Cardarine or GW501516 is used to increase performance. It was discovered in the 90’s in a collaboration with two pharmaceutical companies for the treatment of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. 

Cardarine is a nuclear peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor delta (PPAR-δ) agonist that binds to the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR). Researchers found that when cardarine mobilizes the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α) protein, it activates transcription of genes involved in the energy metabolism.

In muscles PPAR-δ expression is increased by exercise, resulting in increased oxidative effects  (fat-burning) and an increase in muscle cells. Studies with mice have shown that Cardarine can increase stamina and strength [1]. Without exercise Cardarine was able to raise unsaturated fatty acid levels, especially polyunsaturated fatty acids which makes it attractive for losing weight, but levels increased even more when combined with training. This suggests that, with training the body is able to lose weight whilst gaining muscles. 

Cardarine can increase levels of good cholesterol (HDL) and decrease levels of bad cholesterol  (LDL). A study that claims the balancing of cholesterol in favor for good cholesterol suggests that Cardarine may help in cardiovascular protection [2]

According to another study [3], Cardarine may upregulate the levels of beclin 1 and LC3I. Beclin 1 is an autophagy protein which has been linked to multiple processes including protecting against some cardiac and neurological degenerative diseases, degradation induced by starvation or tumor suppression. 

Cardarine has been researched for its involvement in cancer formation and cancer treatment. Scientists are still not in agreement whether Cardarine affects cancer cells positively or negatively [4]. A study on rodents suggested that Cardarine causes cancer. Although the contrary could not be proved, the dosage used on the mice in those studies were abnormally high with an equivalent to 900mg for a male weighing 90kg. Cardarine dosage for humans researching its benefits range between 10mg and 20mg per day. However a risk of Cardarine causing cancer does indeed exist which users should be aware of.

On a number of official occasions Cardarine was taken by athletes. The more prominent case is the 2008 Olympics in Beijing where it was assumed, prior to the competitions, that athletes were using Cardarine to enhance performance. At the time Cardarine could not be detected by standard anti-doping tests so it is believed that some athletes took advantage of this fact and were doping during the competitions. In 2009, the world anti-doping agency added GW501516 to their list of prohibited substances. Cardarine is better suited for private use and research.

Effects

• Increased endurance
• Increased strength
• Improved energy metabolism
• Fat burning

Dosage

Dosage of Cardarine should not exceed 20mg per day. 

Stacking

GW501516 can be stacked with other SARMs and is most commonly combined with Andarine S4.

Risks & Side effects

Not many studies on humans exist that can give a precise enough evaluation of the side effects of Cardarine. In studies on mice it was found that Cardarine can cause liver fibrosis, cell death in the liver and cancer rapidly developing in several organs. Users reported to have experienced  sensitivity when switching from light to dark, blurry vision, sweating, difficulty falling asleep, sleeplessness or skin impurity.

Attention

Pregnant or nursing women must not take cardarine as its effects are unknown and may cause miscarriage or birth defects. A medical professional must always be consulted before taking cardarine (GW501516) to make yourself fully aware of risks and side effects. 

References

[1] - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25943561

[2] - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22814748

[3] - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24767130

[4] - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3171861

Other references

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4421799/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2706130/

Cardarine Reviews (1)