Theacrine Benefits for Energy, Uses, Dosages & Side Effects

Theacrine is a chemical compound called an alkaloid that has been described as an altered version of caffeine.

Theacrine (C9H12N4O3) is produced from caffeine (C8H10N4O2) in certain plants; mainly teas and coffees. Recent research has shown promise for theacrine as a tolerance-free caffeine replacement.

Theacrine is proposed as a supplement that can increase energy, sharpen mental focus, and prolong endurance. It is sometimes used as a nootropic supplement for its purported cognitive enhancement benefits.

Unlike caffeine, this alkaloid might help to stimulate energy and mental focus, without the need to keep increasing dosages. While preliminary research is promising, there has been very little reliable human research completed to date. [1, 2]

Theacrine

Herbal Extract

Energy

Alertness

Pre-Workout

How It Works:

• Exhibits stimulant effects
• Promotes stamina & performance
• Enhances motivation & focus

Dosage:

Between 100 - 400 mg per day

Safety:

Generally Well Tolerated

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What is Theacrine?

The primary structural difference between theacrine and caffeine is that theacrine has a methyl group, and caffeine has a ketone group in its molecular structure.

Researchers have discovered that theacrine’s activities are related to influences on adenosinergic and dopaminergic neurotransmission. [1]

This means that theacrine increases the activity of a brain chemical called dopamine (known as the reward neurotransmitter and also adenosine, which functions as an inhibitory neurotransmitter and is a nucleoside unit of RNA.

Theacrine users do not seem to develop any tolerance to it. Although not enough research has been completed to conclusively validate this claim, the belief is that your first dose of this supplement should yield the same effects as your 50th, or 100th dose.

However, more research is needed to determine if theacrine can be useful as a supplement. [1]

Do not confuse theacrine with a nondietary amino acid called theanine, antioxidant polyphenols called theaflavins, or its alkaloid relative, caffeine.

What are Alkaloids?

According to Britannica, alkaloids are organic chemical compounds that contain nitrogen, and an amine group. Some of the best-known alkaloids include drugs like morphine and quinine – and poisons like strychnine and atropine. [2]

There are more than 3000 different alkaloids known, sourced from more than 4000 plants. Different alkaloids have diversely different molecular structures.

Their specific roles in the plants they come from are not well defined. Alkaloids are known to produce numerous physiological effects in animals, including humans. [2]

Why do people use Theacrine Supplements?

According to WebMD, people take oral theacrine supplements to combat aging, improve mental and physical performance, and to fight the common cold.

It is also used to upregulate energy in people who feel tired and fatigued. Some preworkout formulations contain this natural alkaloid as a performance enhancer or weight loss aid. [3]

Theacrine is purported to have central nervous stimulant effects, but does not increase blood pressure and may have some sedative-like effects.

Other benefits attributed to this alkaloid include purported hepatoprotective effects, reduced inflammation and pain relief, improved glutathione levels and detoxification support, reduced susceptibility to stress and improved mood and motivation.

Theacrine may be used in the form of the proprietary supplement Teacrine® or sourced naturally from Chinese Kucha tea (kudingcha tea) made from Camilla assamica.

How does theacrine work inside the body?

Theacrine (1, 3, 7, 9-tetramethyluric acid) is molecularly similar to caffeine (1,3,7-trimethylxanthine).

It occurs naturally in several known plants, including different teas and coffees. Its best known source is a type of tea plant called Camellia assamica var. kucha (kucha tea). [3]

Kucha tea has been used for many centuries in traditional medicine as a cure for the common cold, and a life-prolonging elixir.

Like caffeine, theacrine seems to have both sedative and stimulant properties. In low doses, it slows down CNS (central nervous system) activities. In higher doses, it stimulates the CNS. [4]

Unlike caffeine, theacrine does not seem to alter blood pressure. Some evidence suggests that theacrine can help to relieve pain and reduce swelling. It may also help to protect the liver from stress-related damage. [4]

Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database (NMCD) states that in Camellia assamica var. kucha, theacrine comprises: [4]

• 40% of the purine alkaloid content found in expanding buds;
• 60% of the purine alkaloid content in mature leaves;
• 75% of the purine alkaloid content in young leaves;

Dried kucha tea leaves generally contain between 1.58-1.8% theacrine.

NMCD reports several types of activities associated with theacrine in research. Following are brief descriptions of each:

Analgesic activities:

Oral doses of theacrine between 8 and 32 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) of bodyweight have induced analgesic (pain-relieving) effects in mice. [4]

Compared to placebo controls, theacrine significantly slowed the writhing response induced by acetic aicd in peripheral analgesia tests.

It also increased the threshold for pain induced by exposure to a hot plate in central analgesia tests. These effects were dose-dependent; meaning higher doses of theacrine induced stronger analgesic effects than lower doses.

When the same doses of caffeine were administered to mice, no apparent analgesic effects were noted.

Researchers think that the peripheral analgesic effects might be caused by the inhibition of inflammatory mediators – like lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase. The central analgesic effects may be due to central pain receptor inhibition.

Hepatic (liver) effects:

Prior to stress, 10, 20 and 30 mg/kg theacrine, administered orally in mice, lessens stress-induced liver damage. Theacrine has also: [4]

• Reduced elevated AST (aspartate aminotransferase);
• Reduced ALT (alanine aminotransferase);
• Reversed histological damage;

The above effects were noted in mice that were stressed by being restrained. The effects were dose-dependent. Researchers think theacrine might help to protect the liver due to its apparent antioxidant effects.

Theacrine has also reduced hepatic mRNA levels of several inflammatory mediators. Some of these include interleukins 1-beta and 6, TNF (tumor necrosis factor)-alpha, and IFN (interferon)-gamma. [3]

Theacrine also altered mRNA levels for several important antioxidants – including SOD (superoxide dismutase), glutathione and catalase. [3]

One study suggested that the liver benefits of theacrine are due to its anti-stress properties. However, any direct effects that this herbal supplement might have on the liver have not been investigated yet. [3]

Locomotor effects:

Intraperitoneal (inside body cavity) delivery of 48 mg/kg theacrine increased locomotor activity in rats. However, these effects were not noted with 24 mg/kg doses in the same rats. [4]

Other animal studies have shown 10 mg/kg theacrine oral doses to slow down ambulatory activity, relative to placebo controls.

In other studies, 30 mg/kg theacrine doses did not either increase or decrease locomotor activity in mice. Researchers think that this alkaloid may act similarly to caffeine in that it might adhere to a biphasic response curve; meaning low doses might decrease locomotor activity while higher doses increase it.

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter and epinephrine precursor, and adenosine is one of four nucleoside units in RNA (ribonucleic acid). Animal research suggests that the locomotor effects seem to be related to activities it has on dopamine and adenosine receptors.

Theacrine does not seem to cause locomotor sensitization, or tolerance, even with chronic exposure. This is not true with caffeine.

Research in rats suggests that theacrine might possibly affect locomotor activity by acting on the same area of the brain as caffeine.

Anti-inflammatory effects:

Oral doses of theacrine between 8-32 mg/kg caused anti-inflammatory effects in mice. [4] Compared to controls, mice given theacrine experienced:

• Significantly inhibited ear edema induced by an aromatic hydrocarbon called xylene;
• Reduced lambda-carrageenan-induced paw edema;
• Inhibited vascular permeability;

These effects were dose-dependent with oral theacrine, but not observed in mice that were given the same doses of caffeine.

Researchers think that the anti-inflammatory effects might be caused by inflammatory mediator inhibition, especially during the acute phase of inflammation.

Antioxidant Effects:

The body uses natural antioxidants – like vitamin C, quercetin, lycopene and glutathione – to resist and repair damage incurred by exposure to radicals. Some free radical sources that cause oxidative damage include:

• Plastic toxins like bisphenol A (BPA);
• Free radicals like superoxide;
• Numerous pharmaceuticals;
• Herbicides like glyphosate;
• Radioactive isotopes;
• Tobacco smoke;
• Smog;

Chronic exposure to radicals like those listed above cause cellular damage, which can lead to tissue and organ damage, and often, disease. Antioxidants slow down the activities of free radicals inside the body.

Theacrine has apparent antioxidant effects. Theacrine’s ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) rating is less than vitamin C (ascorbic acid). However, its CAA (cellular antioxidant activity) level is about the same as vitamin C’s. [4]

Cardiovascular effects:

Theacrine has no apparent pressor effects; meaning it does not seem to affect blood pressure. [4]

30 mg/kg intragastric (inside stomach) doses caused no increase in systolic blood pressure in rats with spontaneous hypertension (high blood pressure). These doses also did not affect diastolic blood pressure, or heart rate.

In comparison, the same doses of caffeine in the same rats did significantly increase heart rate, and both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

Sedative effects:

Animal studies have shown that 10 and 30 mg/kg theacrine, administered orally, prolongs sleep induced by phenobarbital. The same amounts of caffeine purine alkaloids and theobromine had the opposite effect; reducing phenobarbital-induced sleeping times. [4]

Although the mechanism of action is unclear, theacrine’s sedative effects seem to be caused by its interactions with adenosine receptors, monoamine/acetylcholine neurotransmitters, and GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid).

Theacrine Health Benefits

NMCD rates effectiveness of herbs and supplements in specific health conditions. Each substance can be rated Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective – or Insufficient Reliable Evidence to Rate.

There has not been enough research completed on theacrine to evaluate its effectiveness for any of these uses.

Mental performance:

Preliminary clinical research suggests that one 200 mg dose of a specific theacrine supplement, called TeaCrine, does not significantly improve concentration in healthy subjects. However, NMCD states the study may have not been “adequately powered to detect a significant difference”. [4]

NMCD states, “Taking the same product 200 mg daily for 7 days might improve subjective measures of concentration in some patients.”.

There is currently insufficient reliable evidence to rate the effectiveness of TeaCrine, or any specific theacrine supplement for improving attention, alertness, memory, or any other cognition markers. More research is needed.

Athletic performance:

Preliminary clinical research suggests that a one-time 200 mg oral dose of TeaCrine significantly increases energy, and decreases fatigue, in healthy people, relative to placebo controls. [4]

According to NMCD, “Taking 200 mg daily for 7 days might also improve subjective measures of energy and fatigue in some patients.”.

More research is needed to be sure if theacrine is helpful for improving athletic performance, or increasing energy in those who feel tired often.

There has been very little clinical research on this ingredient. More research is needed to validate, or refute, any of its proposed health benefits.

Theacrine Supplements

NMCD states that there are 33 dietary supplements that contain theacrine as a single ingredient or in combination with other ingredients. Most are marketed for improving mental focus, motivation, energy and stamina.

Theacrine is found mainly in preworkout drink formulas, and other dietary supplement forms like oral capsules. Supplement manufacturers claim that theacrine can induce caffeine-like effects, without caffeine-related side effects.

Some of the more popular theacrine supplements available are TeaCrine, TeaCor, Shred XT and TheaTrim. Products like these claim to be helpful with:

• Reducing low-grade systemic inflammation;
• Enhancing physical activity performance;
• Increasing stamina and endurance;
• Reducing anxiety and stress;
• Elevating dopamine levels;
• Stimulating mental focus;

Some theacrine supplements claim to be helpful for losing weight by inducing thermogenesis (heat production), and facilitating fat metabolism.

As with all dietary supplements, it is important to take your time comparing between supplements. Look at user reviews to learn about the expected experiences, side effects and recommendations for use.

Theacrine Dosage Recommendations

Theacrine use in children has not been studied and therefore is not recommended.

NMCD reports that one study used 100, 200 and 400 mg daily doses of a supplement called TeaCrine, for 7 consecutive days, for improving mental and physical performance.

There is insufficient evidence concerning intravenous, intramuscular or other administration methods for theacrine.

According to WebMD, the best dose of theacrine for you will depend on several factors – like your age, gender and current state of health. Note that some natural products are not necessarily safe.

You should always closely follow dosing directions on a theacrine supplement you purchase, unless your doctor tells you otherwise. It is always a good idea to discuss the best dose of a new dietary supplement with your primary healthcare provider before you start taking it.

Theacrine Side Effects

NMCD reports that in one preliminary clinical trial, no adverse effects, or hemodynamic (blood flow) changes were attributed to theacrine supplementation. In this trial, single 200 mg doses of TeaCrine (Compound Solutions, Inc) were given for 7 days.

Kucha tea has been consumed in various cultures for thousands of years with no reported adverse effects.

Some of the most common side effects associated with caffeine include jitteriness, anxiousness, nervousness, agitation, irritability and shakiness. These side effects are not associated with theacrine.

Theacrine Interactions

This supplement exhibits lower toxicity compared to caffeine.

In mice, the median lethal dose of theacrine occurs at 810.6 mg/kg, a very high dose. This dose is considerably higher than the median lethal dose of caffeine in mice: 260 mg/kg.

NMCD states that theacrine might interact with CNS depressant medications, possibly intensifying sedative effects. These medications include benzodiazepines, pentobarbital (Nembutal), phenobarbital (Luminal), secobarbital (Seconal), thiopental (Pentothal), opioids, propofol (Diprivan), and many others.

Theacrine may also interact with herbs and supplements that have sedative effects, but there are not any reports of this currently.

NMCD states that this supplement is not known to interact with any foods, laboratory tests or diseases.

Even though theacrine seems to have a good safety profile, no studies have examined the safety of long-term use. It is best to seek medical advice about beginning to use this supplement for any reason.

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