Theacrine
A purine alkaloid structurally similar to caffeine found in Kucha tea (Camellia assamica var. kucha). Theacrine provides caffeine-like energy and focus without the tolerance buildup, jitteriness, or sleep disruption. Studies show no tolerance development even after 8 weeks of daily use — making it a potential caffeine replacement for people who have become tolerant to caffeine's effects.
Dosage
Standard: 100-300 mg daily. TeaCrine is the branded form. Can be stacked with caffeine — the combination provides synergistic effects at lower doses of each. Due to the long half-life, take in the morning only.
Dosages shown are for research reference only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.
Half-Life
16-20 hours (much longer than caffeine)
Administration
Oral (capsules, powder). TeaCrine is the most studied branded form. Take in the morning.
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Mechanism of Action
Theacrine activates dopamine receptors (D1 and D2 families) — likely as an indirect agonist via dopamine release or reuptake inhibition — and inhibits adenosine A1 and A2A receptors as an antagonist, similar to caffeine. Unlike caffeine, theacrine does not cause upregulation of adenosine receptors (A1R, A2AR) with chronic use, which is why tolerance does not develop; the structural difference (1,3,7-trimethyluric acid vs 1,3,7-trimethylxanthine) may alter receptor binding kinetics or downstream signaling. It modulates the adenosinergic and dopaminergic systems in a manner that maintains sensitivity over time — possibly through different metabolism (theacrine has a 16-20 hour half-life) or receptor interaction profiles. Theacrine provides anti-inflammatory effects through inhibition of NF-kB (reducing IKK activity and p65 nuclear translocation) and may have additional effects on phosphodiesterase inhibition, increasing cAMP.
Regulatory Status
Dietary supplement. GRAS status (self-affirmed). Available OTC. Not a controlled substance.
Risks & Safety
Common
Mild stimulation, reduced appetite. Fewer side effects than caffeine at equivalent perceived effect levels.
Serious
None documented at standard doses.
Rare
Insomnia if taken too late due to long half-life.
Compare Theacrine With
Research Papers
10Published: December 16, 2020
AI Summary
Present review examines the advances in the research on the health beneficial effects of theacrine, including antioxidant effect, anti-inflammatory effect, locomotor activation and reducing fatigue effects, improving cognitive effect, hypnotic effect, ameliorating lipid metabolism and inhibiting breast cancer cell metastasis effect.
Published: October 27, 2022
AI Summary
The literature from the area has shown that different substances can promote beneficial effects over physical performance. Therefore, the findings of this study do not support the use of theacrine to increase physical performance.
Published: October 3, 2022
AI Summary
We found that theacrine treatment significantly alleviated LPS-induced kidney injury, as evidenced by decreased levels of kidney injury markers (blood urea nitrogen and creatinine), inflammatory factors (IL-1β and IL-18), and cell apoptosis in vivo and in vitro.
Published: February 27, 2024
AI Summary
Psoriasis, a common chronic inflammatory skin condition, impacts around 2%-3% of the global population. Theacrine is recognized for its potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Published: July 6, 2019
AI Summary
Additionally, theacrine attenuates TGF-β-induced EMT, cell adhesion, migration, and invasion in MDA-MB-231 cells. Overall, our results suggest that theacrine may inhibit the breast cancer cell metastasis by reversing the EMT process.
Published: August 31, 2022
AI Summary
The results indicated that 10 and 20 mg/kg of theacrine ameliorated hepatic fibrosis, steatosis, and inflammation in LF rats. Further investigation revealed that the theacrine-mediated decrease in cholesterol was independent of cholesterol synthesis or low-density lipoprotein (LDL) uptake in hyperlipidemia mice.
Published: November 14, 2020
AI Summary
Kucha tea plant (Camellia assamica var. kucha Chang et Wang) is regarded as a mutant variety of wild Pu'er tea plant found in few mountain areas of Yunnan, China. Its fresh young leaves and shoots are picked by the indigenous aborigines in these local areas to prepare an herbal tea for the treatment
Published: October 9, 2020
AI Summary
Oxidative damage of dopaminergic neurons is the fundamental causes of Parkinson's disease (PD) that has no standard cure at present. Theacrine has nowadays gained a lot of interest for its multiple benefits, while the investigations are weak and insufficient.
Published: July 31, 2018
AI Summary
Acylcarnitine metabolism disorder contributes significantly to the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of theacrine, a rare purine alkaloid isolated from Camellia assamica var. kucha, against acylcarnitine metabolism disorder in NAFLD.
Published: June 29, 2024
AI Summary
The results indicated a considerable increase in the astringency values of EGCG-theacrine solutions compared with those of EGCG solutions alone. The results revealed that theacrine increased the particle size of EGCG-proline-rich proteins (PRPs) aggregates with that of EGCG and PRPs alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Theacrine used for?
A purine alkaloid structurally similar to caffeine found in Kucha tea (Camellia assamica var. kucha). Theacrine provides caffeine-like energy and focus without the tolerance buildup, jitteriness, or sleep disruption. Studies show no tolerance development even after 8 weeks of daily use — making it a potential caffeine replacement for people who have become tolerant to caffeine's effects.
What are the side effects of Theacrine?
Common: Mild stimulation, reduced appetite. Fewer side effects than caffeine at equivalent perceived effect levels. Serious: None documented at standard doses. Rare: Insomnia if taken too late due to long half-life.
How is Theacrine administered?
Theacrine is administered via oral (capsules, powder). teacrine is the most studied branded form. take in the morning..
What is the half-life of Theacrine?
The half-life of Theacrine is 16-20 hours (much longer than caffeine).
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