Cardarine, also known as GW501516, is a research chemical that belongs to the class of drugs called selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs). It was originally developed in the 1990s by pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline as a potential treatment for metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. However, it was later discovered that Cardarine has a number of benefits for athletes and bodybuilders, which has led to its increased popularity in these communities. Here are some of the key benefits of Cardarine, and the science behind them.The legality of Cardarine can vary depending on the country and its regulatory framework. In some countries, Cardarine is classified as a controlled substance and is illegal to possess or use without a prescription. In other countries, it is legal to possess and use for research purposes, but not for human consumption. In the United States, the sale and distribution of Cardarine for human use is illegal. In 2013, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) added Cardarine to its list of prohibited substances, and it is banned by many sports organizations. Athletes who test positive for Cardarine may face sanctions, including suspension or disqualification from competition.

Benefits

Increased endurance

One of the most well-known benefits of Cardarine is its ability to increase endurance. This is due to its ability to activate the protein PPAR-delta in the body. PPAR-delta is a transcription factor that plays a key role in regulating energy metabolism, and has been shown to increase endurance in animal studies. When Cardarine activates PPAR-delta, it promotes the production of genes that are involved in energy metabolism and fatty acid oxidation, which helps to increase stamina and endurance during exercise.In a study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology, researchers found that Cardarine significantly increased the endurance of mice that were put through an exercise endurance test. The mice that were given Cardarine were able to run for longer distances and at faster speeds than the control group. This suggests that Cardarine could have similar effects in humans, although more research is needed to confirm this.

Fat burning

Another potential benefit of Cardarine is its ability to promote fat loss. Cardarine is known to activate the protein AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which is a key regulator of cellular energy metabolism. When AMPK is activated, it promotes the breakdown of stored fat, which can help to reduce body fat levels.In a study published in the journal Cell Metabolism, researchers found that mice that were given Cardarine had a significant reduction in body fat, as well as an improvement in glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity. The researchers concluded that Cardarine could be a potential treatment for obesity and metabolic disorders.

Muscle gain

While Cardarine is not primarily designed to build muscle, it can help to increase muscle mass and strength by promoting the growth of type 2 muscle fibers. Type 2 muscle fibers are the fast-twitch muscle fibers that are responsible for generating power and strength during high-intensity exercise. When Cardarine activates PPAR-delta, it promotes the production of genes that are involved in muscle growth and repair, which can lead to an increase in muscle mass and strength.In a study published in the journal Cell, researchers found that mice that were given Cardarine had a significant increase in muscle fiber size, as well as an improvement in running endurance. The researchers concluded that Cardarine could be a potential treatment for muscle wasting and other conditions that affect muscle function.

Improved cardiovascular health

Cardarine can also help to improve cardiovascular health by reducing inflammation, decreasing oxidative stress, and improving lipid metabolism. Inflammation and oxidative stress are both factors that can contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease, so by reducing these factors, Cardarine could help to prevent heart disease.In a study published in the journal Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology, researchers found that Cardarine reduced inflammation and oxidative stress in the arteries of mice that were fed a high-fat diet. The researchers concluded that Cardarine could be a potential treatment for atherosclerosis and other conditions that affect the arteries.

Potential cancer prevention

Some studies have suggested that Cardarine may have anti-cancer properties, as it has been shown to inhibit the growth of certain types of cancer cells. In a study published in the journal Cancer Research, researchers found that Cardarine inhibited the growth of colon cancer cells in mice.

Side effects

While Cardarine, also known as GW501516, has been associated with several potential benefits for athletes and bodybuilders, it is important to note that it is not approved for human use and has not been studied extensively in humans. As a result, the long-term effects of using Cardarine are not well understood, and its safety and potential side effects are a subject of debate. Here are some of the known side effects of Cardarine and what the science says about them.

Liver toxicity

One of the potential side effects of Cardarine is liver toxicity. In animal studies, high doses of Cardarine have been shown to cause liver damage, including liver tumors. However, it is worth noting that these studies used much higher doses of Cardarine than would typically be used by humans. In a study published in the journal Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology, researchers found that Cardarine caused liver damage in rats that were given high doses of the drug. The researchers concluded that Cardarine could be toxic to the liver at high doses, but more research is needed to determine the long-term effects of lower doses.

Cancer risk

There has been some concern that Cardarine could increase the risk of cancer, as it has been shown to activate a protein called PPAR-delta, which has been linked to the growth of certain types of cancer cells. In addition, studies in rats have shown that high doses of Cardarine can cause cancerous tumors in the liver, stomach, and other organs.In a study published in the journal Cancer Research, researchers found that Cardarine inhibited the growth of colon cancer cells in mice. However, other studies have suggested that Cardarine may increase the risk of certain types of cancer. For example, a study published in the journal Toxicology Letters found that Cardarine increased the incidence of tumors in the liver and pancreas of rats that were given high doses of the drug.

Increased risk of heart disease

While Cardarine has been shown to improve cardiovascular health in some animal studies, there has also been some concern that it could increase the risk of heart disease. This is because Cardarine has been shown to increase the production of HDL cholesterol (also known as “good” cholesterol), which is generally considered to be beneficial for heart health. However, some studies have suggested that very high levels of HDL cholesterol could actually increase the risk of heart disease.In a study published in the journal Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology, researchers found that Cardarine reduced inflammation and oxidative stress in the arteries of mice that were fed a high-fat diet. However, the researchers also noted that Cardarine increased the levels of several proteins that are associated with atherosclerosis, or the buildup of plaque in the arteries.

Hormonal imbalances

One of the concerns with using Cardarine is that it could disrupt the body’s hormonal balance, particularly in men. This is because Cardarine is a SARM, which means that it binds to androgen receptors in the body. Androgens are male sex hormones, such as testosterone, and they play a key role in the development of male sex characteristics.In a study published in the journal Endocrinology, researchers found that Cardarine had an anti-androgenic effect in male rats, meaning that it reduced the activity of androgen receptors in the body. The researchers concluded that Cardarine could potentially disrupt the hormonal balance in men, although more research is needed to confirm this.

Unknown long-term effects

Finally, it is worth noting that the long-term effects of using Cardarine are not well understood, as it has not been studied extensively in humans. While animal studies have provided some insight into the potential effects of Cardarine, it is difficult to extrapolate these findings to humans.

Dosage

A typical dosage range for Cardarine is between 10-20mg per day. Some users have reported taking higher doses, up to 30mg per day, but this is generally not recommended due to the potential for side effects.It is also worth noting that Cardarine has a long half-life, which means that it can stay in the body for an extended period of time. As a result, it is generally recommended to take Cardarine once per day, rather than dividing the dosage into multiple doses throughout the day.When taking Cardarine, it is important to start with a low dosage and gradually increase it over time. This allows you to gauge your body’s response to the drug and minimize the risk of side effects. It is also recommended to cycle Cardarine, taking it for a period of 8-12 weeks and then taking a break for several weeks before starting another cycle.