Theacrine – an antidepressant from tea

Theacrine is a natural replacement for caffeine. It increases the ability to concentrate and focus on the task at hand. Theacrine can brighten the mind, increase energy and lift mood and motivation.

Theacrine is a purine alkaloid found in the cupuacu fruit (Theobroma grandiflorum) and the kucha plant (Camellia assamica var. kucha) and Pu’er tea. The chemical structure of theacrine is similar to caffeine and probably activates similar receptors in cells.

How does theacrine work?

Theacrine binds to adenosine receptors (ADORA1, ADORA2A) in mice and rats and acts differently depending on the dose.

A high dose, 48 mg/kg (in rats) blocks adenosine receptors. This mechanism counteracts adenosine-induced drowsiness. Caffeine has a similar effect. In contrast, smaller doses, 3 mg/kg (this time in mice) show the opposite effect, increasing adenosine levels in the hippocampus in the brain and counteracting the stimulatory property of caffeine. High doses of theacrine also activate dopamine D1 and D2 receptors (in rats). Activation of these receptors is responsible for motivation and wakefulness.

WARNING: the above dosages are for lab animals and should not be applied to humans.

Differences between theacrine and caffeine:

• Has a longer half-life;
• has no effect on blood pressure;
• does not disrupt sleep like caffeine;
• theacrine and caffeine are more effective when administered together – they work in synergy;
• caffeine increases the bioavailability and positive effects of theacrine;
• can increase energy;
• improves concentration and motivation;
• can improve mood;
• may lower bad cholesterol to a small extent.

Theacrine is a brain/central nervous system stimulant. It has become popular among athletes as a pre-workout and fat burner. Athletes who use it claim that it provides a long-lasting energy boost without negative side effects such as anxiety or insomnia. This gives it an advantage over caffeine.

Dopamine

High levels of dopamine result in feelings of energy, improved mood and pleasure.

In rats, high doses of theacrine activate the dopamine receptors DRD1 and DRD2. Theacrine increases activity in the region of the caudate nucleus (nucleus accumbens) in the brain, which is associated with pleasure and the feeling of being rewarded.

Using both teacrine and caffeine at the same time has had a beneficial effect on many subjective feelings of energy and mood compared to caffeine alone. It also reduces feelings of lethargy and drowsiness.

In mice, theacrine reduces depression or depression-like conditions.

Lowers cholesterol levels

Theacrine may act, like the polyphenols found in tea, to inhibit the absorption of cholesterol from the diet and lower the level of cholesterol found in the blood.

A study of 60 healthy people showed that supplementation with theacrine in high doses can slightly lower LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol.

Sleep

A low dose of theacrine shortened wakefulness and prolonged sleep time in mice. It also reduces caffeine-induced insomnia. When used in low doses can improve and prolong sleep duration. It is possible that it has the same or similar effect in humans.

Theacrine vs. caffeine

Caffeine stimulates quickly. The stimulation lasts a few hours and there is a downhill slide, a loss of strength and energy. You have to drink another cup of coffee. There is an increase in tolerance. Coffee drinkers know that with frequent use, the need for caffeine increases and its effectiveness decreases.

Theacrine probably does not cause an increase in tolerance. At least so far, it has not been observed. The same dose can be used for many weeks without a decrease in stimulant effect.

Theacrine does not cause an increase in blood pressure, anxiety or insomnia. In this it has a clear advantage over caffeine.

Dosage and side effects

Theacrine have a different effect at low doses and at higher doses. Doses up to 50 mg have a more relaxing and sedative-corrective effect. Doses up to 300 mg, on the other hand, are expected to have a stimulating effect, more similar to coffee.

Kucha tea has lower doses of theacrine and is used traditionally for sedation and relaxation. Extracts and pure theacrine powder can be dosed precisely, and higher doses are easier to achieve.

Theacrine is of natural origin and should be quite safe to use. However, it is worth exercising caution, as with all drugs.