation on mycoflora of guarana (Paullinia cupana)

Guarana (Paullinia cupana), originally from Amazon, Brazil, is currently used to cure headaches and as a stimulant, besides being used on depressive patients. This study was developed to evaluate the presence of toxigenic moulds, to detect mycotoxins, to determine the water activity (Aw) and to verify the effects of γ-radiation in the fungal mycoflora in 30 samples of guarana (P. cupana) in powder and grain forms purchased from industry, pharmacies and street market in five cities of São Paulo.