Theacrine

Theacrine

Many people consider theacrine to be a better version of caffeine. While it is very similar to caffeine, it is not an actual replacement for it. Interestingly, research indicates that it does have several differences compared to caffeine. Just like caffeine, it is a stimulant. However, unlike caffeine, this stimulant may not cause tolerance build-up and a possible restless feeling. As a result, users do not have to increase the dosages over time to get the same effect. In addition, theacrine does not have the sudden crash that can be associated with caffeine and many other stimulants.

Theacrine is also known as:
Kucha tea extract
1,3,7,9-tetramethyluric acid
TeaCrine® (Brand name)

Functions of Theacrine

Unfortunately, due to European legislation, we cannot describe all the effects and functions of this product. Not even if these have been confirmed by research. Nevertheless, we do our best to provide you with as much relevant information as possible.

Theacrine is primarily used as a pre-workout ingredient, due to its research-confirmed effects [1][2][3][4]. The effects of this supplement are not surprising given its similarity to caffeine. However, it is often described as a milder but longer acting caffeine. Users state that there is no so-called “crash” and that this stimulant does not cause the restless feeling that is associated with many other stimulants. In addition, it seems that this supplement does not cause tolerance build-up. As a result, users do not need to increase the dosage over time to get the same desired effect [1][5][6]. This supplement is also used as a nootropic, as it may also have other effects [1][2][3][4][7][8].

Who can use Theacrine ?

Theacrine is mainly used as a pre-workout. It is usually found in more expensive and better pre-workout products. However, it is also consumed by some users as a nootropic or stimulant on non-exercise days. It is especially suitable for people who do not like the rushed feeling that is often associated with caffeine and many other stimulants. It is also very interesting for people who want to use a stimulant that does not result in the build-up of tolerance.

How should I use Theacrine extract ? / Dosages

The amount you use, should depend on the desired effect. As a pre-workout, it is recommended to consume 150mg – 300mg approximately 30-60 minutes before a workout. As a nootropic, dosages of up to 50mg should be used. One level scoop contains ~75mg of theacrine. It is important for users to realize that pure theacrine has a very bitter taste. Due to this, we recommend to mix it with a juice or drink that has a strong and pleasant taste.

Stacking / combining

Some people see Theacrine as a replacement for caffeine. However, research indicates that the combination of these two ingredients works very well [2]. While this combination is great, there are many other combinations possible. For example, it can be combined with supplements such as creatine, protein powder and synephrine. Due to the positive effects and many possible combinations, it is also increasingly added to pre-workout supplements.

Where does Theacrine come from ?

This stimulant occurs in nature, but is also made synthetically. In nature it is found in the leaves of the Camellia Kucha plant and the Cupuacu fruit [12].

Other information

Theacrine vs Caffeine
Theacrine has a similar structure to caffeine, which make them very similar in their effects. However, due to the small differences in structure, there are some interesting differences. Due to the differences in structure, theacrine has a longer effect and no tolerance build-up. With daily use of caffeine, tolerance does build up, so users have to use increasingly larger doses to get the same effect. While theacrine is similar to caffeine in many ways, it is not necessarily a substitute for caffeine. As previously mentioned, they actually complement each other very well [2].

Current research
The current amount of research regarding this supplement can be considered as limited. Furthermore, a few studies appear to be sponsored by a manufacturer, which could have influenced the research. However, based on current research, the increasing popularity, and user feedback, this supplement appears to be effective. Due to this, we expect more studies regarding supplement in the near future.

Safety & competitive use

Safety
Research indicates that Theacrine consumption is well-tolerated and can be regarded as safe [6]. It actually has some liver-protective and anti-inflammatory effects [13]. Theacrine also appears to have no adverse effect on blood pressure or anxiety levels, unlike caffeine [8].

Competitive use
Just like caffeine, this supplement is allowed by almost every sports association. If you have doubts if use is allowed in your sport, we advise you to ask the relevant sports association.

Correct use
A dietary supplement can contribute to a healthy and active lifestyle. However, it should not be a substitute for a healthy lifestyle and a varied diet. The recommended dosage should not be exceeded, since side effects may occur otherwise. Temporary side effects of theacrine can include: restlessness, and a decreased sleep quality. In rare cases, these side effects can also occur with normal doses. If side effects occur, consumption should be discontinued.

As with any supplement, we advise users to consult a physician before use. In particular if you use medication or have health complaints. This product should not be used by people which have high blood pressure or heart problems. In addition, this supplement should not be used by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Furthermore, this product should not be used by persons under 18 years of age and must be kept out of the reach of children. Keep this product in a cool and dry place to maintain the quality.

References

1. Habowski, S. M., Sandrock, J. E., Kedia, A. W., & Ziegenfuss, T. N. (2014). The effects of Teacrine TM, a nature-identical purine alkaloid, on subjective measures of cognitive function, psychometric and hemodynamic indices in healthy humans: a randomized, double-blinded crossover pilot trial. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 11(1), 1-2.
2. Bello, M. L., Walker, A. J., McFadden, B. A., Sanders, D. J., & Arent, S. M. (2019). The effects of TeaCrine® and caffeine on endurance and cognitive performance during a simulated match in high-level soccer players. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 16(1), 1-10.
3. Ziegenfuss, T. N., Habowski, S. M., Sandrock, J. E., Kedia, A. W., Kerksick, C. M., & Lopez, H. L. (2017). A two-part approach to examine the effects of theacrine (TeaCrine®) supplementation on oxygen consumption, hemodynamic responses, and subjective measures of cognitive and psychometric parameters. Journal of dietary supplements, 14(1), 9-24.
4. Kuhman, D. J., Joyner, K. J., & Bloomer, R. J. (2015). Cognitive performance and mood following ingestion of a theacrine-containing dietary supplement, caffeine, or placebo by young men and women. Nutrients, 7(11), 9618-9632.
5. He, H., Ma, D., Crone, L. B., Butawan, M., Meibohm, B., Bloomer, R. J., & Yates, C. R. (2017). Assessment of the drug–drug interaction potential between theacrine and caffeine in humans. Journal of caffeine research, 7(3), 95-102.
6. Taylor, L., Mumford, P., Roberts, M., Hayward, S., Mullins, J., Urbina, S., & Wilborn, C. (2016). Safety of TeaCrine®, a non-habituating, naturally-occurring purine alkaloid over eight weeks of continuous use. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 13(1), 1-14.
7. Sheng, Y. Y., Xiang, J., Wang, Z. S., Jin, J., Wang, Y. Q., Li, Q. S., … & Zheng, X. Q. (2020). Theacrine from camellia kucha and its health beneficial effects. Frontiers in Nutrition, 7.
8. Li, W. X., Li, Y. F., Zhai, Y. J., Chen, W. M., Kurihara, H., & He, R. R. (2013). Theacrine, a purine alkaloid obtained from Camellia assamica var. kucha, attenuates restraint stress-provoked liver damage in mice. Journal of agricultural and food chemistry, 61(26), 6328-6335.
9. Feduccia, A. A., Wang, Y., Simms, J. A., Henry, Y. Y., Li, R., Bjeldanes, L., … & Bartlett, S. E. (2012). Locomotor activation by theacrine, a purine alkaloid structurally similar to caffeine: involvement of adenosine and dopamine receptors. Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior, 102(2), 241-248.
10. López-Cruz, L., Salamone, J. D., & Correa, M. (2018). Caffeine and selective adenosine receptor antagonists as new therapeutic tools for the motivational symptoms of depression. Frontiers in pharmacology, 9, 526.
11. Qiao, H., Ye, X., Bai, X., He, J., Li, T., Zhang, J., … & Xu, J. (2017). Theacrine: A purine alkaloid from Camellia assamica var. kucha with a hypnotic property via the adenosine system. Neuroscience letters, 659, 48-53.
12. Zheng, X. Q., Ye, C. X., Kato, M., Crozier, A., & Ashihara, H. (2002). Theacrine (1, 3, 7, 9-tetramethyluric acid) synthesis in leaves of a Chinese tea, kucha (Camellia assamica var. kucha). Phytochemistry, 60(2), 129-134.
13. Wang, Y., Yang, X., Zheng, X., Li, J., Ye, C., & Song, X. (2010). Theacrine, a purine alkaloid with anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities. Fitoterapia, 81(6), 627-631.

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