Skip to content
    Back to Database
    NootropicsNatural

    Theacrine

    Also known as: 1,3,7,9-tetramethyluric acid

    1,3,7,9-tetramethyluric acid; weak adenosine A1/A2A antagonist and dopamine D1/D2 modulator; longer half-life (~16 h) than caffeine.

    Last reviewed: 2026-06-23 · 1 indexed study

    Evidence Score
    62/100
    Sustained energyNon-habituating stimulantMoodFocus
    Data Completeness3/4 · 75%
    Evidence ScoreDosageSafetyLinked Studies

    Set your location for accurate regulatory status

    Saved on this device — no sign-in needed.

    Sign in to add to stack

    Overview

    Theacrine is a purine alkaloid structurally related to caffeine that produces stimulant-like effects with reduced tolerance development over time.

    Mechanism & Function

    Mechanism of Action

    Provides energy and focus with minimal tolerance over 8 weeks of daily use in trials; potentiates caffeine effects.

    Physiological Role

    Used as caffeine alternative or in caffeine-stacked pre-workouts for sustained alertness without tachyphylaxis.

    Primary Pathways

    Adenosine receptor antagonismDopamine D1/D2 modulationCatecholamine release

    Performance / Health Relevance

    Several RCTs supporting energy and focus without tolerance; safety established at 200–300 mg/day for 8 weeks.

    Evidence Review

    Overall62/100
    Human Clinical65/100
    Meta-AnalysisN/A

    No meta-analyses or systematic reviews indexed for this ingredient yet.

    Mechanistic75/100
    Real-World62/100
    Safety80/100

    Dimensions marked N/A have no indexed evidence of that class. They are shown as unavailable rather than scored.

    Practical Use & Dosage

    Minimum Effective Dose
    50 mg
    Optimal Range
    100–300 mg/day
    Upper / Caution Level
    ~400 mg/day
    Timing
    Morning or pre-exercise
    Best Format
    Capsule, powder
    Bioavailability
    High — Tmax ~1 h; half-life ~16 h.
    Absorption Considerations
    Rapid intestinal absorption similar to caffeine.

    Safety & Interactions

    Side Effects

    • •Mild hypertension at very high doses
    • •Mild GI upset

    Contraindications

    • Uncontrolled hypertension

    Drug Interactions

    • •CYP1A2 substrates

    Who Should Avoid

    • •Pregnancy
    • •Severe cardiac disease

    Monitoring

    BP at high doses.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Auto-generated from indexed evidence — dosage, safety, interactions, and more.

    When is Theacrine typically used or indicated?

    Theacrine is most commonly used for: Sustained energy, Non-habituating stimulant, Mood, Focus. Used as caffeine alternative or in caffeine-stacked pre-workouts for sustained alertness without tachyphylaxis.

    How does Theacrine work?

    Provides energy and focus with minimal tolerance over 8 weeks of daily use in trials; potentiates caffeine effects.

    What is the recommended dose of Theacrine?

    The optimal range is 100–300 mg/day. with a minimum effective dose of 50 mg. Best taken: Morning or pre-exercise. Upper / caution level: ~400 mg/day.

    What are the side effects of Theacrine?

    Reported side effects include: Mild hypertension at very high doses; and Mild GI upset. Monitoring: BP at high doses.

    Does Theacrine interact with medications?

    Known or theoretical interactions: CYP1A2 substrates. Always check with a clinician before combining with prescription medication.

    Who should avoid Theacrine?

    Theacrine is generally not recommended for: Pregnancy; Severe cardiac disease; and Uncontrolled hypertension.

    How strong is the evidence for Theacrine?

    Evidence level: Moderate (overall score 62/100), based on 1 indexed study on SuppIndex.

    Research & References (1)

    Theacrine and caffeine combination on cognitive performance

    RCT2016Moderate
    PubMed

    Theacrine produced sustained benefits without tolerance over 8 weeks; potentiated caffeine.

    Trademark Ingredients

    TeaCrine®

    Manufacturer:

    Related Ingredients

    Other top-rated ingredients in Nootropics.

    Caffeine Anhydrous

    90/100

    Methylxanthine alkaloid; non-selective adenosine A1/A2A receptor antagonist; raises cAMP, catecholamine release, and Ca²⁺ sensitivity in muscle.

    Alpha-GPC

    78/100

    Highly bioavailable choline donor that elevates brain acetylcholine levels, supporting memory, learning, and muscular power output via enhanced neuromuscular junction signaling.

    L-Theanine

    72/100

    A non-proteinogenic amino acid analog of glutamate that crosses the BBB, promoting alpha-wave brain activity and modulating inhibitory neurotransmitter balance.

    Research Overview

    Moderate Evidence
    1Total Studies
    1Human Trials
    0Meta-Analyses
    2016Latest Study
    0Animal / In Vitro
    0Athlete Studies
    Primary data sourceGeneral Population
    Pooled evidence (meta-analysis / systematic review)No

    Cite this ingredient

    One-click citation export in APA, MLA, Chicago, BibTeX, or HTML. The URL below is stable and safe to link.

    Stable URL

    https://thesuppindex.com/ingredients/theacrine

    SuppIndex. (2026). Theacrine: Evidence summary, dosage and clinical studies. Retrieved October 16, 2026, from https://thesuppindex.com/ingredients/theacrine

    Based on 1 indexed studies · Evidence level: Moderate.

    Goal Ratings

    Focus
    Endurance
    Cognition
    Stress

    Stack Compatibility

    Synergistic with caffeine (potentiation); pair with L-theanine for calm focus.

    Caffeine AnhydrousL-TheanineTyrosine