Cardiogen vs AICAR
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
- Summary
- Cardiogen is a tetrapeptide bioregulator (Ala-Glu-Asp-Arg) developed by Professor Vladimir Khavinson. It is a tissue-specific bioregulator for the heart and myocardium, designed to normalize cardiomyocyte function and support cardiac tissue regeneration. Research has demonstrated cardioprotective effects, improved cardiac rhythm, and benefits in recovery from ischemic injury.
- 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.
- Half-Life
- Short (minutes); gene-regulatory effects persist longer
- ~2–3 hours
- Admin Route
- SubQ, Oral
- SubQ, IV
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 10 mg per day
- 25–50 mg
- Frequency
- Daily for 10–30 days
- 3–5 times per week
- Key Benefits
- Cardioprotective effects on myocardial tissue
- Normalization of cardiomyocyte protein synthesis
- May improve cardiac rhythm and conduction
- Support for recovery from ischemic cardiac events
- Anti-aging effects on heart tissue
- Potential reduction in cardiac fibrosis
- Often combined with Epithalon for comprehensive cardiovascular longevity support
- 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
- Side Effects
- Generally well tolerated in available research
- Mild injection site reactions
- No significant adverse cardiovascular events reported at standard doses
- Hypoglycemia risk
- Lactic acidosis at high doses (animal data)
- Injection site irritation
- Stacks With
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