Evidence supporting the use of: Teacrine
For the health condition: Athletic and Exercise Aids
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Teacrine (theacrine) is a purine alkaloid structurally similar to caffeine, naturally found in certain teas like Camellia assamica var. kucha. It is marketed as an energy, focus, and performance enhancer in sports supplements. The scientific evidence for Teacrine’s role as an athletic and exercise aid is emerging but remains limited and somewhat preliminary.
Several small, randomized, placebo-controlled trials have investigated Teacrine’s effects on physical performance, energy, and mood. Some studies indicate that acute supplementation with 200-300 mg Teacrine may enhance subjective feelings of energy, focus, and motivation to exercise, and reduce fatigue, without the habituation or tolerance seen with caffeine. However, objective improvements in physical performance measures (such as power output, endurance, or strength) are either modest or not statistically significant compared to placebo. Safety profiles appear favorable, with minimal cardiovascular stimulation at recommended doses.
Overall, while there is scientific interest and some preliminary evidence supporting Teacrine’s potential to enhance subjective markers of exercise performance or mental energy, robust, high-quality studies demonstrating clear, consistent benefits to athletic performance are lacking. The current evidence justifies a moderate rating (2/5), as the ingredient is actively researched, but claims outpace what is firmly established by science.
Other ingredients used for Athletic and Exercise Aids
7-Keto-DHEAacetyl l-carnitine
adenosine 5-triphosphate disodium (ATP)
alpha d-ribofuranose
alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
amino acids
ashwagandha
astaxanthin
bacillus subtilis
beet
beta-alanine
black tea
bovine
branched-chain amino acids
caffeine
capsaicinoids
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
collagen
colostrum
conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)
cordyceps
creatine monohydrate
curcumin
eleuthero
ginseng
green tea
guarana
guayusa
l-isoleucine
l-alanine
l-alanyl-l-glutamine
l-arginine
l-carnitine
l-citrulline
l-glutamine
l-glycine
l-leucine
l-ornithine
l-taurine
l-tyrosine
l-valine
maca
magnesium
maltodextrin
muira puama
Acetyl-L-Tyrosine
omega-3 fatty acids
ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate
peppermint oil
protein
pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P-5-P)
rhodiola
black ginger
spirulina
tongkat ali
tribulus
vitamin C
watermelon
whey protein
suma
jiaogulan
capsicum
bee pollen
cistanche
electrolytes blend (proprietary)
yerba mate
algae
cocoa
brown rice protein
sea salt
1,3,7-Trimethylpurine-2,6-dione
2, 17a-dimethyl-17b-hydroxy-5a-androst-2-ene
Arginine Alpha Ketoglutarate
Antler
Arginine Creatine
Arginine nitrate
Arachidonic Acid
Arginine malate
Arginine aspartate
Alpha glyceryl
Alpha-ketoisocaproic acid
Agmatine
adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
Algal protein
Alpha hydroxyisocaproic acid
Arginine silicate
Bicarbonate
Beef Protein
Bovine Protein
Bulbine natalensis
Ba Ji Tian
BCAA
Camellia sinensis
Coconut
Casein
Cardarine
Capsinoids
Citrate malate
Capsiate
Creatine
D-Aspartic Acid
Dihydrocapsiate
Deer Velvet
D-Ribose
Ephedra
Elk antler
Ecdysteroids
Elthyl-Alpha-Guanido-Methyl-Ethanoate
Ecdysterone
Ephedrine
Isoleucine
Ketone Salts
Milk Protein
Quinoa Protein
salt
yohimbine
Other health conditions supported by Teacrine
Athletic and Exercise AidsConcentration (poor)
Energy (lack of)
Fatigue