AICAR (50mg) Research Compound: A Potent AMPK Activator for Metabolic, Neuroprotective & Cardiovascular Studies

If your research investigates cellular energy homeostasis, metabolic regulation, or the molecular pathways underlying neuroprotection and cardioprotection, AICAR (50mg) research compound — also known as Acadesine or 5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleoside — offers a precisely defined and extensively validated pharmacological tool. AICAR is a cell-permeable adenosine analog that functions as a prodrug activator of AMP‑activated protein kinase (AMPK) , a master regulator of cellular energy balance. Upon cellular uptake, AICAR is phosphorylated by adenosine kinase to its active metabolite ZMP, an AMP mimetic that binds the γ-subunit nucleotide-binding site of AMPK. This activation mimics the effects of cellular energy stress, making AICAR (50mg) research compound a valuable tool for laboratories investigating metabolism, neurodegenerative disease, cardiovascular function, and the broader molecular pathways underlying energy homeostasis.

At Chinese Grey Peptides, we supply high‑purity AICAR (50mg) research compound to research institutions and wholesale buyers across the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain, Sweden, Italy, and the USA. Every batch is HPLC‑verified to >99% purity and accompanied by a Certificate of Analysis (COA), ensuring your investigations into AMPK signalling, metabolic regulation, and cellular protection begin with uncompromising quality.

What Is AICAR and How Does It Work?

To fully appreciate the research potential of AICAR (50mg) research compound, it is essential to understand its biochemical structure and the precise mechanism by which it exerts its pleiotropic effects.

The Adenosine Analog and AMPK Prodrug

AICAR is a synthetic adenosine analog with the molecular formula C₉H₁₄N₄O₅ and a molecular weight of 258.23 g/mol. It has a CAS number of 2627-69-2. Unlike direct AMPK activators that bind the allosteric ADaM site, AICAR operates through a bioactivation-dependent, nucleotide-site mechanism. It is a cell-permeable prodrug that requires intracellular phosphorylation by adenosine kinase to become active.

Mechanism of Action: ZMP-Mediated AMPK Activation

The biological activity of AICAR (50mg) research compound is mediated through its intracellular conversion to the active metabolite ZMP (5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribotide), which mimics AMP:

• Nucleotide-Site Binding: ZMP binds to the γ-subunit nucleotide-binding site of AMPK, stimulating AMPK to the same maximal extent (approximately 10‑fold) as its natural ligand AMP.

• AMPK Activation Cascade: Once activated, AMPK phosphorylates downstream targets involved in energy homeostasis, including acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), leading to increased fatty acid oxidation and mitochondrial biogenesis.

• Metabolic Reprogramming: AMPK activation promotes catabolic pathways that generate ATP while inhibiting anabolic pathways that consume ATP, effectively restoring cellular energy balance.

• Autophagy Induction: AICAR induces autophagy through AMPK-mediated phosphorylation of ULK1, bypassing mTORC1 inhibition—a mechanism critical for clearing misfolded proteins and damaged organelles.

Research Note: A Clinically Investigated Compound

AICAR reached Phase 3 clinical trials for the prevention of reperfusion injury in coronary artery bypass graft surgery, underscoring its translational relevance. It is one of the few AMPK activators that probes AMPKγ3-dependent glucose uptake and selectively activates AMPKα2-dependent pathways.

Key Research Applications for AICAR (50mg)

AICAR (50mg) research compound is a versatile tool with applications spanning several domains of biomedical research.

1. Metabolic & Obesity Research

AICAR is widely utilised to study the role of AMPK in metabolic regulation. Research has demonstrated:

• Adiposity Reduction: Chronic AMPK activation with AICAR reduces adiposity by remodelling adipocyte metabolism and increasing leptin sensitivity.

• Fatty Liver Prevention: AICAR decreases fatty liver, reduces glucose and insulin in circulation, prevents the accumulation of triglycerides and collagen, and ameliorates oxidative stress in high-fat-fed mice.

• Weight Management: AICAR treatment prevents acute gains in adipose tissue following physical inactivity.

• Insulin Sensitivity: Combined treatment with AICAR and amlexanox enhances weight loss, improves glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity, and suppresses inflammatory and lipogenic programs in adipose tissue.

2. Neuroprotection & Neurodegenerative Research

AICAR is of particular interest in neurodegenerative disease research due to its ability to induce autophagy and enhance neuronal survival:

• Autophagy-Mediated Clearance: AICAR induces autophagy through AMPK-mediated phosphorylation of ULK1, bypassing mTORC1 inhibition—a critical mechanism for clearing misfolded proteins and damaged organelles implicated in Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s diseases.

• Parkinson’s Disease: Pharmacological activation of AMPK with AICAR reduces p‑α‑Syn aggregates, enhances mitophagy flux, promotes mitochondrial biogenesis, and supports dopaminergic neuronal survival.

• Depression Models: AICAR improves depression-like behaviours and is associated with hippocampal AMPK activation, modulation of neurogenesis, and neuroinflammation.

3. Cardiovascular & Hypertension Research

AICAR has demonstrated significant cardiovascular protective effects:

• Hypertension Amelioration: AICAR administration ameliorates hypertension and angiogenic imbalance in preeclampsia models.

• Vascular Relaxation: AICAR-induced AMPK activation promotes vascular relaxation independently of endothelium and nitric oxide, while also reducing smooth muscle contraction.

• Renal Protection: AICAR may mitigate renal and placental oxidative stress and increases in blood pressure.

4. Diabetic Neuropathy & Mitochondrial Research

AICAR has shown promise in models of diabetic complications:

• Diabetic Polyneuropathy (DPN): Administration of AICAR prevents and reverses diabetic polyneuropathy by regulating mitophagy.

• Mitochondrial Biogenesis: AICAR increases mitochondrial markers cytochrome C by approximately 33% and citrate synthase by approximately 22%.

• Muscle Preservation: AICAR treatment mildly increases or preserves muscle mass and force production and prevents a decline in treadmill running performance in aged mice.

5. Osteogenesis & Bone Research

AICAR has been shown to promote osteogenic differentiation:

• Osteoblast Differentiation: AICAR augments proliferation, differentiation, and mineralisation of osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells.

• Stem Cell Differentiation: AICAR promotes osteogenic differentiation of human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells (hAMSCs) and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) in vitro.

6. Cancer Research

Emerging research has explored AICAR’s potential in oncology:

• Lung Cancer: AICAR reduces EGFR‑mutant tumour cell growth by inducing DNA damage and apoptosis. It represses MUC1 activity in EGFR‑mutant lung cancer, disrupting protein–protein interactions between MUC1-CT and JAK1 and EGFR.

• Apoptosis Induction: AICAR phosphate has been reported to induce apoptosis in a dose-dependent fashion in B‑CLL cells.

Chemical & Physical Specifications for AICAR (50mg)

Accurate characterisation of AICAR (50mg) research compound is essential for reproducible experimental design.

Note: The 50 mg mass refers to the weight of the compound in its lyophilised form. AICAR is a small-molecule AMPK activator, not a peptide. It is supplied as a research-grade reagent for laboratory use only (RUO). AICAR is heat-sensitive and should be stored frozen (<0°C).

Reconstitution & Handling Protocol for AICAR (50mg)

Proper reconstitution of AICAR (50mg) research compound is critical for maintaining its structural integrity and biological activity. AICAR is soluble in water at ≥52.9 mg/mL and in DMSO at ≥12.9 mg/mL.

Step 1 – Preparation

• Bring the sealed AICAR vial and your chosen diluent (sterile water or sterile PBS, pH 5‑7) to room temperature.

• Clean your work surface with 70% ethanol and lay out sterile syringes, alcohol wipes and a clean work mat.

Step 2 – Reconstitution

• Draw your desired volume of diluent into a sterile syringe. A common starting concentration for research applications is 50 mg per 1‑5 mL of diluent, yielding a 10‑50 mg/mL stock solution.

• Slowly inject the diluent against the inner glass wall. Do not spray directly onto the lyophilised powder.

• Gently swirl the vial until the solution is clear and fully dissolved. Do not shake vigorously.

Step 3 – Aliquoting & Storage

• Immediately after dissolution, aliquot the reconstituted AICAR into single‑use sterile vials.

• Store aliquots at –20°C. Avoid repeated freeze‑thaw cycles, as the compound is heat-sensitive.

• Once thawed, store at 2‑8°C and use within a short period.

Concentration Reference Table for AICAR (50mg)

*Adjust diluent volume based on your experimental requirements. For cell culture applications, typical working concentrations range from 0.1‑2.0 mM.

Storage & Stability Guidelines for AICAR (50mg)

Why Choose Chinese Grey Peptides for AICAR (50mg)?

As an authentic licensed peptide supplier based in the USA, we supply AICAR (50mg) research compound and a wide range of research‑grade compounds under rigorous quality assurance protocols, fully aligned with Google’s E‑E‑A‑T standards (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness).

• Verified Purity: Independent HPLC analysis with purity guaranteed >99% for every batch.

• GMP‑Compliant Manufacturing: All compounds are synthesised under strict quality control conditions.

• Full Traceability: Batch‑specific Certificates of Analysis (COA) are available for every order.

• Wholesale Supply: We serve research institutions, laboratories, and wholesale buyers across the UK, EU, and USA with flexible volume pricing and reliable logistics.

• USA‑Based Regulatory Compliance: All products are supplied strictly as research‑grade reagents for laboratory use only (RUO). AICAR is not FDA‑approved for therapeutic use.

Researchers across the United States—including those at leading institutions—trust us for fast domestic delivery, transparent documentation and professional technical support.

FAQ: AICAR (50mg) Research Compound

What is AICAR (50mg) research compound?
AICAR (Acadesine, 5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleoside) is a cell-permeable adenosine analog that functions as a prodrug activator of AMP‑activated protein kinase (AMPK). Upon cellular uptake, it is phosphorylated to ZMP, which binds the γ-subunit nucleotide-binding site of AMPK.

 What is the molecular formula and weight of AICAR?
The molecular formula is C₉H₁₄N₄O₅, and the molecular weight is 258.23 g/mol. The CAS number is 2627-69-2.

 What are the primary research applications for AICAR?
AICAR is used in metabolic and obesity research (adiposity reduction, fatty liver prevention, insulin sensitivity), neuroprotection and neurodegenerative research (autophagy induction, Parkinson’s disease, depression models), cardiovascular and hypertension research, diabetic neuropathy and mitochondrial research, osteogenesis and bone research, and cancer research.

 What is the mechanism of action of AICAR?
AICAR is phosphorylated intracellularly to ZMP, an AMP mimetic that binds the γ-subunit nucleotide-binding site of AMPK, activating it to the same maximal extent as AMP. AMPK activation promotes catabolic pathways that generate ATP while inhibiting anabolic pathways, restoring cellular energy balance.

 What purity does your AICAR (50mg) meet?
Our AICAR is tested to >99% purity by HPLC. A Certificate of Analysis (COA) is supplied with every order.

 How should I reconstitute AICAR (50mg)?
Reconstitute with sterile water or sterile PBS (pH 5‑7). Allow the vial to reach room temperature, then slowly inject the diluent against the inner glass wall and swirl gently. Do not shake. AICAR is soluble in water at ≥52.9 mg/mL.

How should I store reconstituted AICAR?
Reconstituted AICAR should be stored at 2‑8°C for short‑term use. For longer storage, aliquot immediately into single‑use vials and store at –20°C for up to 3 months. AICAR is heat-sensitive and should be stored frozen. Avoid repeated freeze‑thaw cycles.

Is AICAR research compound legal to purchase in the USA?
Yes. AICAR is a laboratory reagent sold for research use only (RUO). It is fully legal to purchase, possess, and use in the United States for legitimate in‑vitro or in‑vivo scientific research, provided it is not marketed with therapeutic claims. Note: AICAR is not FDA‑approved for therapeutic use and is banned by the World Anti‑Doping Agency (WADA) for athletic use.

Does Chinese Grey Peptides ship internationally?
Yes. We ship across the UK, Europe (France, Germany, Spain, Sweden, Italy), and the USA from our US warehouse. Wholesale pricing is available for bulk orders.

1. Shop Page
2. Bulk Orders Page
3. Contact Page
4. Shipping & Return Page
5. Peptide Purity Page

• PubChem AICAR / AICA Ribotide
• USADA AICAR guidance
• WADA Prohibited List page
• FDA peptide warning letter
• Google Product Structured Data
• Rank Math WooCommerce Product Schema

Ships to USA, Canada, UK & Europe

Chinese Grey Peptides supports shipping to the USA, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain, Sweden, Italy, and Europe where permitted.

Shipping support may include:

• Order processing updates
• Packaging support
• Tracking information where available
• Wholesale shipment planning
• Destination-based shipping review
• Customer support during transit

Shipping times may vary by order size, carrier, destination, customs process, product status, and local requirements.

Why Choose Chinese Grey Peptides?

Chinese Grey Peptides focuses on quality, support, and clear communication. We help buyers review product details before placing an order.

Customers choose us for:

• Professional supplier support
• Small and wholesale order options
• Product documentation support
• HPLC testing information where available
• Mass Spectrum documentation where available
• International shipping support
• Responsive communication
• Clear order assistance before payment

We aim to make the buying process transparent, professional, and documentation-focused.

Important Compliance Notice

AICAR 50mg may be regulated differently depending on the country, product type, labeling, intended use, buyer type, and destination. Chinese Grey Peptides does not provide medical advice, dosing instructions, injection guidance, athletic-performance claims, endurance claims, AMPK-activation claims, fat-loss claims, bodybuilding claims, disease claims, treatment claims, or personal-use recommendations.

Customers are responsible for understanding and following all local laws, import rules, sport-governing rules, prescription requirements, and permitted-use requirements before ordering.

From its design as a cell-permeable AMPK prodrug to its well‑characterised role in activating the master regulator of cellular energy homeostasis, AICAR (50mg) research compound provides a precisely defined and extensively validated platform for advanced metabolic, neuroprotective, and cardiovascular research.

Its ability to activate AMPK through a nucleotide-site mechanism—distinct from direct allosteric activators—and its demonstrated efficacy in models of obesity, neurodegeneration, diabetic neuropathy, and cardiovascular disease—supported by peer‑reviewed research published in PubMed, Nature Communications, and other authoritative journals—makes it a valuable addition to any laboratory investigating AMPK signalling, metabolic regulation, or cellular protection. By choosing high‑purity, lab‑verified AICAR (50mg) research compound from Chinese Grey Peptides, you ensure that your research is built on a foundation of quality, reproducibility, and scientific integrity.

Ready to advance your research with AICAR (50mg)? Browse our product catalogue, request a wholesale quote, or contact our support team today to discuss your laboratory’s specific needs. Place your order now and receive GMP‑grade AICAR delivered directly to your facility in the USA, UK, or Europe.