Important Bioactive From Plants!
Theacrine is a naturally occurring purine alkaloid belonging to the methylurate class of compounds, structurally similar to caffeine. Its chemical name is 1,3,7,9-tetramethyluric acid, and it shares a similar core structure to caffeine and theobromine, with a slightly larger molecular weight and altered pharmacokinetics. Theacrine is most notably found in Camellia assamica var. kucha, a rare variant of the tea plant, as well as in the leaves of Cupuaçu (Theobroma grandiflorum) and certain types of Yunnan Kucha tea, where it occurs alongside lower amounts of caffeine and theobromine.
Among its possible health benefits:
· Mild CNS Stimulant, non-habituating
· Energy
· Mood Enhancement
· Antiinflammatory
· Antioxidant
One interesting study investigated how different doses and timing of theacrine affect cognitive performance and sleep. Researchers tested 100 mg (low) and 400 mg (high) doses taken in the morning, afternoon, or evening to mimic real-world use. They found that theacrine did not significantly disrupt sleep, though the high dose caused small, non-significant reductions in sleep efficiency and slight increases in wake time after sleep onset. Importantly, consuming 400 mg of theacrine within 8 hours of bedtime improved next-morning cognitive performance, specifically by reducing lapses on the Psychomotor Vigilance Task, although it did not significantly affect reaction time. The findings suggest theacrine may support alertness the next day without meaningfully impairing sleep.
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