IntroductionTheacrine, also known as 1,3,7,9-tetramethyluric acid, is a purine alkaloid found in Cupuacu and in Camellia kucha (Camellia assamica var. Kucha).The Kucha tea plant leaves create theacrine through a 2-step process. While still developing, the plant first converts theobromine in to caffeine and then converts theobromine and caffeine in to theacrine. [1] Compared to mature leaves, young Kucha tea plant leaves contain higher concentrations of both theacrine (1.3-3.6% of dry weight) and caffeine (0.6-2.7% of dry weight).[2][3]

The simple gist is that this compound is extremely promising for its ability to feel good, last long, and keep working.It is becoming popular as an ingredient in preworkouts due to the boost it provides to stamina, as well as for nootropic purposes due to its ability to improve focus.

Pre-workouts And Fat Burners

It is theacrine’s other unique performance enhancing properties that have some hailing it as the next breakout star of the supplement industry

Phytochemical Profile• CAS 2309-49-1• Chemical formula C9H12N4O3• Molar mass 224.22 g·mol−1• IUPAC name 1,3,7,9-Tetramethylpurine-2,6,8-trione• Other names 1,3,7,9-Tetramethyluric acid; Temurin; Temorine; Tetramethyluric acid; Tetramethyl uric acid

Similar Structure to CaffeineTheacrine is a small purine alkaloid molecule which is very similar in structure and effects to caffeine. The structure of theacrine is essentially caffeine with an additional methyl group (CH3) and an additional ketone group (=0) Similar to caffeine, but better than caffeine!

Theacrine: Caffeine’s Future Alternative• Energy with non-sensitizing, no tolerance build upAs many coffee, tea, preworkout, and stimulant users can attest, caffeine begins to lose its kick over time. In fact, previous studies have indicated that our bodies can begin to develop a caffeine tolerance in as little as four days! [4]

However, a recent study published in the journalPharmalogical Reports found that after seven days of Theacrine supplementation subjects showed no signs desensitization. Simply put, Theacrine users can expect the same level of high potency with nearly every dose, without experiencing a decrease in effectiveness over time .[5]

Figure 1: Increase in locomotor activity after intra-peritoneal administration of the 24 or 48mg/kg Theacrine (human equivaled, HED: 4mg/kg or 8mg/kg; data adapted from Feduccia. 2012)Figure 2: Ambulatory distance at day 1 and day 4 with and without daily administration of 3.5mg/kg caffeine

Theacrine: Superior to Caffeine• Anti-inflammitory and analgesic (pain relieving) effectHistorically, teas were made from the leaves of Camelia Kuchu (a plant which contains high levels of theacrine) and were used by Chinese rainforest cultures as a pain reliever and anti-inflammatory medicine. One study found that when taken orally at a dose of 8-32 mg/kg theacrine has both an anti-inflammitory and analgesic (pain relieving) effect. [6] One study on rats found a 24.5% - 34.1% increase in latency in a hot-plate test as well as a 10.6% - 18.9% reductions in writhing in an acetic-acid induced writhing test. [6]In contrast, caffeine has neither anti-inflammatory or analgesic properties. Theacrine a much more attractive choice for those looking for consistent noticable boosts in energy, rather than just needing a cup of coffee to wake up. looking to increase their energy, alertness and locomotion. those looking to increase muscle, increase strength, improve athletic performance, or decrease fat mass. looking to decrease muscular inflammation, pain, and discomfort.

Theacrine: A Better Choice Than Caffeine• Mood enhancing effectsIn our brains, we have a series of chemicals known as neurotransmitters that allow us to transfer signals from one neuron to another. Dopamine is one of the primary neurotransmitters in the brain, and is responsible for controlling pleasure centers in the brain, such as those that make us feel at ease after an intense bout of heavy training.Studies indicate that a single dose of Theacrine has the ability to elevate levels of dopamine in the brain.[7] Additionally, further analysis showed that after seven days of Theacrine supplementation, the damaging effects of chronic stress and anxiety on the body are significantly reduced.[6]

Theacrine a much more attractive choice for those undergoing activities that decrease central nervous system function. modulate the stress response during high-stress situations. hard training athletes looking for supplement that’ll allow them to optimize performance.• Improved liver function and detoxificationOxidation is a naturally occurring process in the body, but too much oxidative stress has been linked to a number of degenerative health conditions such as heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer’s. However, in order to combat the potential hazards of excessive oxidation, our bodies are equipped with a number of potent antioxidant defense mechanisms, including the body’s most powerful antioxidant and detoxification agent –glutathione. Glutathione, along with several other antioxidant enzymes, is produced in the liver.Studies indicate that following seven days of Theacrine supplementation subjects showed elevated levels of glutathione inside cells, which suggest that the liver receives a secondary benefit from supplementation.[6]

DosageToxicity Test

Objective To observe the long-term toxicity of theacrine by continuously oral administration to rats.MethodsThree doses of theacrine 150, 75, 37.5 mg/(kg·d)-1 were given to rats by oral administration for 4 weeks. The body weight, organ coefficient, hematological and blood biochemical parameters were determined. The main organ pathological examination was performed.ResultsThe appearance and behavior, body weights, organ coefficient, the parameters of hematological and biochemical were not affected evidently compared with control group. The pathological examination didn’t discover drug toxicity related changes. No delayed toxic reaction after drug given was observed.ConclusionTheacrine has no significant toxicity in long-term toxicity test to rats, which inferrs that the drawing up dose in clinic is safe.

A dose of between 150 - 300 mg is sufficient to provide a noticable boost in energy and focus. Theacrine is safe to use in higher doses, however doses exceeding 450 mg are not recommended. Care should be used if combining theacrine with caffeine, and lower doses than usual for each should be taken.Given the plethora of benefits and minimal significant side effects, there’s no reason not to include Theacrine in your supplement arsenal.

A test of theacrine ameliorates high fat diet induced hepatic steatosis in mice via

SirT3/AMPK/ACC pathway shows that Theacrine significantly decreased hepatic

TG content and ameliorated hepatic steatosis in mice. Expression of SirT3 and

phosphorylation of AMPK and ACC were up-regulated, respectively. 〖 8 〗

liver-protecting tablet

Theacrine at 10 and 30mg/kg (oral ingestion) appears to prolong

phenobarbital induced sleep time suggesting a sedative property when taken 30 minutes prior to

sleep, with the same dose of Caffeine having a notable anti-sleep

property in the same test.

sleeping pill

Oral administration of theacrine in mice cause possible pain reduction in preliminary tests, with a potency comparable to indomethacin.

nootropicsRefresh and boost energy,focus and improve efficiency at work and in daily life. anti inflammatory and analgesia drug

High doses of theacrine via infusion appear to be capable of causing an increase in locomotion,stimulating principle metabolism, have weight loss effect.

antidepressantTheacrine shows pharmacological activities in a variety of depression model test.

weight controller

Application

Application In Life• As food additives, being widely used in the beverageUsed in Carbohydrate drinks and functional beverage to bring energy and high mood.• As a supplement applied in snacks Theacrine can influence dopaminergic signalling, while dopamine can make people excited, so as a supplement applied in chocolate and other snacks like ice cream and cake is a good choice!

References1 ） Petermann, Joseph B., and Thomas W. Baumann. “Metabolic Relations between Methylxanthines and Methyluric Acids in Coffea L. .” Plant Physiology 73.4 (1983): 961–964.2 ） Zheng, XQ, et al. “Theacrine (1,3,7,9-tetramethyluric Acid) Synthesis in Leaves of a Chinese Tea, Kucha (Camellia Assamica Var. Kucha).” National Center for Biotechnology Information. Phytochemistry, May 2002.3 ） Moussa, Adel. “Lack of Drive? Theacrine Will Get You Going – Every Day! Camellia Kucha Alkaloid Acts via Dopamine and Adenosine.” SuppVersity – Nutrition and Exercise Science for Everyone. N.p., May 2012.4 ） Ball KT, Poplawsky A. Low-dose oral caffeine induces a specific form of behavioral sensitization in rats. Pharmacol Rep. 2011 Nov;63(6):1560-3. PubMed PMID: 22358105.5 ） Theacrine, a purine alkaloid with anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities.6 ） Li WX, et al.; Theacrine, a purine alkaloid obtained from Camellia assamica var. kucha, attenuates restraint stress-provoked liver damage in mice. J Agric Food Chem.; 20137 ） Feduccia A, et al.; Locomotor activation by theacrine, a purine alkaloid structurally similar to caffeine: involvement of adenosine and dopamine receptors.; Pharmacol Biochem Behav; 20128 ） XU Jun, WANG Guo-en, ZHANG Shi-jie,Theacrine ameliorates high fat diet induced hepatic steatosis in mice via SirT3/AMPK/ACC pathway,(6):791-795.DOI:10.3969/j.issn.1001-1978.2014.06.012.