# AICAR

> AICAR (5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide, also known as acadesine) is a nucleotide analog studied as an AMPK activator and exercise mimetic. Research has focused on its ability to reproduce some metabolic adaptations of endurance exercise, such as increased fatty acid oxidation, in sedentary animal models. It has also been investigated in supervised clinical settings for cardioprotection during ischemia, though outside research use it is best known in strength and endurance communities as an experimental compound. AICAR is prohibited in competitive sport by the World Anti-Doping Agency, and human efficacy and safety data for performance or metabolic use outside supervised trials are limited. It should be regarded as an investigational research compound rather than an established therapeutic.

- URL: https://www.lifeconverted.com/peptides/aicar
- Also known as: Acadesine, 5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide
- Primary category: Metabolic
- Effectiveness rank: #15 in Muscle & Performance; #12 in Metabolic
- Evidence level: Emerging research
- Route: Subcutaneous (Oral bioavailability is poor, so subcutaneous or intraperitoneal injection is typical in research use.)
- Dose range: 250-500 mg
- Dose tiers: low 250 mg; moderate 375 mg; high 500 mg
- Half-life: Roughly 1-3 hours, based on limited pharmacokinetic data.
- Timing: ~30 min before exercise
- Cycle: 4-6 weeks on, 4 weeks off (Limited human safety data support only short, conservative cycles.)
- Storage: Store lyophilized powder frozen; refrigerate reconstituted solution and use promptly.

## Mechanism of action

AICAR is taken up by cells and phosphorylated into ZMP, an AMP-mimetic nucleotide that allosterically activates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). AMPK activation shifts cellular metabolism toward increased fatty acid oxidation and glucose uptake while suppressing energy-consuming synthetic pathways, mimicking some signaling that occurs during prolonged exercise. In animal studies this has been linked to improved endurance capacity and insulin sensitivity, though these effects are not confirmed to translate directly to humans at self-administered doses.

## Reported benefits

- Studied in animal models for increased fatty acid oxidation
- Explored for potential endurance and exercise-capacity effects
- Investigated for insulin-sensitivity-related outcomes
- Researched historically for cardioprotective effects during ischemia

## Reported side effects

- Risk of hypoglycemia due to AMPK-driven glucose uptake
- Lactic acidosis reported in clinical ischemia-related use
- Prohibited substance in competitive sport (WADA-banned)
- Limited human safety data outside supervised clinical trials

## Common protocols

- Short research cycles studying endurance or insulin-sensitivity endpoints
- Used alongside structured exercise protocols in research settings

## Stacking notes

Sometimes paired with other experimental research compounds targeting endurance or insulin sensitivity; combined effects and risks are not established. Note that AICAR is banned by WADA for competitive athletes.

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Educational information only, not medical advice. Full disclaimer: https://www.lifeconverted.com/disclaimer