AICAR
Also known as: Acadesine · AICA riboside · 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide
A non-peptide small molecule studied in the research literature as an AMPK activator with metabolic effects.
AICAR at a glance
| Name | AICAR |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Acadesine, AICA riboside, 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide |
| Category | Metabolic & mitochondrial |
| Type | Amino / injectable |
| Sequence | Non-peptide small molecule (nucleoside analog) |
| Typical dose | No established human dose; animal studies cite figures on a mg/kg basis that do not translate directly to people |
| Frequency | Not established |
| Route | Injection or oral in research settings (not standardized) |
| Half-life | Short in published animal data; human values are not firmly established. |
Overview
AICAR is a nucleoside analog that serves as a precursor in purine synthesis and is widely studied as a direct activator of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Most data come from cell and animal models, and it is included here strictly for educational context.
How it’s thought to work
- Commonly cited as mimicking AMP to activate the AMPK energy-sensing pathway.
- Reported to promote glucose uptake in muscle tissue in models.
- Associated with increased fatty-acid oxidation in the literature.
- Described as influencing mitochondrial biogenesis signaling.
Researched uses
- Metabolic and exercise-mimetic effects in animal models
- Cellular energy-metabolism research
- Studied historically in cardioprotection experiments
Commonly cited protocol
| Typical dose | No established human dose; animal studies cite figures on a mg/kg basis that do not translate directly to people |
|---|---|
| Frequency | Not established |
| Route | Injection or oral in research settings (not standardized) |
| Notes | A research chemical without standardized human dosing; figures are experimental only. |
Reconstitution
Handled as a research chemical rather than a standardized injectable product, so consumer insulin-syringe unit math does not meaningfully apply.
Cautions
- Research chemical; not approved for human use and prohibited by WADA in sport.
- Human safety data are minimal.
- Research-grade purity varies by source.
- Presented for educational context only, not as a recommendation.
AICAR FAQ
What is AICAR?
A non-peptide small molecule studied in the research literature as an AMPK activator with metabolic effects.
How does AICAR work?
Commonly cited as mimicking AMP to activate the AMPK energy-sensing pathway. Reported to promote glucose uptake in muscle tissue in models. Associated with increased fatty-acid oxidation in the literature. Described as influencing mitochondrial biogenesis signaling.
What is AICAR used for?
Metabolic and exercise-mimetic effects in animal models; Cellular energy-metabolism research; Studied historically in cardioprotection experiments.
What is a typical AICAR dose?
No established human dose; animal studies cite figures on a mg/kg basis that do not translate directly to people, Not established, Injection or oral in research settings (not standardized). This is a commonly cited figure for context only, not medical advice.
How do you reconstitute AICAR?
Handled as a research chemical rather than a standardized injectable product, so consumer insulin-syringe unit math does not meaningfully apply.
What is the half-life of AICAR?
Short in published animal data; human values are not firmly established.