Theacrine
TeaCrine · 1,3,7,9-Tetramethyluric Acid
Theacrine (1,3,7,9-tetramethyluric acid) is a purine alkaloid structurally similar to caffeine, found naturally in Camellia assamica var. kucha (a wild tea plant) and durian fruit. Sold commercially as TeaCrine (the patented branded form by Compound Solutions). Provides longer-lasting, smoother stimulation than caffeine without the receptor desensitization that builds caffeine tolerance.
Morning or pre-workout.
Start here. Every protocol below is ordered lowest-first. Begin at the smallest effective dose, hold about a week to assess tolerance, and step up only if needed.
How it works
Theacrine acts on similar receptors to caffeine but with key differences:
Adenosine A1/A2A Antagonism
Same primary mechanism as caffeine - blocks adenosine receptors that drive sleepiness.
Dopaminergic Activity
Theacrine appears to have additional dopamine D1/D2 activity, contributing to mood elevation effects.
No Receptor Desensitization
Unlike caffeine, theacrine does NOT downregulate adenosine receptors with chronic use - explains absence of tolerance.
No Cardiovascular Activation
Theacrine doesn't significantly increase heart rate or blood pressure (unlike caffeine) - reflects different pharmacology beyond adenosine.
Caffeine Synergy
Combined caffeine + theacrine produces additive cognitive effects with each at lower dose - reduces side effects of either alone.
Slower Onset and Longer Duration
~30-45 min onset, 4-6 hour duration vs caffeine's faster onset and shorter duration.
What to expect
Acute 30-45 min onset.
4-6 hour sustained effect per dose.
Long-term: no tolerance development.
Evidence
Claims we could not support
No abstract we checked supports these for this molecule at this route. That is not the same as saying they are false — it marks where the evidence is missing.
Exact-molecule abstract evidence. ESearch was run and 3 source-candidate PMIDs were EFetch-checked; no usable exact-molecule abstract sentence was found.
Dose/route: 100-200mg; Oral capsule or powder; 1-2x daily. No selected live abstract sentence verified this complete regimen.
Mechanism as written in source JSON. No selected live abstract sentence verified the complete mechanism at the card formulation/route and relevant population/model.
Primary safety claim as written in source JSON. No selected live abstract sentence verified the complete safety claim for this exact formulation and route.
Side effects & safety
Commonly reported
- Generally well-tolerated
- Mild headache (rare)
Less common & notes
- Long-term safety beyond 8 weeks not fully characterized but appears favorable.
- Allergic reactions rare.
Pharmacokinetics
Plasma (longer than caffeine)
Post-ingestion
Functional effect
Oral high (>80%)
Per dose
Hepatic
Storage. Capsule/powder. Cool dry location.
Regulatory status
Dietary supplement (US, DSHEA). NDI (New Dietary Ingredient) notified for TeaCrine.
Put it to work
Calculate, log & track
Open Theacrine straight into OnePin with your vial and dose pre-filled, then let it handle the syringe math and remind you before the vial runs out.
Open Theacrine in the app →Go deeper
The guide & community
The complete Theacrine walkthrough, real protocol discussion and coaching live inside the BlessUp community on Skool.
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