AICAR
Boosts endurance and burns fat faster
- Endurance
- Fatty Acid Oxidation
CRITICAL: No systematic human safety data available - all evidence from animal/in vitro studies May affect blood glucose regulation - use caution in diabetics or those on glucose-lowering medications Cardiovascular effects poorly characterized - cardiac monitoring advised Not approved for human use - considered a performance-enhancing substance banned by WADA
Mechanism of Action
AICAR (5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleoside) is a direct activator of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a master cellular energy sensor. Once taken up by cells, AICAR is phosphorylated to ZMP, which mimics AMP and binds to the gamma subunit of AMPK, triggering its phosphorylation and activation. This AMPK activation shifts cellular metabolism toward catabolic pathways, enhancing fatty acid oxidation, glucose uptake, and mitochondrial biogenesis while suppressing energy-consuming anabolic processes. Key Pathways: AMPK phosphorylation and activation, Enhanced mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation via ACC inhibition, Mitophagy and mitochondrial quality control, mTORC1 inhibition reducing anabolic signaling By activating AMPK, AICAR mimics some metabolic effects of exercise—promoting fatty acid oxidation over storage and improving mitochondrial function. Animal studies show improved endurance capacity, enhanced insulin sensitivity, and metabolic benefits in models of obesity and diabetes. These mechanisms underlie its interest as an 'exercise mimetic' for endurance enhancement and body composition improvement.
Common Dose Reference Ranges
Educational reference ranges only — discuss actual dosing with a qualified healthcare provider.
Full AICAR protocols — frequency, timing, cycle length, reconstitution & research
- Hypoglycemia
- Impaired insulin secretion (context-dependent)
- Cardiac effects (theoretical)
- Effects on cell proliferation
- Lactic acidosis (theoretical)