THIS PRODUCT IS INTENDED AS A RESEARCH CHEMICAL ONLY. This designation allows the use of research chemicals strictly for in vitro testing and laboratory experimentation only. All product information available on this website is for educational purposes only. Bodily introduction of any kind into humans or animals is strictly forbidden by law. This product should only be handled by licensed, qualified professionals. This product is not a drug, food, or cosmetic and may not be misbranded, misused or mislabled as a drug, food or cosmetic.

What Is AICAR?

AICAR, short for 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleoside, is a short peptide that plays a role in energy homeostasis and a number of metabolic pathways. AICAR plays a role in the regulation of insulin receptors and how muscle cells function with regards to insulin. AICAR is under active investigation for its cancer-fighting properties and for its ability to protect heart/cardiovascular tissue. AICAR is an AMP kinase (AMPK) activator.

AICAR is the activated form of naturally occurring acadesine, which is currently used in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Research shows that acadesine, like AICAR, has anti-cancer properties. It has also been found to play a role in inhibiting platelet function and thus in the prevention of the early stages of blood clotting.

AICAR Structure

Sequence: 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleoside Molecular Formula: C9H15N4O8P Molecular Weight: 338.213 g/mol PubChem CID: 65110 CAS Number: 3031-94-5 Synonyms: AICA ribonucletotide, Z-nucleotide

AICAR Effects

AICAR and Insulin Resistance

Research in mice shows that AICAR, even at low doses, reduces inflammation in adipose tissue. Inflammation in fat is associated with increased insulin resistance and reducing inflammation leads to improved glucose homeostasis and increased insulin sensitivity even without any changes in body weight. It appears that AICAR has several pathways though which it affects inflammation in adipose tissue, with at least one of those pathways involving SIRT1 and macrophages[1].

The impact of AICAR on adipose inflammation is not unexpected. AMPK has been found to attenuate inflammatory responses in metabolic disorders in both healthy and diabetic mice. In research in mice, AMPK activation, as is caused by AICAR, was found to improve insulin sensitivity, energy homeostasis, lipid metabolism, and inflammatory markers[].

Exercise increases the number of GLUT-4 insulin receptors that are present on the surface of muscle cells. It is one of the most effective means of boosting glucose uptake by muscle cells and effectively reduces both glucose levels and insulin resistance. It turns out that AICAR mimics the effects of exercise very precisely and that repeated administration of AICAR has effects similar to long-term exercise[3].

AICAR and Cancer Research

AMPK plays a complex role in the growth and metastasis of cancer, both slowing and accelerating the growth of tumors under varying circumstances. Overall, research indicates that prolonged activation of the enzyme eventually leads to cancer cell death by slowing cancer cell metabolism and making cancer cells more susceptible to environmental insults. This has been demonstrated both in cell culture and in rats[4, p. 5], [5]. Scientists are investigating the ability of AICAR to work in tandem with other chemotherapeutic agents to boost effectiveness. The thought is that AICAR might:

AICAR inhibits clonal growth of glioma (C6) and prostate cells. Source: Journal of Biological Chemistry

Research in thyroid cancer cells indicates that AICAR may also operate by causing apoptosis (programmed cell death). It appears that this activity is mediated through the induction of p21 accumulation and the eventual activation of caspase 3. The overall effect is inhibition of cancer cell proliferation and survival[7].

AMPK activators, like AICAR, influence a number of pathways that can impact cancer

AICAR Anti-inflammatory Properties

AMPK activators have been shown to play an important role in inflammation at the cellular level. Research into metformin, a common and long-used diabetes medication, indicates that at least part of the reason the drug is effective is that it reduces inflammation and boosts the function of the pancreas. AICAR has similar effects, playing a protective role in inflammatory conditions like acute lung injry, asthma, colitis, atherosclerosis, and hepatitis[8].

There is ongoing research into the use of AICAR to mediate the effects of auto-immune diseases and other inflammatory conditions. For instance, studies in mice indicate that ACIAR may be effective in reducing inflammation in colitis. It appears that AICAR acts as a central inhibitor of immune responses in this setting by reducing NF-kappaB activation in macrophages as well as TH1- and TH17-type cytokines[9].

AICAR Research and the Heart

Much of heart disease is related to inflammation. The ability to control inflammation could reduce the progression of vascular disease, including atherosclerosis. Research in rabbit models of atherosclerosis indicated that AICAR suppression vascular smooth muscle proliferation. This is not only an important component of cardiovascular disease, but is also one of the reasons that cardiac stents fail over time. Controlling vascular inflammation could reduce both short-term and long-term complications of stent placement without the need for drugs that increase the risk of bleeding[10].

Research also suggests that AMPK activation can suppression certain immune responses that lead to atherosclerosis. The buildup of LDL, often referred to as “bad cholesterol,” leads to macrophage proliferation. This process is integral to the formation of plaques that can eventually lead to heart attack[11]. Anything that can mitigate this proliferation has the potential to reduce heart disease and even heart attack prevalence.

AICAR Research and Fertility

A great deal of AICAR research has revolved around the ability of the peptide to improve sperm motility, energy metabolism, and fertilizing ability. Research in both cats, goats, and chickens indicates that AMPK activators like AICAR can improve sperm motility by improving energy metabolism[12]. It appears that AICAR regulates the activity of energetic enzymes in spermatozoa and therefore impacts overall fertilizing ability[13].

AICAR exhibits minimal side effects, low oral and excellent subcutaneous bioavailability in mice. Per kg dosage in mice does not scale to humans. AICAR for sale at                         peptide Review hub is limited to educational and scientific research only, not for human consumption. Only buy AICAR if you are a licensed researcher.

Scientific Journal Author

Spencer Gaskin, M.D., Ph.D. is an American Board of Internal Medicine certified cardiologist and medical practitioner. His expertise of Internal medicine and cardiology sources from UT Southwestern Cardiology, Washington University Interventional Cardiology, and the Mid America Heart Institute. Dr. Gaskin led a study that examined the prevention of Postischemic Leukocyte Rolling and Adhesion via preconditioning with AICAR.

Spencer Gaskin, M.D., Ph.D. is being referenced as one of the leading scientists involved in the research and development of AICAR. In no way is this doctor/scientist endorsing or advocating the purchase, sale, or use of this product for any reason. There is no affiliation or relationship, implied or otherwise, between Peptide  review and this doctor. The purpose of citing the doctor is to acknowledge, recognize, and credit the exhaustive research and development efforts conducted by the scientists studying this peptide. Dr. Gaskin is listed in [14] under the referenced citations.

AICAR (5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide) is one of the most extensively researched compounds in metabolic biology, energy regulation, exercise physiology, and AMPK signaling research. Best known as an AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activator, AICAR has been studied for its effects on glucose metabolism, insulin sensitivity, inflammation, cardiovascular biology, cancer pathways, and cellular energy homeostasis.

As demand for AICAR research products continues to grow, researchers should carefully compare vendors based on purity, laboratory testing, product documentation, pricing, and supplier transparency.

This AICAR Vendor Price Comparison Guide helps researchers evaluate suppliers using objective criteria including:

• Product Pricing

• Cost Per Milligram

• Product Purity

• Certificate of Analysis (COA)

• Third-Party Testing

• Vendor Reputation

• Customer Reviews

• Shipping Performance

• Product Availability

• Overall Value

Whether you're looking for the most affordable AICAR supplier, vendors offering extensive analytical testing, or the best balance of quality and price, this guide provides a framework for comparison.

Explore AICAR Vendors by Criteria

Most Popular AICAR Vendors

Compare suppliers frequently selected by metabolic and exercise physiology researchers.

Highest Reviewed AICAR Vendors

Discover vendors with strong customer feedback and positive reputations.

Lowest Price AICAR Vendors

Identify suppliers offering competitive pricing and attractive cost-per-milligram value.

Highest Purity AICAR Vendors

Review suppliers providing transparent purity testing and analytical verification.

Best Value AICAR Vendors

Compare quality, testing standards, customer service, and pricing to determine overall value.

Fastest Shipping AICAR Vendors

Evaluate order-processing speed, packaging quality, and delivery performance.

Newly Listed AICAR Vendors

Explore recently added suppliers offering AICAR research compounds.

What Is AICAR?

Overview

AICAR, short for 5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide, is a research compound involved in cellular energy regulation and metabolic signaling.

Researchers study AICAR because it activates:

• AMP-Activated Protein Kinase (AMPK)

• Energy-sensing pathways

• Glucose-regulation mechanisms

• Metabolic adaptation pathways

AICAR has become an important tool in investigating:

• Insulin sensitivity

• Glucose metabolism

• Exercise physiology

• Cardiovascular function

• Inflammatory signaling

• Cancer biology

• Fertility research

Molecular Characteristics

Compound Information

Researchers evaluating AICAR products should carefully review molecular specifications and analytical data.

Compound Name

AICAR

Full Name

5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide Ribonucleotide

Alternative Names

• AICA Ribonucleotide

• Z-Nucleotide

• Acadesine Metabolite

Molecular Formula

C9H15N4O8P

Molecular Weight

338.213 g/mol

PubChem CID

65110

CAS Number

3031-94-5

Classification

AMPK Activator

Research Category

Metabolic & Energy Regulation Research

Why Researchers Compare AICAR Vendors

Not all research compound suppliers maintain the same quality-control standards.

Differences between vendors may include:

• Purity percentages

• Manufacturing practices

• Batch consistency

• Analytical verification

• Product stability

• Storage conditions

• Documentation quality

• Shipping procedures

Careful vendor evaluation helps improve reproducibility and research reliability.

How We Compare AICAR Vendors

Third-Party Laboratory Testing

Independent testing remains one of the strongest indicators of supplier quality.

Researchers should prioritize vendors providing:

• Third-party testing

• Batch-specific reports

• Identity verification

• Purity analysis

Certificate of Analysis (COA)

A quality COA should include:

• Batch number

• Product identity

• Purity percentage

• Testing methodology

• Testing date

Product Purity

Purity directly affects research consistency.

Suppliers providing transparent and current analytical data generally rank higher in quality assessments.

Cost Per Milligram

Comparing only product prices can be misleading.

Cost Per Milligram Formula

Product Price ÷ Total Milligrams = Cost Per Milligram

This allows for meaningful comparisons across vendors.

Customer Reviews

Customer experiences may reveal useful information regarding:

• Product consistency

• Packaging quality

• Shipping reliability

• Customer support

• Overall purchasing experience

Vendor Reputation

Established suppliers often demonstrate:

• Consistent quality standards

• Reliable testing programs

• Strong customer satisfaction

• Long-term market presence

Current Research & Evidence

AMPK Activation Research

AICAR is primarily studied due to its ability to activate AMPK, a key regulator of cellular energy balance.

Researchers continue investigating how AMPK signaling influences:

• Glucose utilization

• Fat metabolism

• Energy production

• Cellular adaptation

Metabolic Health Research

AICAR has become an important research tool for studying metabolic pathways involved in:

• Insulin sensitivity

• Energy homeostasis

• Glucose regulation

• Lipid metabolism

Researchers remain interested in how these pathways impact both normal and disease-related physiology.

Exercise Physiology Research

AICAR is frequently examined in studies involving:

• Exercise adaptation

• Cellular energy utilization

• Muscle metabolism

• Endurance-related signaling pathways

Its ability to influence AMPK activity makes it valuable in performance and metabolic research models.

Inflammatory Pathway Research

Research suggests that AMPK activation may influence numerous inflammation-related cellular pathways.

Investigators continue studying relationships between AICAR and:

• Cytokine signaling

• NF-kappaB pathways

• Immune-cell activity

• Metabolic inflammation

Key Findings on AICAR Research

Insulin Sensitivity Research

One of the most extensively studied aspects of AICAR involves its relationship with insulin signaling.

Experimental studies have explored:

• Glucose uptake

• GLUT-4 activity

• Insulin responsiveness

• Metabolic efficiency

Glucose Regulation Research

Researchers have investigated how AMPK activation influences:

• Glucose homeostasis

• Blood-sugar regulation pathways

• Energy utilization

• Cellular nutrient sensing

Cancer Research

AICAR continues to be studied for its interactions with pathways associated with:

• Cell growth

• Cellular metabolism

• Apoptosis signaling

• Tumor-cell energetics

Researchers remain interested in how AMPK activation affects cancer-related biological processes.

Anti-Inflammatory Research

Experimental studies have explored AICAR's role in:

• Immune modulation

• Inflammatory signaling

• Cytokine regulation

• Metabolic inflammation

This remains an active area of scientific investigation.

Cardiovascular Research

Researchers have studied AICAR in models involving:

• Vascular biology

• Cardiac metabolism

• Inflammatory cardiovascular pathways

• Cellular stress responses

Its effects on energy regulation make it particularly relevant to cardiovascular research.

Fertility Research

Studies involving animal models have examined relationships between AICAR and:

• Sperm motility

• Cellular energy production

• Reproductive metabolism

• Fertility-associated pathways

Further research is necessary to fully characterize these observations.

Research Limitations

Most findings regarding AICAR originate from laboratory, cellular, and animal studies.

Research outcomes should not be interpreted as evidence of approved therapeutic uses or clinical efficacy in humans.

Additional investigation remains necessary to better understand its biological effects and potential applications.

Product Quality & Analytical Testing

Why Testing Matters

Research-grade AICAR should undergo testing to verify:

• Identity

• Purity

• Potency

• Stability

• Batch consistency

Common Testing Methods

High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)

Used to evaluate purity and identify impurities.

Mass Spectrometry (MS)

Used to confirm molecular identity and expected molecular weight.

Identity Verification Testing

Confirms compound authenticity and composition.

Stability Testing

Evaluates integrity under storage conditions.

Batch Consistency Testing

Measures reproducibility between production lots.

Understanding AICAR Pricing

Several factors influence AICAR pricing among suppliers.

Product Purity

Higher-purity preparations often command premium pricing.

Analytical Testing

Comprehensive laboratory verification increases transparency and quality assurance.

Manufacturing Standards

Stringent quality-control procedures can contribute to higher production costs.

Product Stability

Specialized storage and handling procedures may influence overall pricing.

Vendor Reputation

Trusted vendors often charge more due to established quality-assurance programs.

AICAR Vendor Evaluation Checklist

Quality Verification

✅ Third-party testing available

✅ Certificate of Analysis provided

✅ Identity verification documented

✅ Purity information disclosed

✅ Batch-specific testing available

Vendor Reliability

✅ Positive customer reviews

✅ Transparent company information

✅ Responsive customer support

✅ Reliable inventory availability

Purchasing Experience

✅ Secure checkout process

✅ Shipment tracking available

✅ Clear refund policy

✅ Consistent fulfillment performance

Red Flags When Comparing Vendors

Testing Concerns

❌ No third-party testing

❌ Missing COAs

❌ Unverified purity claims

❌ Outdated laboratory reports

Transparency Issues

❌ Hidden product specifications

❌ Missing batch information

❌ Limited analytical documentation

❌ No company contact information

Service Problems

❌ Frequent inventory shortages

❌ Negative customer reviews

❌ Poor communication

❌ Unclear shipping policies

How to Choose the Best AICAR Vendor

Prioritize Analytical Testing

Select suppliers providing current third-party testing and batch-specific COAs.

Compare Overall Value

Balance pricing against purity, testing standards, and customer support.

Review Product Documentation

Verify identity and purity reports before purchasing.

Consider Vendor Reputation

Established suppliers often provide greater consistency and transparency.

Match Products to Research Goals

Choose vendors offering appropriate product specifications and documentation for your research requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is AICAR?

AICAR (5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide) is an AMPK activator studied in metabolic, cardiovascular, inflammatory, and exercise physiology research.

Is AICAR a peptide?

Although frequently grouped with peptides by research suppliers, AICAR is more accurately classified as a nucleotide-related research compound and AMPK activator rather than a traditional peptide.

Why compare AICAR vendors?

Product purity, analytical testing, pricing, documentation quality, and supplier reliability can vary substantially between vendors.

What should I review before purchasing?

Researchers should evaluate:

• Certificate of Analysis

• Purity testing

• Third-party verification

• Identity testing

• Vendor reputation

• Customer reviews

Why is third-party testing important?

Independent laboratory testing helps verify identity, purity, and consistency while improving transparency.

Is the cheapest vendor always the best choice?

No. Product quality, testing standards, and supplier reliability are often more important than price alone.

How often should vendor comparisons be updated?

Pricing, inventory, testing documentation, and supplier policies may change frequently and should be reviewed regularly.

Final Thoughts

AICAR remains one of the most widely researched metabolic compounds because of its ability to activate AMPK and influence cellular energy regulation. Researchers continue exploring its relationships with glucose metabolism, insulin sensitivity, exercise physiology, inflammation, cancer biology, cardiovascular function, and reproductive pathways.

When comparing AICAR vendors, researchers should prioritize purity verification, third-party testing, COA availability, supplier reputation, and overall value rather than focusing exclusively on price. A structured evaluation process can help identify vendors that best support high-quality, reproducible research.