Disclaimer: The following information is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. This information should not be read to recommend or endorse any specific products. Dietary supplements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Caffeine fuels most of the world. In fact, about a billion people worldwide drink coffee. In the U.S. alone, three out of four Americans rely on coffee as part of their daily routine. This beloved beverage not only kick-starts our mornings, but it brings people together, shaping culture and social connection. However, for some, caffeine comes with unwanted side effects: jitters, racing heart, high blood pressure, occasional anxiety, upset stomach, and headaches.
If you’re sensitive to caffeine—or interested in exploring alternatives—what other opinions are out there?
Enter Theacrine: the caffeine dupe you’ve probably never heard of, serving up its own unique benefits sans downsides.
Theacrine: A Smarter Alternative to Caffeine
Theacrine, a member of the purine alkaloid family (stimulating plant compounds), is gaining traction in the energy supplement space for its unique benefits. Naturally found in the Camellia assamica var. kucha plant; it was first discovered in Yunnan Province of China, where it was consumed as an herbal tea. With a biochemical structure similar to caffeine, it’s now being studied for providing energy without overstimulation and for its ability to interact more gently with the brain’s adenosine receptors.¹⁻²
What really sets Theacrine apart is its non-habit-forming nature. Unlike caffeine, which can lead to tolerance over time, Theacrine provides a reliable and consistent energy boost without the risk of dependency. An eight-week study confirmed its safety and long-term usability, making it an ideal choice for sustained energy for both daily or long-term use.²
Adenosine and Fatigue: The Science Behind Coffee’s Wake-up Power
Adenosine is a chemical that builds up in your brain during the day, promoting sleepiness by binding to specific receptors. When you’re sleeping, your body clears adenosine, helping you feel refreshed in the morning. However, restless nights can leave residual adenosine, causing grogginess the next day. Caffeine and Theacrine both work by temporarily blocking the receptors that adenosine binds to, reducing fatigue and helping to support a more alert and focused state.
Theacrine interacts with adenosine receptors in a more selective way than caffeine, making its interaction milder.³ This change in interaction reduces the likelihood of overstimulation (e.g., jitteriness or increased heart rate) providing a smoother, more sustained energy boost.
Three Key Benefits of Theacrine
A comprehensive review of studies examining a standardized form of Theacrine (TeaCrine®), caffeine, and their combination highlights three standout benefits to this energy supplement.⁵
Sustained Energy: Theacrine delivers a steady, long-lasting energy boost without the spike-and-crash effect of caffeine. Compared to a placebo, Theacrine has been shown to increase attentiveness and reduce grogginess, making it a reliable choice for those seeking sustained energy throughout the day.
Supported Energy and Mood: When paired with caffeine, Theacrine enhances energy and mood while minimizing the common downsides of caffeine, such as feelings of anxiousness and jitteriness. For individuals sensitive to caffeine, Theacrine may also help improve overall mood, providing a balanced and smooth energy experience.
Heightened Focus and Productivity: The combination of caffeine and Theacrine has been found to improve focus, attentiveness, energy, and motivation to exercise. These effects can offer help for individuals needing to power through demanding tasks or physical activities.
What to Look for in a Theacrine Supplement
When choosing a Theacrine supplement, prioritize products that use standardized TeaCrine®. This ensures a reliable and consistent amount of active Theacrine, delivering the intended benefits with every batch. High-quality formulations typically guarantee 98% Theacrine purity, offering maximum potency and effectiveness for sustained energy and focus.
Most research suggests doses of up to 200 mg of TeaCrine®is optimal for enhancing energy, mood, and focus without causing overstimulation. However, when paired with caffeine or other energy-enhancing ingredients (like L-theanine), doses around 100 mg are effective for achieving the desired results. This combination leverages the complementary effects between caffeine and Theacrine, amplifying their benefits while minimizing caffeine’s downsides.
Sources
Li, Y. F., Chen, M., Wang, C., Li, X. X., Ouyang, S. H., He, C. C., Mao, Z. F., Tsoi, B., Kurihara, H., & He, R. R. (2015). Theacrine, a purine alkaloid derived from Camellia assamica var. kucha, ameliorates impairments in learning and memory caused by restraint-induced central fatigue. Journal of Functional Foods, 16, 472–483. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jff.2015.05.003
Hayward, S., Mullins, J., Urbina, S., Santos, E., Villa, K., Viana, N., Perkins, S., Ander, J., Olivencia, A., McGorty, S., Wilborn, C., & Taylor, L. (2015). Safety of Teacrine ® , a Non-Habituating, Naturally-Occurring Purine Alkaloid Over Eight Weeks of Continuous Use. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 12(Suppl 1), P59. https://doi.org/10.1186/1550-2783-12-S1-P59
Bloomer, R., Butawan, M., Stockton, M., & Smith, N. (2018). Effects of a single dose of Teacrine, caffeine, or their combination on subjective feelings, as well as heart rate and blood pressure in adults. Current Research in Complementary & Alternative Medicine. https://doi.org/10.29011/2577-2201/100034
