What is AICAR?

It is a natural peptide analog of adenosine monophosphate (AMP). This cell-permeable nucleotide has been found capable of stimulating AMPK activity in the body. The increase in AMPK activity, in turn, potentially leads to more fat-burning and increased energy production.

Multiple studies have been conducted to investigate the potential effects of AICAR. In one such study, it inhibited cholesterol synthesis in liver cells. A human study involving healthy male subjects has found that it may increase glucose uptake in skeletal muscle cells. [R]

In mice, administration of this led to improved cognition and motor coordination. A separate study found that AICAR inhibits cancer cell proliferation by different mechanisms. Lastly, in an animal model of myocardial infarction, it improved scar formation in the heart. [R][R][R]

How does AICAR Activate AMPK?

AICAR activates AMPK by entering the cells through adenosine transporters. This substance then binds to the γ subunit of AMPK, allosterically activating the enzyme. It is to be noted that while AICAR activates AMPK, it’s 40- to 50-fold less potent than AMP in AMPK activation.

It should be noted that not all effects of it are AMPK-dependent. Several studies conducted over the past few years prove this. These studies show that numerous AICAR effects, previously attributed to AMPK activation, are in fact, AMPK-independent. [R]

AICAR Research

Multiple human trials have been conducted on AICAR to date. This research chemical has also been investigated in various animal studies. These studies have established that said peptide holds immense potential due to its beneficial effects.

PureRawz doesn’t sell AICAR for human consumption.

AICAR and Diabetes

A human study provides evidence that AICAR may help prevent and treat type-2 diabetes. The study demonstrates a reduction of glucose production and improvement in glucose level regulation in diabetes patients infused with it. That too at lower doses than previously used in rats. [R]

Another clinical trial was conducted to investigate the effects of AICAR on glucose and fatty acid metabolism in type 2 diabetes patients. Results from the trial demonstrate that IV administration of AICAR lowers blood glucose concentrations in vivo. [R]

In a separate animal study, long-term administration improved glucose tolerance, improved lipid profile, and reduced systolic blood pressure in an insulin-resistant animal model. Insulin resistance is a condition linked to pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes. [R]

AICAR and Metabolic Disorders

An animal study involving male Wistar rats has found that AICAR administration causes significant reductions in visceral and subcutaneous adiposity. This is also without inducing energy-sparing mechanisms that oppose long-term fat loss or weight loss. [R]

A pair of clinical trials have shown that the activation of AMPK causes a significant drop in abdominal fat. In one of the studies that were part of the trial, adnominal fats decreased by 11%. These findings show that it may also stimulate fat loss by activating AMPK. [R]

Finally, AMPK activation via AICAR could attenuate the inflammatory response to resident PM 2.5-induced metabolic disorders in healthy and diabetic mice. [R]

AICAR and Brain Functions

Results obtained from an animal study show that it improves cognition and motor coordination in young and aged mice. Furthermore, in the hippocampus region of the brain, genes relevant to neuronal development and plasticity were enriched following AICAR administration. [R]

In another study, administration transiently benefited brain function. At the 7-day time-point, AICAR treatment increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels. BDNF is a protein that is crucial for learning and memory. However, an inversion occurred at fourteen days. [R]

AICAR and Heart Health

A rat study was conducted to determine whether it would increase circulating VEGF, decrease oxidative stress, and abrogate placental ischemia-induced hypertension. All the subjects were housed in a temperature-controlled room (23°C) with a 12-H: 12-H light/dark cycle.

Findings from the study suggest that it may help mitigate angiogenic imbalance, renal and placental oxidative stress, and increase blood pressure associated with RUPP hypertension. Furthermore, this substance also ameliorated hypertension. [R]

In a rodent model of reperfused MI, it improved scar formation in the aged heart. This was accompanied by enhanced collagen deposition and collagen fiber maturation in the heart. These findings show a potential therapeutic strategy to prevent adverse remodeling in the aging heart. [R]

AICAR and Cancer

One study investigated the effects of this substance on tumor growth in human osteosarcoma, both in vitro and in vivo. The findings in this study strongly suggest that it could be considered a potential therapeutic agent for treating human osteosarcoma. [R]

A cell study was carried out to investigate the effects of it on prostate cancer. Results showed that it suppressed the growth of cancer cells dose-dependently. In another study, AMPK activation by AICAR sensitized prostate cancer cells to radiotherapy. [R] [R]

Finally, another study substantiated the effects of it on thyroid cancer. It noted that it reduces thyroid cancer cell growth, invasion, and metastasis. Plus, it dose-dependently inhibited the basal secretion of CXCL8, a chemokine with tumorigenic effects. [R]

AICAR and Inflammation

Multiple studies have explored the anti-inflammatory properties of AICAR.

In one of those studies, long-term administration of low-dose AICAR significantly suppressed adipose inflammation in diet-induced obese mice. This was associated with improved glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity without changes in body weight. [R]

It could also attenuate inflammatory response after intestinal ischemia and reperfusion, suggests results from another study. Intestinal ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) are encountered in various clinical conditions. It contributes to multi-organ failure and mortality. [R]

AICAR and Sperm Motility

Sperm motility is the ability of sperm to move efficiently. This is crucial in fertility because the sperm must move through a woman’s reproductive tract and fertilize the egg. Poor sperm motility is one of the various factors responsible for male factor infertility. [R]

Two studies show that it increased chicken spermatozoa quality (motility, viability, and acrosome reaction). Another study indicated that it can improve motion characteristics and fertilizing ability of cryopreserved sperm, to the control. [R][R]

Where to Buy AICAR Online

PureRawz is the best place to buy AICAR online.

In order to be the best supplier of research peptides, we provide reference materials with every product we sell. In addition, all our research chemicals come with an independent, third-party-issued Certificate of Analysis for identification, purity, and concentration.

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AICAR Summary

AICAR is a naturally produced peptide that influences various body functions via AMP-K activation. Research has shown that it can suppress cancer cell metabolism, as well as certain immune responses that lead to severe diseases. This substance can also improve lipid metabolism.