Description
AICAR | AMPK Activator — Research Grade
AICAR (5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-beta-D-ribofuranoside) is a nucleoside analogue that is phosphorylated intracellularly to ZMP, an AMP mimetic that activates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). It is one of the most widely used pharmacological AMPK activators in metabolic research.
Mechanism of Action
- AMPK activation — ZMP (intracellular product) mimics AMP, activating AMPK via allosteric binding and prevention of dephosphorylation
- Fatty acid oxidation — AMPK-mediated phosphorylation of ACC reduces malonyl-CoA, increasing mitochondrial fatty acid entry
- Glucose uptake — promotes GLUT4 translocation in skeletal muscle independent of insulin
- PGC-1alpha induction — drives mitochondrial biogenesis via PGC-1alpha, the master regulator of oxidative metabolism
Research Areas
AICAR is studied in metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, exercise physiology, skeletal muscle adaptation, and longevity biology. It is frequently used alongside MOTS-c as an exercise-mimetic research tool.
For Research Use Only. Rainbow Peptide supplies AICAR exclusively for in vitro and laboratory research purposes. Not for human or veterinary use.






Dr. L. Schreiber –
AICAR for our AMPK activation and exercise mimetic research. Purity >99% confirmed by HPLC. AMPK phosphorylation assay in our muscle cell model showed robust dose-dependent response. COA excellent.
C. Magnusson –
Consistent quality AICAR. Our mitochondrial biogenesis research program relies on this compound. Purity confirmed >98.5% each lot. COA includes full HPLC trace. Fast shipping, good documentation.
T. Adebayo –
AICAR dissolved easily in PBS. Purity >98%. Our glucose uptake assay in L6 myotubes showed the expected AMPK-mediated response. COA detailed. Good packaging and delivery.