AICAR (AICA Ribonucleotide) is a cell-permeable activator of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). It is taken up into cells via adenosine transporters and subsequently phosphorylated by adenosine kinase into the active nucleotide ZMP (5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide), thereby mimicking the effects of AMP on the AMPK system. Active both *in vivo* and *in vitro*, AICAR serves as a potent activator of AMPK.
In addition to regulating glucose and lipid metabolism, AICAR inhibits the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and iNOS. Furthermore, it exerts inhibitory effects on autophagy, YAP, and mitophagy.