Cardarine (GW501516): Benefits, Uses, Side Effects & More

Cardarine (GW501516) has garnered significant interest among researchers due to its unique biological properties. In preclinical studies, scientists have investigated its potential to influence metabolic pathways, enhance endurance, and promote lipid metabolism in animal models.

This guide offers a detailed overview of Cardarine. It covers how it works, where it’s used in research, and important safety and pharmacokinetic data—all within the limits of laboratory-based studies only.

What is Cardarine?

Cardarine, also known as GW501516, is a research chemical. Scientists originally developed it in the 1990s. It may act as a PPARδ agonist, which means it targets a specific protein that regulates metabolism. 

Cardarine is not a SARM (Selective Androgen Receptor Modulator). It does not bind to androgen receptors. Instead, it influences fat metabolism, endurance, and energy balance in test models. 

How Cardarine Works? 

Cardarine activates PPARδ receptors. These receptors play a role in how the body uses fat and energy.

In research, Cardarine:

• Increases fatty acid oxidation
• Improves glucose uptake in muscles
• Promotes the use of stored fat as energy

These effects help test models demonstrate greater endurance and improved fat metabolism.

What are the potential benefits of Cardarine?

1. Improves Endurance

Research shows Cardarine may boost VO2 max and stamina. Animal studies report longer running times and better physical performance.

2. Enhances Fat Burning

Cardarine may increase the body’s ability of a lab subject to use fat as energy. It may also support weight loss and improve lipid profiles in lab animals. HDL (good cholesterol) often increases, while LDL (bad cholesterol) decreases.

3. Protects Muscle Tissue

In calorie-restricted models, Cardarine may help preserve lean muscle mass in lab models. It may shift muscle fibers toward a more oxidative (endurance-based) type.

4. Supports Glucose Metabolism

In diabetic rodent studies, Cardarine may improve insulin sensitivity. It may also lower blood glucose and improve metabolic markers in test subjects.

Common Research Uses

Researchers explore Cardarine for:

• Obesity studies
• Type 2 diabetes
• Endurance enhancement
• Metabolic dysfunction

Typical dosages in rodent studies range from 5 to 20 mg/kg per day. Research duration usually spans several weeks.

Cardarine vs Other Compounds

Not a Stimulant

Research indicates that, unlike stimulants like caffeine or ephedrine, Cardarine does not raise heart rate or blood pressure. It may enhance fat loss through a non-stimulatory pathway in a lab model.

Not a SARM

Cardarine does not affect androgen receptors. It works differently from SARMs like Ostarine (MK-2866) or RAD 140. SARMs target muscle-building pathways. Cardarine supports energy metabolism.

Possible Side Effects

1. Cancer Risk

A 2009 GSK rodent study linked Cardarine to cancer growth in high doses over long periods. This raised major safety concerns. However, the dose used was much higher than in standard research models.

2. Liver and Kidney Strain

Some animal trials show mild liver enzyme elevation. Other models suggest oxidative stress or inflammation. More data is needed to confirm these risks.

3. Long-Term Safety Unknown

Cardarine has not been studied long-term in humans. Researchers should handle it with caution.

Cardarine Stacks in Research

In some experiments, researchers combine Cardarine with:

• SR9009 (another metabolic modulator)

• MK-677 (growth hormone secretagogue)

These combinations aim to enhance fat loss, endurance, or recovery. However, safety data on stacking is limited.

What the Research Says

Studies suggest Cardarine may:

• Improve metabolism in lab models
• Increase fat burning in test subjects
• Boost endurance in research models
• Support glucose control in experimental subjects

But it also shows potential risks, especially at high doses. Its long-term safety profile remains unclear.

Where to buy Cardarine online for research purposes?

PureRawz is a trusted supplier; you may buy Cardarine for laboratory research purposes only. 

Each product includes a reference-grade Certificate of Analysis (COA). This verifies purity, identity, and concentration. 

Legal and Regulatory Status

The FDA has not approved Cardarine for medical use. WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) bans it in competitive sports. Cardarine is sold for research purposes only. Researchers must follow safety protocols and avoid human exposure.

FAQs

What is the half-life of Cardarine?

Research suggests that Cardarine has a half-life of around 24 hours, based on available pharmacokinetic data from animal studies.

Is Cardarine safe?

Cardarine is not approved for human use. Animal studies have linked it to possible cancer risks and liver-related side effects. It should only be used under strict laboratory conditions for research purposes.

What forms of Cardarine are used in research?

In research settings, Cardarine is typically available in liquid, capsule, and powder forms. These are used for oral dosing in animal and in vitro experiments.

Does Cardarine affect insulin function?

Preclinical research indicates that Cardarine may help improve insulin sensitivity and boost glucose uptake in muscle tissue of test subjects. However, these findings are still being studied.

Conclusion

Cardarine (GW501516) shows promise in metabolic and endurance research. It works by activating PPARδ and enhancing fat use in test models.

However, Cardarine is not for human use. Researchers should use it only in controlled laboratory studies. Future research may reveal more about its benefits and safety.

References

1. Gaidhu, M. P., et al. (2012). “Fatty acid oxidation and endurance: PPARδ role.” Journal of Molecular Endocrinology, 49(2): 185–195.

2. Oliver, W. R., et al. (2001). “A selective PPARδ agonist promotes fat burning in rodents.” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 98(9): 5306–5311.

3. U.S. FDA. (2023). “Certain Bulk Drug Substances Used in Compounding May Present Significant Safety Risks.”

4. World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). (2024). “Prohibited List.”

5. GlaxoSmithKline Internal Report (2009). “Toxicology and carcinogenicity study of GW501516 in rodents.”