Theacrine (TeaCrine)
Also known as: TeaCrine, 1,3,7,9-tetramethyluric acid, kucha tea extract, Camellia assamica var. kucha
Theacrine is a purine alkaloid structurally related to caffeine, found in kucha tea and cupuaçu. TeaCrine is the branded, nature-identical form used in most products. It is marketed for energy, focus, and mood with a smoother, longer-lasting profile than caffeine and less tolerance build-up. An 8-week safety study at 200 and 300 mg per day found no changes in clinical safety markers and no habituation. It is common in pre-workouts and nootropic energy formulas, often paired with caffeine.
Research summary
Adenosine receptor antagonist with dopaminergic activity, similar to caffeine but with a longer half-life and reported lack of tolerance.
Dosage
Daily amounts, of compound.
| Lowest studied | Typical range | Highest studied | Upper limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| — | 50–200 mg | 300 mg | — |
50–200 mg per day; 100–200 mg is typical when combined with caffeine, and lower doses (25–50 mg) are used with 150 mg methylliberine. Up to 300 mg daily for 8 weeks was tested for safety. Onset is slower than caffeine and effects last longer, so avoid late-day dosing.
Standardization: ≥98% theacrine (TeaCrine)
Source material: synthetic, nature-identical (branded TeaCrine)
Format suitability
- Capsule
- Powder
- Tablet
- Softgel
- Gummy
- Liquid
Bitter white powder; works in flavored pre-workout powders, capsules, tablets, and energy gummies with masking.
Formulation notes
Stimulant; additive with caffeine and other stimulants. Not for use by those sensitive to stimulants, in pregnancy, or with cardiovascular conditions.
- Stimulant
Sources
Related ingredients
Rhodiola Rosea Extract
BotanicalA root extract from an arctic and alpine plant, standardized to rosavins and salidroside, that is used in energy, focus, and stress formulas.
Typical: 200–600 mg
Acetyl-L-Carnitine
Amino acidAn acetylated form of carnitine that crosses the blood-brain barrier more readily than carnitine itself and donates acetyl groups for acetylcholine synthesis.
Typical: 500–2,000 mg
Methylliberine (Dynamine)
Sports performanceMethylliberine is a purine alkaloid found in kucha tea leaves and coffee, structurally close to theacrine but with a faster onset and shorter duration.
Typical: 100–150 mg
Caffeine Anhydrous
Sports performancePurified, dehydrated caffeine — the standard stimulant in pre-workouts, energy, and focus products.
Typical: 100–200 mg
L-Theanine
Amino acidAn amino acid found naturally in green tea that promotes a calm, focused state without sedation.
Typical: 100–200 mg