AICAR Overview
Mechanism of Action
AICAR (5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleoside) is an AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activator. Once phosphorylated to ZMP, it mimics AMP and activates AMPK — the master metabolic switch. AMPK activation increases glucose uptake, fatty acid oxidation, mitochondrial biogenesis, and autophagy — the same adaptations triggered by endurance exercise.
~2–3 hours
Timing
Morning or pre-exercise
Injection Site
Subcutaneous
Food
Fasting may enhance AMPK activation
Common Stacks
- SLU-PP-332 — Complementary exercise mimetic (ERR)
- MOTS-c — Synergistic AMPK activation
- NAD+ — Cellular energy
AICAR Dosing Protocol
Standard Protocol
4–8 weeks25–50 mg SQ daily
Often cycled 4 weeks on / 2 off.
AICAR Expected Timeline
Week 1–2
Enhanced endurance; fat utilization
Week 3–4
Increased mitochondrial density
Week 4–8
Improved metabolic efficiency
AICAR Side Effects
Hypoglycemia (possible)
Limited human safety data
Injection site irritation
AICAR Research Studies
AMPK activation by AICAR enhances endurance in mice
Narkar VA, et al. — Cell (2008)
Landmark study: AICAR improved running endurance by 44% in sedentary mice without exercise training.
PubMed: 18674809AICAR FAQ
Can AICAR replace exercise?
Activates AMPK-dependent adaptations but cannot replicate all exercise benefits. Most valuable for those with limited exercise capacity.
Is AICAR banned in sports?
Yes. WADA banned AICAR in 2009 under ‘metabolic modulators’ for its exercise-mimicking effects.