Library · Metabolic & weight · Metabolic enhancement and exercise performance improvement
AICAR (Acadesine)
Acadesine, AICA ribonucleoside, 5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-β-D-ribofuranoside, ZMP
AMP-mimicking compound (also called Acadesine) that activates AMPK, a cellular energy-sensing enzyme. Used in research on metabolism, endurance, and glucose handling; sometimes called ‘exercise in a pill,’ but has no approved medical use.
Research score 40/100. Reference only, not a dose.
- Metabolic Enhancement
- Muscle Growth
- Energy Boost
- Fat Loss
- Cardiovascular Health
- US status
- Research Chemical
- Approval
- Research Chemical Only
- Evidence
- No recent significant human clinical safety data (2020-2025). Older trials showed uric acid increase.
- Research score
- 40 / 100
- Indication
- Research Only - No Medical Indication
- Origin
- USA
- Source category
- Muscles & Joints
- Status group
- Research chemical
Mechanism
Converts intracellularly to ZMP, which binds AMPK’s γ subunit to activate it, boosting muscle glucose uptake via GLUT4 and fat burning via ACC inhibition, plus mitochondrial growth through PGC-1α.
Safety file
Not FDA approved. High doses may risk the kidneys, and it is banned by USADA as a doping agent.
- Nausea
- Headache
- Muscle soreness
- Blood glucose fluctuations
- Fatigue