TeaCrine® (Theacrine)

TeaCrine^®, also known as Theacrine, is a natural alkaloid compound found in Camellia assamica var. kucha tea plant and some coffee species. TeaCrine^® is patented compound that delivers energy and activates dopamine receptors for improved motivation, and has gained popularity due to its benefits for health and cognitive function, which include:

Cognitive Function
Teacrine^® has potential benefits for cognitive function, including increased energy, focus, and alertness. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study found that supplementation with Teacrine^® for eight weeks resulted in significant improvements in energy, focus, and motivation compared to placebo in healthy adults (1). Another randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study found that combining Teacrine^® (125 mg) with caffeine (150 mg) resulted in greater improvements in cognitive function, including attention, focus, and reaction time, compared to either supplement alone in healthy adults (2).

Exercise Performance and Fatigue Reduction
Teacrine^® has been shown to improve exercise performance and reduce fatigue. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study found that supplementation with 200 mg of Teacrine^® for four weeks resulted in significant improvements in exercise performance and reductions in perceived exertion during exercise compared to placebo in healthy individuals (3). The same study also found that combining Teacrine^® with caffeine (300 mg) resulted in greater improvements in exercise performance than either supplement alone.

Mood Management
Teacrine^® may have potential benefits for mood and stress management. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study found that supplementation with 200 mg of Teacrine^® for four weeks resulted in significant improvements in mood and reductions in anxiety compared to placebo in healthy adults (4).

TeaCrine^® is included in:

References
1. Habowski, S. M., Sandrock, J. E., Kedia, A. W., Ziegenfuss, T. N., & Kerksick, C. M. (2014). The effects of TeacrineTM, a nature-identical purine alkaloid, on subjective measures of cognitive function, psychomotor performance, and hemodynamic parameters. Journal of Caffeine Research, 4(2), 59-66.
2. Ziegenfuss, T. N., Habowski, S. M., Sandrock, J. E., Kedia, A. W., & Kerksick, C. M. (2016). The effects of TeacrineTM, a nature-identical purine alkaloid, on subjective measures of cognitive function, psychomotor performance, and hemodynamic parameters in young men and women: a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 13(1), 1-14.
3. Kuhman, D. J., Joyner, K. J., & Bloomer, R. J. (2015). Cognitive performance and mood following ingestion of a theacrine-containing dietary supplement, caffeine, or placebo by young men and women. Nutrients, 7(11), 9618-9632.
4. Taylor, L., Mumford, P., Roberts, M., Hayward, S., Mullins, J., Urbina, S., ... & Wilborn, C. (2016). Safety of TeaCrine®, a non-habituating, naturally-occurring purine alkaloid over eight weeks of continuous use. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 13(1), 1-12.