Description
AICAR (5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-beta-D-ribofuranoside, also called acadesine) is a classical AMPK activator and one of the most established compounds for studies on the cellular energy sensing axis. Structurally, AICAR is not a peptide but a nucleotide analog phosphorylated to ZMP (AICAR monophosphate) after cellular uptake, an AMP mimetic.
The research mechanism lies in the activation of AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase). AMPK is the central cellular energy sensor, activated at low ATP and high AMP levels, and switching metabolic pathways: increased fatty acid oxidation, enhanced glucose uptake, reduced anabolic synthesis, activation of mitochondrial biogenesis. AICAR bypasses energetic triggering and activates AMPK directly via the ZMP signal.
In preclinical studies, AICAR has been extensively characterized. It is one of the central tools in research on metabolic syndrome, diabetes, mitochondrial function and exercise mimetics. In fact, AICAR was originally discussed in scientific literature as “exercise in a pill” since many AMPK-mediated adaptations resemble those of physical activity.
A particularity: AICAR has a substantial research history reaching back into the 1980s. The data is comprehensively documented; the compound is mechanistically clearly defined.
AICAR is available in 50mg vials as 10-vial packs.
This information is for research and educational purposes only. No medical recommendations.
Risks & Safety
AICAR is, as an AMPK activator, one of the longest-researched metabolic compounds and mechanistically clearly defined, but it intervenes deeply in cellular energy regulation.
Observed in research and user reports:
- Metabolic intervention: direct AMPK activation shifts several metabolic pathways simultaneously. Preclinical studies document altered glucose and fatty acid utilization as a result.
- Circulation: isolated reports of circulatory effects and transient fatigue shortly after application.
- Injection site: redness or pressure at the injection site is among the more common observations.
- No long-term data: despite a long research history, no robust human studies on longer-term non-clinical use exist. The profile rests on animal models and cell studies.
This classification does not replace medical advice. Risk and responsibility for any actual use lie entirely with the buyer.
Studies
- AICAR and AMPK activation in metabolic research - Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications 1995: Classic characterization.
- AMPK as a master metabolic regulator - Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology 2012: Mechanism overview.
- Exercise mimetics targeting AMPK - Cell 2008: AICAR in the exercise mimetic context.
