AICAR vs Pancragen
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
- Summary
- AICAR is a cell-permeable AMP analog that activates AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase) — the master metabolic switch that triggers fat burning, mitochondrial biogenesis, and adaptations normally only achieved through exercise. It has been called the 'exercise in a pill' compound.
- Pancragen is a tripeptide bioregulator (Lys-Glu-Asp) developed by Professor Vladimir Khavinson, tissue-specific for the pancreas. It supports the function of both exocrine and endocrine pancreatic cells, promotes normalization of insulin secretion from beta cells, and may offer protective effects against pancreatic aging and diabetic progression.
- Half-Life
- ~2–3 hours
- Short (minutes); sustained gene-regulatory effects
- Admin Route
- SubQ, IV
- SubQ, Oral
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 25–50 mg
- 10 mg per day
- Frequency
- 3–5 times per week
- Daily for 10–30 days
- Key Benefits
- AMPK activation mimics aerobic exercise adaptations
- Increased fat oxidation and endurance
- Mitochondrial biogenesis (PGC-1alpha)
- Improved insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism
- Anti-inflammatory effects
- Potential cardiac protection during ischemia
- Synergistic with actual exercise training
- Reduces hepatic glucose production
- Supports pancreatic beta cell function and insulin secretion
- May improve glucose metabolism in early metabolic dysfunction
- Protective effects on exocrine pancreatic tissue
- Anti-aging effects on pancreatic cells
- Potential support in type 2 diabetes management alongside standard care
- Reduces pancreatic cellular apoptosis from metabolic stress
- Complementary to GLP-1 agonists in metabolic protocols
- Side Effects
- Hypoglycemia risk
- Lactic acidosis at high doses (animal data)
- Injection site irritation
- Generally well tolerated
- Mild injection site reactions
- No significant hypoglycemic events reported at standard doses as monotherapy
- Stacks With
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