AICAR Research Guide

Full name: AICAR (AMPK Activator / Exercise Mimetic)

A nucleotide analog researched as an "exercise mimetic" that activates AMPK, the cellular energy sensor, to boost endurance and fat oxidation without exercise. Banned in sport, it is included for educational reference on its metabolic mechanism.

How AICAR Works

AICAR is converted intracellularly to ZMP, which mimics AMP and directly activates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). AMPK activation shifts metabolism toward fat burning, mitochondrial biogenesis, and glucose uptake, mimicking effects of endurance exercise.

Dosing Protocol

• Typical dose: Not established for humans
• Frequency: Research only
• Duration: Research only
• Route: Injection (research)

Reported Benefits

• AMPK activation (exercise-mimetic)
• Increased fat oxidation
• Mitochondrial biogenesis
• Improved endurance (animal models)
• Enhanced glucose uptake

Potential Side Effects

• Unknown long-term human safety
• Banned in sport
• Possible metabolic/heart-rate effects
• No approved human use

Research Citations

1. AICAR as an exercise mimetic (2008) - AICAR activated AMPK and increased running endurance in sedentary mice, coining the "exercise in a pill" concept.

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