Last Updated on May 12, 2022 by Jim Marshall
What is Cardarine?
Cardarine is a research chemical that was developed for its potential to increase metabolism and fat loss, and promote muscle growth This drug was investigated as a potential treatment for cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.
Also known as GW501516 and Endurobol,this compound may boost exercise performance and workout capacity, according to research. Cardarine is popular in the bodybuilding community due to its performance-enhancing abilities.
It has also been used by elite athletes to enable them to elevate their performance levels. As a result, Cardarine has been banned by most sports-governing bodies.
This article will examine both the clinical data as well as information based on anecdotal user experiences.
Note: This content of this article is for informational purposes only. Because so little is known about Cardarine, we strongly suggest that you avoid using this compound.
We recommend that you look at other options. In particular, we have seen amazing results with CARDALEAN by Brutal Force, as well as C-DINE-501516 by CrazyBulk.
Is Cardarine SARM or a Steroid?
Cardarine does not function as a steroid or a SARM (selective androgen receptor modulator). It is technically a PPAR antagonist.
SARMs stimulate the androgen receptors in muscle and bone tissues, which causes an increase in muscle mass.(1) Conversely, Cardarine is a PPAR-delta activator and doesn’t directly interact with androgen receptors.
How Does Cardarine Work?
Activation of PPAR-delta is linked with increased fat loss, energy, muscle growth, and stamina, and a reduction of lipids in the blood. GW501516 attaches to and triggers the (PPAR-delta (peroxisome proliferator activator receptor-delta).
A significant amount of PPAR-delta is located in the muscles, and it activates a number of genes directly related to energy use.(2) PPAR-delta is thought to be linked with muscle growth, improving cardiovascular health, increasing metabolism, and decreasing inflammation.
This compound is often sold by vendors who refer to it as a SARM. However, it has a completely different mechanism of action.
Benefits
As a PPAR antagonist, Cardarine possesses a high affinity and potential. It activates the PPAR-delta in muscle cells to boost energy output.
This is a promising and unique mode of action that could bring about a number of benefits. Unfortunately, we don’t have enough clinical data to know the true potential of this drug.
Based upon animal studies, as well as non-clinical user data and anecdotal experience, some of the effects reported include:
- Greater energy, endurance, and stamina.(3)
- Accelerated fat loss.(4)
- Improved cholesterol and lipid profile.(5)
- Increased blood flow to the brain.(6)
- Protects the liver against damage.(7)
Because of these benefits, many people continue to use GW501516, despite the potential risks.
Side Effects
GW501516 was found to accelerate the development of cancerous tumors in rats, according to a 2007 study by GSK (GlaxoSmithKline). For this reason, further development and research into the drug was halted.(8)
However, there is a great deal of controversy surrounding this research because the study used large doses of Cardarine for extremely long cycles.
In this animal study, the doses of 3-40 mg were administered to rats . However, even just 3 mg given to a rodent is the human equivalent of over 40 mg per day for an individual weighing 190lbs – 2-4 times larger than the typical dose.
But perhaps even more significant is the fact that the rats were given Cardarine for a whopping 104 weeks – more than two years! This is 13 times greater than a typical 8-week cycle. From this data, we can reasonably conclude that Cardarine may cause cancer if taken in large doses of over 40 mg per day, and over a very long period of time (2 years+).
However, many people maintain that Cardarine appears to be safe when used correctly, following a normal dosage and cycle length. Of date, GW501516 has not been connected to any known instances of cancer in humans. This is probably due to the fact that Cardarine is not typically taken in large doses over 104-week cycles .
In fact, there have been studies since that contradict the research showing cancer development, and one study has actually shown that GW-50156 has anti-cancer properties if used correctly.(9)
Basically, this study showed that Cardarine doesn’t lead to the development of cancerous tumors, even at extreme doses over short periods of time. Additionally, the compound actually demonstrated some anti-cancer properties during the trial.
The doses given were equivalent to 154mg per day for an individual weighing 200 lbs. Even at these mega-dosages there were no signs of cancer development when used in short 7-day cycles.
Does Cardarine Require PCT?
A common question often asked about Cardarine is if post-cycle therapy is required when using it (PCT). Caradine is non-hormonal in its action and won’t cause a suppression of natural testosterone production.
Therefore, no post-cycle therapy is required for Cardarine. You definitely need a PCT with steroids, and even some SARMs, but not with Cardarine.
However, if you stack it with other compounds that suppress testosterone (Ostarine is commonly stacked with Cardarine, for example), you will need to follow-up with post-cycle therapy.
Cardarine Dosage & Cycles
Based on anecdotal user reports, a typical Cardarine dose is 10-20 mg per day. New users should probably start with a 10-15 mg daily dose to assess its effects.
Most users do not consume more than a 25 mg daily dose, as it is believed that this dose is more than sufficient to achieve excellent results. Anything higher will be counterproductive.
Cardarine has a half-life of 12-24 hours. This means that it can be taken either as a full dose once daily, or a half-dose twice daily, to maintain consistent results.
It is often taken once in the morning, and once before exercise. It takes about 20-30 minutes for the body to feel the effects of this supplement.
It is usually taken in cycles of 4-10 weeks, depending on fitness goals. It is also common to stack it with other SARMs, including Ostarine and RAD140.
Cardarine Alternatives
Because there is currently such limited data available concerning this research drug, we cannot recommend using Cardarine. It could potentially lead to serious side effects.
Cardarine is popular because of its benefits to fat loss, endurance and energy. However, because it has not been proven safe, you should look at other options.
We recommend the Brutal Force Cardarine alternative called CARDALEAN and CrazyBulk’s C-DINE 501516. These legal SARM alternatives contain potent all-natural thermogenic fat-burning ingredients that are combined to mimic the effects of Cardarine.
Each safely boosts energy, metabolism, and fat loss, and suppresses the appetite. CARDALEAN and C-DINE 501516 are both a legal and safer option for taking performance to the next level.
Also check out our full reviews for CrazyBulk Products and the Brutal Force line of products.
Where to Buy
Cardarine is a highly sought-after product that should be purchased only from a trusted vendor. It is important to search for a reliable website that can guarantee a high-quality product using third-party lab testing.
Based on our research, we found SwissChems to be a highly reputable vendor from which to purchase Cardarine.
They offer GW501516 in bottles of 60 10 mg capsules. Click here for the official SwissChems product page.
This company is the best choice because of their superior quality control standards.
Many online vendors you find don’t have their products tested by a third party, so you can’t be sure of what you’re getting. If you are determined to buy Caradine, make sure you get a product that’s been thoroughly vetted for purity and effectiveness.
Conclusion
Although Cardarine’s potential is promising, the available research is still limited. Even so, this hasn’t prevented a number of people from researching it to improve their performance.
Although GW501516 is still available from some vendors, we cannot recommend that you buy it. That said, if you are set on obtaining it for yourself, you can still get it from the SwissChems website.
They are the best source for these types of compounds and they thoroughly test all of their products.
We believe there are better options available that don’t pose any health risk and are perfectly legal to buy and use. The Brutal Force’s CARDALEAN can help you increase your performance, energy, and fat loss. It will also suppress your appetite.
It is important to remember that your safety is paramount. While we are all focused on improving performance, it must be done in a responsible manner.
References:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2907129/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5850978/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC509410/
- http://press.endocrine.org/doi/full/10.1210/me.2003-0151
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22814748
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006899312014758
- https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs00125-011-2401-4
- https://androhq.com/RAT-CARCINOGENICITY-STUDY-WITH-GW501516.pdf
- https://www.evolutionary.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/PPAR-does-NOT-cause-cancer.pdf