AICAR vs 5-Amino-1MQ: Research Comparison
A Side-By-Side Research Comparison Of AICAR And 5-Amino-1MQ - two metabolic research compounds targeting the AMPK and NNMT pathways. This Reference Compares Mechanism, Evidence Tier, Molecular Identity, And Pharmacokinetics For Qualified Researchers. For In Vitro Laboratory Research Use Only. Not Medical Advice Or Dosing Guidance.
Side-By-Side Comparison
| AICAR | 5-Amino-1MQ | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Weight Loss & Metabolism | Weight Loss & Metabolism |
| Compound Class | Purine nucleoside analog; cell-permeable AMPK activator (converted intracellularly to ZMP) | Small-molecule NNMT inhibitor (quinolinium salt); not a peptide |
| Evidence Tier | Research Compound | Research Compound |
| Molecular Target | AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation via ZMP (AMP mimetic); PGC-1alpha upregulation; GLUT4 translocation; mitochondrial biogenesis | Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT) inhibition; preserves SAM and NAD+ pools; reduces adipogenesis; enhances energy expenditure |
| Molecular Weight | 258.23 Da | 286.11 Da |
| Amino Acid Sequence | small molecule nucleoside | small molecule (quinolinium) |
| CAS Number | 2627-69-2 | 42464-96-0 (5-amino-1-methylquinolinium iodide; also cited as 685079-15-6) |
| Half-Life | ~2 hours | ~4 hours |
| Studied For | AMPK / metabolic-stress research, Insulin-resistance models, Endurance research, Exercise mimetic | Obesity / metabolic syndrome, Fat-loss / energy-expenditure research, NAD+ metabolism enhancement, NNMT inhibition |
About AICAR
An exercise-mimetic AMPK activator; banned in sport, mostly preclinical.
Read The Full AICAR MonographAbout 5-Amino-1MQ
A small-molecule NNMT inhibitor studied in mice for fat loss; no human trials.
Read The Full 5-Amino-1MQ MonographKey Differences
- Reported half-life differs: AICAR at ~2 hours versus 5-Amino-1MQ at ~4 hours.
- Primary molecular target differs: AICAR acts on AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation via ZMP (AMP mimetic); PGC-1alpha upregulation; GLUT4 translocation; mitochondrial biogenesis; 5-Amino-1MQ acts on Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT) inhibition; preserves SAM and NAD+ pools; reduces adipogenesis; enhances energy expenditure.
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This Comparison Is Provided For In Vitro Laboratory Research Use Only. Not For Human Consumption, Diagnosis, Or Treatment. See The Full Research Disclaimer.