Common Names: Tetramethyluric acid
Scientific Names: 2-Methoxy-1,7,9-trimethyl-7,9-dihydro-1H-purine-6,8-dione
Methylliberine, a purine alkaloid derived from the seeds and leaves of various coffee plant species, shares structural similarities with caffeine and theacrine. While it is believed to act as an adenosine receptor antagonist, scientific studies confirming this hypothesis are lacking. Methylliberine is thought to induce caffeine-like neuro-energetic effects with potentially fewer side effects, supported by its short half-life of 1.5 hours compared to caffeine's 5-7 hours. Interestingly, concurrent administration of methylliberine and caffeine has been shown to extend caffeine's half-life, likely due to CYP1A2 enzyme inhibition. Safety studies in rats have been conducted, leading to its approval as a dietary supplement in the US. Despite these intriguing characteristics, research on methylliberine supplementation in humans remains limited. As with any supplement, consulting with a healthcare professional before using Methylliberine is advisable to determine the appropriate dosage and to assess any potential interactions with other supplements or medications, ensuring responsible and safe usage.