🧬Cardarine (GW-501516)
Overview
Cardarine, also known by its research name GW-501516, is a PPARδ (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor delta) agonist that enhances fat metabolism, endurance, and energy efficiency. Though often mistakenly grouped with SARMs, Cardarine is not a SARM, but a metabolic modulator developed to treat obesity, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular conditions. In performance circles, it is highly regarded for its ability to increase stamina, shred fat, and improve lipid profiles without affecting hormone levels.
📂 Category
Metabolic & Weight Management Peptides (Technically: Non-Peptide Research Compound)
Endurance & Performance Enhancers (New Subcategory Suggestion)
🔬 Molecular Profile
Chemical Name: GW-501516
Molecular Formula: C₂₁H₁₈F₃NO₃S₂
Molecular Weight: ~453.5 g/mol
Half-Life: ~16–24 hours
Class: PPARδ receptor agonist (not a SARM)
📌 What Is Cardarine?
Name: Cardarine (GW-501516)
Type: Non-peptide metabolic regulator
Function: Activates PPARδ receptors to improve fat burning, endurance, and lipid metabolism
Use: Popular for cutting, endurance sports, and body recomposition
🧪 Mechanism of Action
Cardarine binds to and activates the PPARδ receptor, a nuclear hormone receptor that regulates:
Fatty acid oxidation in skeletal muscle and liver
Glucose uptake and insulin sensitivity
Mitochondrial biogenesis and energy efficiency
LDL/HDL cholesterol balance, improving lipid profile
Cellular switch to prefer fat as a primary energy source, preserving glycogen
🩺 Most Common Uses
⚕️ Potential Benefits
Fat Metabolism & Body Composition
Increases fatty acid oxidation
Improves lipid profile (↓ LDL, ↑ HDL)
Supports calorie deficit efficiency by preserving energy
Athletic Performance
Boosts VO₂ max, stamina, and time-to-fatigue
Helps sprint and endurance athletes maintain pace longer
Preserves muscle glycogen during high-output exercise
Glucose & Cardiometabolic Health
Enhances glucose uptake in muscle tissue
May improve insulin sensitivity in obese or high-carb individuals
Could support liver health and reduce markers of metabolic syndrome
💉 Administration & Dosage
Delivery Forms
Oral capsule – standard research and performance use
Typically dosed once daily due to long half-life
Common Research Dosages
📚 Scientific Research
Endurance Enhancement: Mice given Cardarine ran 68% longer on treadmill tests (Journal of Endocrinology, 2007)
Fat Loss: Improved fatty acid oxidation and mitochondrial gene expression in muscle and liver
Lipid Profile: Lowered LDL and triglycerides, raised HDL in early human and animal models
Muscle Composition: Shifted muscle fibers to oxidative (Type I), increasing energy efficiency
Glucose Metabolism: Increased glucose uptake and insulin response without affecting pancreas
Due to concerns in long-term rodent studies (see safety), human clinical trials were halted before FDA approval.
⚠️ Safety & Side Effects
Known Side Effects
Generally well-tolerated at 10–20 mg
No liver toxicity or suppression reported
No known effect on estrogen, testosterone, or prolactin
Controversy: Rodent Cancer Study
A 2009 rodent study suggested increased cancer formation at extremely high doses (300x human equivalent)
No human trials replicated these findings
Critics argue it was overblown and not relevant to standard human dosages
Proceed with caution and informed consent—Cardarine remains a research-only compound
📜 Legal & Regulatory Status
FDA Status: Not approved for medical use
Research Classification: Available for research only
WADA Status: Banned in competitive sports as a performance-enhancer
Legal Use: Can be legally purchased for research purposes in many countries
❓ FAQ
Is Cardarine a SARM?
No – it is a PPARδ agonist, not a SARM. It does not affect hormones or suppress testosterone.
Will Cardarine burn muscle?
No – in fact, it preserves muscle by sparing glycogen and increasing fat use for energy.
Can I stack it with SARMs or peptides?
Yes – common stacks include Cardarine + MK-677, RAD-140, or peptides like AOD-9604 or MOTS-c.
Is Cardarine safe?
At standard dosages, it appears well-tolerated, but it is not FDA-approved, and high-dose rodent data raised long-term concerns.
🔍 Summary
Cardarine (GW-501516) is a potent endurance and fat-loss compound that activates PPARδ receptors to enhance metabolic function, fat oxidation, and performance. While not a SARM or peptide, it is widely used in body recomposition and athletic enhancement stacks due to its non-hormonal, stimulant-free benefits. Though its research status limits widespread approval, it remains one of the most respected tools in cutting, endurance, and body optimization protocols.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational use only and does not constitute medical advice.
Sourcing
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