metabolite is one of those subjects where the details matter more than the headlines. This page pulls together the background, the mechanisms, and the practical points readers ask about most.
Updated 2026-03-28. Numbers and descriptions here follow the published literature rather than marketing material.
Products sold as cardarine have been found to contain incorrect compounds, variable amounts, or no active ingredient at all. Independent testing is required to verify identity and purity. Common analytical approaches include high-performance liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry, and nuclear magnetic resonance for structural confirmation. These methods can distinguish GW501516 from related PPAR agonists and from unrelated steroids. For regulators and researchers, such verification is central to interpreting both biological results and adverse event reports.
Cardarine is prohibited in competitive sport under the World Anti-Doping Agency code, where it is classified as a metabolic modulator. It is not approved as a prescription medicine in the United States, European Union, or other major markets. Regulatory action has focused on its presence in sports and in products marketed as research chemicals. Because it has no accepted medical indication, supply is often unregulated. This status creates legal and safety uncertainties for anyone who encounters the substance.
Safety concerns emerged from long-term animal studies. In rodents given the compound for extended periods, researchers found an increased incidence of certain cancers, including liver and bladder tumors. These findings contributed to the discontinuation of clinical development. Whether similar risks apply to short-term or low-level exposure in humans is not established, and controlled human safety data are limited. The relevance of high-dose rodent carcinogenicity findings to human use remains a subject of debate.
Human trials of GW501516 were small and short in duration. They examined lipid levels, glucose handling, and other metabolic markers, but the programs were halted after the animal cancer findings. No approved therapeutic product exists, and published human data are insufficient for establishing long-term safety. Reports of use for athletic performance come mainly from non-clinical settings and cannot be verified through controlled trials. Independent testing of products sold as cardarine has found inconsistent purity and labeling.
Laboratory studies indicate that GW501516 activates PPARδ, a nuclear receptor involved in fatty acid oxidation and energy metabolism. In rodent experiments, treated animals often showed increased endurance and reduced fat mass. These effects were observed under controlled conditions and do not establish safe or effective use in humans. The exact dose-response relationship in humans remains poorly characterized. Species differences in metabolism can affect how results translate across animals and people.
| Property | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Regulatory status | Prohibited in sport | Listed by WADA as a metabolic modulator. |
| Approved medical use | None in major jurisdictions | Not a registered drug. |
| Common test matrix | Urine | Most anti-doping samples use urine. |
| Typical detection method | LC-MS/MS | Detects parent compound and metabolites. |
| Reference standard storage | -20 °C, desiccated | Typical for analytical standards. |
In laboratory settings, cardarine is studied as a tool compound for probing PPARδ biology. Published experiments often use cell cultures, rodent models, or isolated tissues. Some investigations focus on metabolic effects, while others assess potential risks such as carcinogenicity observed in long-term animal studies. Because human trials are sparse, most knowledge comes from preclinical work and adverse event reports. Scientific literature frequently notes the gap between animal findings and human outcomes. The compound is not a dietary supplement and is not intended for human consumption.
Cardarine is a common name for GW501516, a synthetic compound developed in the 1990s through research collaborations involving GlaxoSmithKline. It belongs to a class of molecules known as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor delta agonists. Early studies explored its effects on lipid metabolism and energy expenditure in animal models. The compound was never approved as a human medicine, and clinical development was discontinued. In the years since, it has appeared in fitness and bodybuilding communities as a performance-enhancing substance. Regulatory agencies classify it as an unapproved drug.
The compound is typically described as a laboratory compound rather than a therapeutic product. Published reports have explored its role in lipid disorders, insulin sensitivity, and exercise metabolism, yet no major drug regulator has approved it for medical use. Commercial samples sold under the cardarine name may vary in purity and identity. Analytical confirmation is therefore necessary when the material is discussed in scientific or regulatory contexts. Its classification as a prohibited substance in sport further shapes how it is studied and reported.
Cardarine is a common name for GW501516, a synthetic compound studied for its effects on lipid and glucose metabolism. It functions as an agonist at peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor delta, or PPARδ, a nuclear receptor that influences gene expression. The molecule is not a steroid, nor is it a selective androgen receptor modulator. It is also known in research and sports literature as GW-501516 and endurobol. Early laboratory work examined its metabolic activity in cell cultures and animal models.
Cardarine is frequently described as a fat-burning or endurance-enhancing supplement, but these claims exceed the available evidence. The compound is not a hormone, steroid, or selective androgen receptor modulator. Research articles discuss it as a tool compound for studying PPARδ biology, while anti-doping literature focuses on its abuse and detection. Quality of unapproved products is uncertain, and independent analyses have found impurities or incorrect labeling. Open questions include whether human cancer risk resembles that seen in rodents and how often non-athletes use the substance.
Cardarine has no approved therapeutic indication and is not marketed as a medicine. The World Anti-Doping Agency lists GW501516 as a prohibited substance at all times, covering both in-competition and out-of-competition periods. National laws vary: some countries treat it as an unapproved drug subject to import controls, while others have specific restrictions on sale for human consumption. It is often sold as a research chemical, a label that does not imply safety or legality. Enforcement actions have targeted online vendors and shipments.
Anti-doping laboratories identify GW501516 and related metabolites using liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. Urine is the most common matrix, though blood and dried blood spots may also be analyzed. The method targets the parent compound and phase I and phase II metabolites, which extend the detection window. Because the substance is prohibited at all times, athletes can be tested outside competition. Detection limits and windows depend on the assay, sample type, and individual metabolism.
=== 1995–2006: DNA identity testing === In 1995, Bio-Synthesis, Inc. introduced DNA identity testing to its broad range of molecular diagnostic services. Today, the DNA Identity Testing Center of BSI uses advanced techniques and automated systems to produce the most accurate DNA testing results allowed by current scientific technologies. The DNA Identity Testing Center has its own staff of scientific professionals whose focus is to ensure the quality and integrity of all tests and services. In 2000, Bio-Synthesis, Inc. perform the genetic analysis close to 500 Chinese nationals that were soliciting, under the right of abode, the right to move to Hong Kong by proving that their biological fathers were Hong Kong residents.
== Interactions == Atomoxetine is a substrate for CYP2D6. Concurrent treatment with strong CYP2D6 inhibitors such as bupropion, fluoxetine, paroxetine, and quinidine has been shown to substantially increase atomoxetine exposure, as well as increase N-desmethylatomoxetine levels and decrease 4-hydroxyatomoxetine levels. Bupropion increased atomoxetine exposure by 5.1-fold and decreased 4-hydroxyatomoxetine-O-glucuronide exposure by 1.5-fold. Similarly, paroxetine increased atomoxetine steady-state peak levels by 3.5-fold, total exposure (over 12 hours) by 6.5-fold, and elimination half-life by 2.5-fold. Findings were analogous for fluoxetine and quinidine. CYP2D6 inhibitors do not appear to affect atomoxetine metabolism in CYP2D6 poor metabolizers. Dosage adjustment of atomoxetine may be necessary in people taking strong CYP2D6 inhibitors. Atomoxetine does not show clinically important inhibition or induction of cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzymes including CYP1A2, CYP3A, CYP2D6, and CYP2C9. It did not affect the pharmacokinetics of the CYP2D6 substrate desipramine, whereas it increased exposure to the CYP3A4 substrate midazolam by only 15%. Atomoxetine is a moderate to potent inhibitor of P-glycoprotein. Other notable drug interactions include:
== January 15, 1982 (Friday) == The U.S. Federal Trade Commission dropped its 10-year-old antitrust lawsuit against the three largest makers of cereal in the nation— Kellogg, General Mills and General Foods. Hekuran Isai became the Minister of Internal Affairs for the People's Republic of Albania, as well as the director of the Communist nation's secret police, the Sigurimi, after the previous Internal Affairs Minister, Feçor Shehu, was arrested as part of a purge of government officials. The appointment came as the Albanian People's Assembly unanimously approved the appointment of Adil Çarçani as the new Prime Minister of Albania following the December 17 death by gunshot wound of Premier Mehmet Shehu. The Guatemalan Army invaded the village of Ilom (village) near Chajul and killed 28 men from the Mayan minority. A deadlier mass execution of 96 Mayan peasants would take place on March 23, 1982. The Lima Liturgy, drafted by Max Thurian, was celebrated in a multidenominational Christian gathering by the World Council of Churches Forbidden Broadway, an off-Broadway musical revue, written by Gerard Alessandrini and featuring parodies of current Broadway musicals, was given its first of 2,332 performances, opening at Palsson's Supper Club (now the Triad Theatre) in New York City. David Gibbons resigned as Premier of Bermuda and was succeeded by John Swan.
The character was introduced during the serial's 2019 season finale, which saw several characters held hostage at gunpoint in the local hospital. Kipa-Williams explained that Ari's boss sends him to the hospital after he sustains a cut to his arm while working on a construction site. Shortly after Ari arrives, armed men from the Ouroboros gang take everyone on that floor hostage. When the hostages are rounded up, Ari is forced to sit next to "a terrified" Marilyn Chambers (Emily Symons), who he instantly tries to help and reassure. Kipa-Williams told Rachel Lucas of What's on TV: "Ari comes from a past where he's not unfamiliar with bad guys. He's relatively calm, he's very aware and he's strategizing a way to get the hostages – or himself – out." Knowing that they need to gain "control of the situation", Ari teams up with Mason Morgan (Orpheus Pledger) and they devise an escape plan. Ari leads most of the hostages out of the building, while Mason tries to distract the gunmen, which results in his death when he is shot. Kipa-Williams likened the filming of the storyline to a feature film, saying "We spent quite a number of days in the hospital set and at the exterior of the hospital so my first few days filming were quite intense. It was a really nice welcome!" The actor was also grateful that he shared his first scenes with Symons. After the scenes aired, it was confirmed that Ari's family would soon be introduced and that they would be hiding some secrets. The Paratas later move in with Marilyn and her husband John Palmer (Shane Withington).
Sources: en.wikipedia.org
== History and taxonomy == Aspergillus parasiticus was first discovered in 1912 by pathopathologist, A.T Speare from dead mealy bugs collected on Hawaiian sugarcane plantations. The species epithet, "parasiticus" is derived from the Latin word meaning "parasite" and was selected due to the ability of the fungus to parasitize other organisms. The fungus was originally classified as a subspecies of A. flavus called Aspergillus flavus subsp. parasiticus (Speare) due to its strong resemblance to A. flavus. Indeed, this fungus is very closely related to A. flavus and is often misidentified as the latter. However, the two species are separable based on morphological features. A. parasiticus also exhibits physiological differences from A. flavus such as the inability to produce cyclopiazonic acid and the production of aflatoxin G.
== Chemistry == As a nonionic surfactant, sorbitan monooleate forms a protective layer around dispersed droplets in the emulsion. This layer acts as a barrier, preventing coalescence and phase separation. This helps disperse water droplets within an oil matrix, maintaining the emulsion structure.
The company partnered with Baptist Memorial Health Care to establish a bacteriology centre of excellence (Memphis, Tennessee), with Western Connecticut Health Network to form Constitution Diagnostics Network, and with NYU Health System to form NYU Langone Diagnostics (New York). In 2018, Sonic acquired Pathology Trier (Germany). The company partnered with ProMedica Health System to form ProMedica Pathology Laboratories (Ohio and adjacent states). In 2019, the company acquired Aurora Diagnostics (USA) and sold its interest in GLP systems (Germany). In 2020–2021, Sonic acquired Pathologie Hamburg, a majority stake in Epworth Medical Imaging (Victoria, Australia) and in Harrison.ai's pathology solutions, Canberra Imaging Group, and ProPath (Dallas, Texas). In 2022, Sonic acquired a 19.99% state in Microba Life Sciences Limited - ASX:MAP (Queensland, Australia). Sonic and Microba have agree on a strategic alliance to exclusively deliver Microba's microbiome testing Technology in Germany, the United Kingdom and Belgium as well as a non-exclusive distribution within Sonic's broader network including Australia, Switzerland, the United States and New Zealand.
In the United States, 49 states and the District of Columbia have expanded naloxone access at a pharmacy level via standing order, protocol order, naloxone-specific collaborative practice agreement, or pharmacist prescriptive authority.
Oral selegiline was significantly more effective than the selegiline patch in terms of depressive symptom improvement (SMD = −1.49, k = 6, n = 282 vs. SMD = −0.27, k = 4, n = 1,026, respectively; p = 0.03). However, this was largely due to older and less methodologically rigorous trials that were at high risk for bias. Oral selegiline studies also often employed much higher doses than usual, for instance 20 to 60 mg/day. The quality of evidence of selegiline for depression was rated as very low overall, very low for oral selegiline, and low to moderate for transdermal selegiline. For comparison, meta-analyses of other antidepressants for depression have found a mean effect size of about 0.3 (a small effect), which is similar to that with transdermal selegiline. In two pivotal regulatory clinical trials of 6 to 8 weeks duration, the selegiline transdermal patch decreased scores on depression rating scales (specifically the 17- and 28-item HDRSTooltip Hamilton Depression Rating Scale) by 9.0 to 10.9 points, whereas placebo decreased scores by 6.5 to 8.6 points, giving placebo-subtracted differences attributable to selegiline of 2.4 to 2.5 points. A 2013 quantitative review of the transdermal selegiline patch for depression, which pooled the results of these two trials, found that the placebo-subtracted number needed to treat (NNT) was 11 in terms of depression response (>50% reduction in symptoms) and 9 in terms of remission of depression (score of ≤10 on the MADRSTooltip Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale).
Sources: en.wikipedia.org
Legal status varies by country, but cardarine is not approved as a medicine in major jurisdictions. It is often sold as a research chemical, a category that may not be lawful for human use. Buyers should check local laws and product labels carefully.
Anti-doping laboratories use LC-MS/MS to detect GW501516 and its metabolites, usually in urine. The method can identify the parent compound at low concentrations. Detection windows vary with dose and individual factors.
No, cardarine has no approved medical uses in major jurisdictions. Early research explored metabolic conditions, but those programs were discontinued. It is not a registered treatment for any disease.
Rodent studies reported increased endurance and fat oxidation after GW501516 exposure. Long-term studies also found higher rates of some tumors, which led to halted development.