Theacrine Reviews

Product name	Camellia Kucha Tea Leaves extract
Latin name	camellia assamica var kucha
Synonyms	Chinese bitter tea, Kucha, 1, 3, 7, 9-tetramethyluric acid, TeaCrine, TeaCor
Active ingredient	theacrine
CAS number	2309-49-1
Specifications	98% theacrine, Standardized for 5% Theacrine
dosage	200mg to 300mg
Package	25kg/drum
application	Supplements, bodybuilding, sports nutrition

What is theacrine?
Theacrine powder is a relative novel central nervous system stimulant ingredient used in sports nutrition supplements in the category of pre-workout and fat burners such as Shred XT of Omega Sports, MD2 Meltdown of VPX, Purus Labs Theatrim, TeaCor of Cellucor C4 (New Formula), and TeaCrine from Compound Solutions Inc, etc. As a caffeine alternative, theacrine is a good replacement for DMAA and AMP citrate since AMP citrate(4-amino-2-methylpentane citrate) and 1,3-DMBA (1,3-Dimethylbutylamine HCL) are found to be synthetic and are to be banned by the FDA. Theacrine is deemed to be a game changer in the sports nutrition market in the next decade.

Theacrine, a potent naturally occurring purine akaloid, is 100% natural extracted from a traditional Chinese tea Kucha tea (Camilla assamica or Camellia assamica var. kucha). It is unique in China, and no other source of theacrine has been reported yet. Theacrine has many other names, such as 1,3,7,9-tetramethyluric acid, Temurin, Temorine, Tetramethyluric acid, Tetramethyl uric acid and with IUPAC name as 1,3,7,9-tetramethylpurine-2,6,8-trione. Although there are so many names of theacrine, its unique identity is the Registry Number of 2309-49-1.

Chemical constituents of camilla assamica(pucha tea)
The leaves of Camellia assamica var. kucha Chang et Wang have been studied by many Chinese researchers. At least ten compounds were isolated and identified from the leaves and they are theacrine, caffeine, theobromine, catechin, epigallocatechin, gallocatechin, epigallocatechin3-o-gallate, gallocatechin 3-o-gallate, 1,2,6-tri-o-gallogl-beta-D-Glucose and gallic acid. Theacrine is what dietary supplement manufacturers care about.

Historically, camilla assamica are commonly consumed in the form of teas made from the leaves by Chinese rain forest cultures as an anti-inflammatory agent as well as a pain reliever and it is theorized that the theacrine in this plant is mainly responsible for these positive effects. Recently, a pure form of theacrine has been extracted from these plants and is being tested for its possible usefulness as a supplement. As a supplement ingredient, we have to make a comparison between theacrine and caffeine since they are molecule structure alike and both have the stimulant effects.

THEACRINE VS. CAFFEINE

In terms of chemical structure, Theacrine (1,3,7,9-tetramethyluric acid) is very similar to Caffeine (1,3,7-trimethylxanthine). The molecular structure of theacrine and caffeine are as below.

Their physiological effects are alleged to be similar. Like caffeine, theacrine is also a stimulant and is known to increase activity levels. It is for this reason that it is known to boost exercise performance and provide temporary feelings of euphoria as well as enhanced motivation, focus and alertness. However, theacrine has a longer half life, non-habituating, improves mood and decreases feelings of stress and irritability, and is less likely to disrupt sleep. What’s more, theacrine has the ability to act as anti-inflammatory, analgesic (pain reliever), and combat depression.

Theacrine offers the benefits of caffeine with the possible added effects of anti-inflammatory action, anti-depressant action and natural pain relief. oral caffeine supplementation did not offer any notable pain relief, whilst subjects using oral Theacrine experienced a noted increase in pain tolerance.

Mechanisms of Action of theacrine

How does theacrine work? There is no much information for its mechanism for the time being. However, stimulants usually work by stimulating the dopamine receptors. Concentrated theacrine doses activate dopaminergic receptors D1 and D2, supporting an increase in dopamine production. Moreover, theacrine is also known to decrease the rate of dopamine neurotransmitter reabsorption which allows more dopamine to remain in the synapses between nerve cells. Leaving more dopamine in the synapses produces a euphoric and pleasurable feeling and is also thought to be why addictions to caffeine are formed. High dopamine levels, accordingly, result in a surge of energy, improved mood, sensations of pleasure, increased motivation and greater mental focus and clarity. In the body, Theacrine works through both the Adenosine and Dopamine systems – showing distinct similarities to anti-depressant medications but without the synthesized side effects.

In addition, theacrine is known to bind to adenosine receptors, like caffeine, and block the binding of adenosine to adenosine receptors. Normally, when theacrine or caffeine is not present in the bloodstream, adenosine neurotransmitters bind to adenosine receptors on nerve cells and slow down their activity. This slow down of their activity can result in slower and more relaxed thought patterns, feelings of calmness and even drowsiness. However, sometimes this state of mind is not desired and is why we drink coffee or other drinks that have caffeine which prevents this effect from occurring

Benefits of taking theacrine supplements
Theacrine delivers lasting energy, improved mental focus and positive mood has been researched in both preclinical and human clinical studies.

Theacrine and stimulant benefits
As we have illustrated the mechanism of action of theacrine before, theacrine raise the level of dopamines and thus enhances the mood and reduces stress. 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. 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.[1]

Theacrine bodybuilding
Theacrine works as a stimulant in pre-workout supplements and also a fat burners. From pharmacology and medicinal chemistry point of view, tehacrine from kucha plant will be another candidate for weight loss after green tea (Camellia chinensis), Yerba mate leaves (Ilex paraguariensis) and green coffee beans.

Theacrine side effects
Kucha tea has been consumed in China for thousand years, and no serious side effects have been reported. As theacrine works well through the dopamine system it is less likely to cause nervous disorders in the same way that caffeine sensitive individuals might experience.

Theacrine dosage
There is no consensus on a recommended dose; this is mainly due to the fact that a pure form of theacrine has not been released to the market. More information is to be updated from time to time. The recommended dosage of bodybuilding stimulants usually ranges from 50mg to 300mg.