PerformanceResearch profile

AICAR

5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide · Acadesine · AICA riboside

Think of it as a secret endurance booster for your muscles.

AICAR is like a cheat code for endurance. It tricks your muscles into thinking they've been working out a lot more than they actually have. This compound activates a special energy monitor in your body, which then kicks off a chain reaction: your muscles start burning fat for fuel more efficiently and soaking up glucose without needing insulin's help.

The magic doesn't stop there. AICAR also sends signals to your cells to boost the production of mitochondria, often called the powerhouses of the cell. More mitochondria mean your muscles can produce energy more efficiently, which is why AICAR has caught the eye of endurance athletes. However, it's worth noting that using AICAR in sports is a no-go according to the World Anti-Doping Agency.

In essence, AICAR can make sedentary muscles act like they've been training, enhancing endurance capacity without the sweat. But remember, it's not approved for performance or metabolic uses, so it's mostly a tool for researchers at the moment.

Who it's for

Aspiring endurance athletes looking for a performance edge
Biohackers interested in cellular energy and muscle efficiency
Fitness enthusiasts curious about cutting-edge research

Probably not for you if…

Competitive athletes subject to drug testing
Individuals seeking FDA-approved performance enhancers
Those uncomfortable with experimental compounds

Editorial summary for research context · Not medical advice

Mechanism of Action

AICAR is a small molecule (not a peptide) analog of AMP that, once phosphorylated intracellularly to ZMP, directly activates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Research shows AMPK activation stimulates fatty acid oxidation, glucose uptake, mitochondrial biogenesis via PGC-1α, and a shift toward oxidative muscle fiber phenotype in preclinical endurance models. AICAR is WADA-prohibited in sport. It has been investigated for metabolic and cardiac indications but is not FDA-approved for performance or metabolic use.

Researched Benefits

AMPK activation & endurance phenotype (preclinical)

Rodent studies show AICAR administration increases endurance capacity and oxidative muscle fiber content even in sedentary animals.

[Narkar et al. 2008]

Glucose uptake in skeletal muscle

Research demonstrates AMPK-mediated GLUT4 translocation and insulin-independent glucose uptake.

[Merrill et al. 1997]

Mitochondrial biogenesis signaling

Preclinical work shows upregulation of PGC-1α and downstream mitochondrial genes.

Research Protocols

The following dosing ranges have appeared in published research protocols. Presented for informational purposes only — not a recommendation for human use.

Preclinical research protocol

Dosage: 500 mg
Frequency: once daily
Timing: pre-training
Cycle: 4 weeks

Research protocols in rodent models have used mg/kg IP dosing; reliable human endurance dosing is not established.

Reported Side Effects

Hypotension and bradycardia at high doses
Transient hyperuricemia
GI upset and nausea
Cardiac rhythm effects in clinical trial populations
WADA-prohibited substance
Long-term human safety data is limited

Contraindications

Cardiac arrhythmia or conduction disease
Gout or hyperuricemia
Pregnancy and lactation
Competitive athletes subject to anti-doping rules

Stacking Partners

Peptides commonly paired with AICAR in published research and protocol write-ups.

other

5-Amino-1MQ

Adipocyte size reduction (preclinical)

longevity

MOTS-c

AMPK activation and metabolic flexibility

Vendor Pricing

79
Pantheon Peptides
Best $/mg
Size50mg
Total$65.00
/ mg$1.30/mg
In stock
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75
Iron Peptides
Size50mg
Total$64.99
/ mg$1.30/mg
In stock
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66
Guru Peptides
Size50mg
Total$43.99
/ mg$0.88/mg
Out of stock
View

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Gear + Companions

Reconstitution supplies and research-backed supplement companions for AICAR. Editorial picks only — we earn a commission through Amazon on the click, no sponsorship.

Gear you'll need

· Reconstitution + storage essentials

Bacteriostatic Water 30mL (0.9% Benzyl Alcohol)
Empower Pharmacy / generic medical supply
Reconstitutes every lyophilized peptide. 28-day viability refrigerated.
View at Pantheon →
Insulin Syringes 31G × 5/16" × 0.5mL (100 count)
EasyTouch
31G × 0.5mL insulin syringes — the default size for sub-0.25mL peptide doses.
Buy on Amazon →
Alcohol Prep Pads (Sterile, 200 count)
Dynarex
Sterile 70% IPA prep pads — one per vial stopper + one per injection site.
Buy on Amazon →
1-Quart Sharps Disposal Container
BD / Becton Dickinson
FDA-cleared sharps container — pharmacies won't accept improvised disposal.
Buy on Amazon →

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases · Disclosed per FTC guidelines

Research Papers

AMPK and PPARdelta agonists are exercise mimetics
Narkar VA, et al. · Cell · 2008
PubMed 18674809 →
AICA riboside increases AMP-activated protein kinase, fatty acid oxidation, and glucose uptake in rat muscle
Merrill GF, et al. · American Journal of Physiology · 1997
PubMed 9316440 →

AICAR

Mechanism of Action

Researched Benefits