AICAR
Also known as: AICAR, Acadesine
AICAR (Acadesine) is an AMPK-activating compound studied as an exercise-mimetic for endurance and metabolic effects in animals. Note: AICAR is a small-molecule nucleoside (an AMPK activator), not a peptide, but is commonly sold alongside research peptides.
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Mechanism of Action
AICAR is a cell-permeable nucleoside that is phosphorylated intracellularly to ZMP, an analog of AMP. ZMP allosterically activates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), the cell's central energy sensor, without changing actual ATP levels. Activated AMPK promotes glucose uptake via GLUT4 translocation, stimulates fatty-acid oxidation by inhibiting acetyl-CoA carboxylase, and drives PGC-1alpha-mediated mitochondrial biogenesis, collectively mimicking some adaptations of endurance exercise.
- Half-life
- Short; on the order of minutes to a few hours
- Administration Routes
- subcutaneous, intravenous
- Research Status
- Preclinical
Reported Benefits
- Activates AMPK, the master metabolic energy sensor
- Increased endurance in sedentary rodent studies
- Promotes fatty-acid oxidation and glucose uptake
- Stimulates mitochondrial biogenesis via PGC-1alpha
- Studied for improving insulin sensitivity
Potential Side Effects
- Potential elevation of uric acid (purine metabolite)
- Possible gastrointestinal discomfort
- Limited human safety data outside cardiac trials
- Banned by anti-doping agencies as a metabolic modulator
Common Dosing
For research use only: rodent endurance studies used roughly 250-500 mg/kg/day. There is no validated human performance dosing. Not personal medical advice.
The dosing information above is aggregated from research literature and anecdotal community reports for educational purposes only. It is not a recommendation, prescription, or medical advice. Peptides are sold as research chemicals only and are not intended for human use.
Contraindications
- Gout or hyperuricemia
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Use in sanctioned athletic competition (prohibited substance)
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AMPK and PPARdelta agonists are exercise mimetics
2008
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AICAr, a Widely Used AMPK Activator with Important AMPK-Independent Effects: A Systematic Review
2021
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Effect of adenosine-regulating agent acadesine on morbidity and mortality associated with coronary artery bypass grafting: the RED-CABG randomized controlled trial
2012
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AICAR administration causes an apparent enhancement of muscle and liver insulin action in insulin-resistant high-fat-fed rats
2002