Cardarine (GW-501516) (GW-501516 (Cardarine, Endurobol))
A PPAR-delta agonist (not a SARM) popular for endurance and fat-loss claims. Importantly, its pharmaceutical development was halted after long-term high-dose animal studies showed cancer development. It is banned in sport and carries serious safety warnings.
How it works
Activates the PPAR-delta nuclear receptor, shifting cells toward burning fat for fuel and upregulating genes involved in fatty-acid oxidation and endurance metabolism.
Key facts
- Molecular weight: 453.50 Da
- Half-life: ~20-24 hours
- Bioavailability: Oral
- Storage: Keep cool, dry, and sealed; protect from light.
Dosing overview
- Typical dose: Commonly cited 10-20 mg/day (research)
- Frequency: Once daily
- Duration: Commonly cited short cycles
- Route: Oral
Protocol notes
- Once-daily oral dosing is typical in reported use.
- Given the cancer signal in animal studies, many sources advise against use entirely.
- It does not suppress hormones, but the carcinogenicity concern is the dominant issue.
Reported benefits
- Increased endurance (research claims)
- Enhanced fat oxidation
- No hormonal suppression
- Improved lipid profile in some studies
Possible side effects
- Cancer risk shown in long-term high-dose animal studies
- Unknown long-term human safety
- Banned by WADA
- Potential liver stress
Research
- GW-501516 and fatty-acid oxidation (2008): Increased endurance and fat metabolism in mice via PPAR-delta activation.
- Carcinogenicity findings halting development (2009): Long-term high-dose rodent studies showed tumor development across multiple organs, ending clinical development.
Community reviews of Cardarine (GW-501516)
- compound_curious rated it 5/5 - Genuinely effective after 1 month: Been using Cardarine (GW-501516) for about 1 month and the results are clear. Not overnight dramatic, but a steady, consistent improvement that became undeniable by the end of the first month. The mechanism makes sense based on what I have read in the literature, and my subjective experience matches the expected timeline. Benefits built gradually and plateaued at a good level. Side effects were minimal to none at the dose I used. Followed proper protocols for sourcing, storage, and administration. Would recommend to others who have done their research and have realistic expectations.
- growth_factor_gabe rated it 5/5 - Solid compound with real results: Been using Cardarine (GW-501516) for about 3 weeks and the results are clear. Not overnight dramatic, but a steady, consistent improvement that became undeniable by the end of the first month. The mechanism makes sense based on what I have read in the literature, and my subjective experience matches the expected timeline. Benefits built gradually and plateaued at a good level. Side effects were minimal to none at the dose I used. Followed proper protocols for sourcing, storage, and administration. Would recommend to others who have done their research and have realistic expectations.
- titration_tara rated it 4/5 - Noticed clear benefits within weeks: Added Cardarine (GW-501516) to my protocol about 3 months ago and it has earned its place. The benefits became noticeable around week 2-3 and have been consistent since. What I appreciate about this compound is the predictability. It does what the research suggests it should do, at roughly the timeline you would expect. No surprises, no dramatic swings, just steady improvement. No notable side effects to report at my dose. Sourcing is always the challenge with research compounds, insist on third-party testing. Storage and reconstitution per standard protocols. Plan to continue.
- baseline_ben rated it 5/5 - Worth adding to the protocol: Cardarine (GW-501516) has been a worthwhile addition. I am data-driven and tracked relevant markers before, during, and after. The improvement is measurable and correlates with the intervention timeline. What sets this apart from some compounds I have tried is the consistency. Benefits did not fluctuate wildly or disappear. They built up and maintained. That gives me confidence in the mechanism. Tolerance has been excellent. Nothing in my bloodwork or subjective experience raised any flags. This is the kind of compound that does its job quietly without causing problems. Exactly what you want
- research_marcus rated it 5/5 - Consistent improvement over 3 weeks: Added Cardarine (GW-501516) to my protocol about 3 weeks ago and it has earned its place. The benefits became noticeable around week 2-3 and have been consistent since. What I appreciate about this compound is the predictability. It does what the research suggests it should do, at roughly the timeline you would expect. No surprises, no dramatic swings, just steady improvement. No notable side effects to report at my dose. Sourcing is always the challenge with research compounds, insist on third-party testing. Storage and reconstitution per standard protocols. Plan to continue.
Compare Cardarine (GW-501516)
Research and educational reference only. Not medical advice.