Stimulant Alkaloid
Theacrine
Also known as: TeaCrine
A stimulant compound similar to caffeine, used for sustained energy and focus without tolerance buildup.
KÖGN Health grades Theacrine as B+ (Moderate evidence) and rates it 4.2 out of 5.
Last reviewed · June 2026
Primary effects
- Increased energy
- Improved focus
- Reduced fatigue
How it works
Modulates adenosine and dopamine pathways, promoting sustained alertness and motivation.
Overview
Theacrine is structurally similar to caffeine but is reported to have a longer-lasting, smoother stimulant effect with less tolerance development. It is often used in performance formulations for sustained mental and physical energy. While evidence is still developing, it is generally well tolerated and commonly stacked with caffeine for enhanced effects.
The evidence
Theacrine is a compound related to caffeine (found in some teas and marketed as TeaCrine) used for energy and focus, with the selling point that it may produce less tolerance than caffeine over a week or two. The human evidence is limited to a handful of small trials, often combining it with caffeine, so confident claims aren't yet warranted.
How to dose it
Human studies commonly use around 100–300 mg/day, sometimes alongside caffeine.
When to take it
Acute — used for same-session energy and focus.
Safety & side effects
Appears well tolerated in the short trials done so far, with a caffeine-like profile; long-term data are lacking.
Who should avoid it
Treat it with the same caution as a stimulant — care in pregnancy, anxiety and heart-rhythm conditions — and remember it is often stacked with caffeine, so watch the combined load. Evidence is preliminary.
References
Related ingredients
Graded entries that target the same cognitive goals.
Categories
Draft — the dose, safety and evidence notes on this entry were prepared from the published literature and are pending editorial and clinical review.
Educational information, not medical advice. The evidence grade is KÖGN’s editorial assessment of published research, not a health claim. Speak to a qualified clinician before changing what you take.