5-Amino-1MQ
NNMT Inhibitor | Longevity & Metabolic Enhancement
Overview
5-Amino-1MQ is a small molecule NNMT (nicotinamide N-methyltransferase) inhibitor that enhances cellular NAD+ levels and mitochondrial function. Not a true peptide, but a small molecule compound used in longevity and metabolic optimization protocols.
Key benefits
- Enhanced NAD+ levels
- Improved mitochondrial function
- Better energy metabolism
- Enhanced cellular repair
- Improved insulin sensitivity
- Longevity support
- Convenient daily oral dosing
Mechanism of action
Inhibits NNMT enzyme systemically, preventing NAD+ degradation and maintaining elevated cellular NAD+ levels to support mitochondrial function and metabolic processes.
Molecular data
- Type
- Small molecule NNMT enzyme inhibitor
- Half-life
- 4-7 hours (3.8h IV, 6.9h oral)
Indications
What the research community uses this compound for, with self-reported effectiveness.
Longevity
NAD+ Enhancement
Most effectiveSignificantly increases cellular NAD+ levels by inhibiting NNMT enzyme, supporting cellular energy production and DNA repair mechanisms essential for healthy aging.
Mitochondrial Function
Most effectiveImproves mitochondrial biogenesis and efficiency, enhancing cellular energy production and reducing oxidative stress markers associated with aging.
Cellular Repair
EffectiveEnhanced NAD+ availability supports sirtuins and other longevity pathways involved in DNA repair, cellular maintenance, and stress resistance.
Metabolism
Energy Metabolism
EffectiveImprovement through enhanced mitochondrial efficiency.
Insulin Sensitivity
EffectiveEnhancement via cellular energy optimization.
Metabolic Flexibility
ModerateImproved glucose/fat substrate switching.
Weight Loss
Metabolic Rate Enhancement
ModerateSupports increased basal metabolic rate.
Fat Oxidation
ModerateImprovements in fat burning capacity.
Dosing protocols
Common protocols by delivery method. Adjust the curve below to model accumulation in your own cycle.
Oral
Most common delivery method. Take with food to improve absorption and reduce potential GI effects. Consistent daily timing helps maintain steady NAD+ levels. Morning or early afternoon dosing preferred.
| Protocol | Dose | Frequency | Route / duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conservative initiation | 25mg | 1x daily | Oral with food |
| Standard starting dose | 50mg | 1x daily | Oral with food |
| Typical maintenance | 75mg | 1x daily | Oral with food |
| Maximum dose | 100mg | 1x daily | Oral with food |
| Split dosing protocol | 50mg | 2x daily | Oral with meals |
Injectable
Injectable protocols exist but vary widely. CRITICAL: Two vastly different protocols exist differing by 100-200x depending on units (mcg vs mg). Verify units before use.
| Protocol | Dose | Frequency | Route / duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conservative starting (mcg protocol) | 150-250mcg | 1x daily | SubQ |
| Conservative standard (mcg protocol) | 250-500mcg | 1x daily | SubQ |
| Study-based (mg protocol) | ~350mg (5mg/kg) | 1x daily | SubQ |
Preparation
You will need
- 5-Amino-1MQ lyophilized powder
- Bacteriostatic water
- Insulin syringes
- Alcohol swabs
Steps
- CRITICAL: Confirm protocol (mcg vs mg) before proceeding
- Clean vial stopper with alcohol
- Inject bacteriostatic water slowly down side of vial
- Gently swirl until dissolved (never shake)
- Label clearly with concentration AND units (mg/mL)
- Store in refrigerator
- Use within 28 days
Work out the water volume and syringe units in the reconstitution calculator →
Interactions
Pairwise interactions with other compounds you might be cycling — the same data behind the cycle builder's safety check.
Metformin
MonitorBoth affect metabolic pathways; combination may enhance effects but requires careful monitoring.
Blood Thinners
MonitorLimited interaction data; consult healthcare provider before combining.
Berberine
MonitorBoth affect metabolic pathways; potential additive glucose metabolism effects.
NAD+ Precursors (NMN, NR)
SynergisticMay work synergistically by preventing breakdown while supporting production.
Resveratrol
SynergisticBoth support longevity; resveratrol activates sirtuins while 5-Amino-1MQ provides NAD+ substrate.
BPC-157
CompatibleNo known interactions; different mechanisms with potential complementary benefits.
Timeline
Typical week-by-week effects reported in clinical and observational data.
- Week 1-2
Gradual energy increase and mental clarity
- Week 2-4
Enhanced exercise performance and recovery
- Week 4-8
Improved metabolic markers and body composition
- Week 8-12
Sustained longevity benefits and cellular health improvements
Safety
Reported adverse effects, contraindications, and what to monitor on cycle.
Common side effects
- Generally minimal side effects
- Occasional mild GI adjustment
- Potential sleep interference if dosed late in day
Stop signs — stop and seek advice
- Severe gastrointestinal upset or persistent nausea
- Unusual fatigue or weakness (opposite of expected effect)
- Persistent headaches or dizziness
- Sleep disturbances or insomnia
- Allergic reactions (rash, swelling, difficulty breathing)
- Significant mood changes or anxiety
Contraindications
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Pre-existing metabolic conditions (consult healthcare provider)
Monitoring
- Start with lowest effective dose (25-50mg) to assess tolerance
- Take with food to reduce potential GI effects
- Monitor energy levels and sleep quality
Quality checks
What a legitimate product looks like, what should give pause, and what should make you stop.
Good signs
- White to off-white (or orange/amber for powder) appearance
- Uniform color and size with clear labeling and batch information
- Third-party testing certificates (COA) with >98% purity
- Proper pharmaceutical packaging with moisture protection
- Clear expiration dates and professional labeling
Warning signs
- Moisture damage or clumping may indicate degradation
Stop signs — don't use
- Sticky, discolored, or heat-damaged appearance
- Unusual odor (should be relatively odorless)
- Strong chemical odors indicating contamination
- Cloudy reconstitution solution (injectables)
Recent research
Newer papers and trial readouts on file for this compound, with source and date.
August 2024 · Biochemical Pharmacology
Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase inhibition mitigates obesity-related metabolic dysfunction
Validated NNMT inhibition with 5A1MQ as a viable pharmacological approach to ameliorate metabolic imbalances and improve liver pathologies in diet-induced obese mice. 5A1MQ dose-dependently limited body weight and fat mass gain without altering food intake.
June 2024 · Aging Cell
Identification of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase as a promising therapeutic target for sarcopenia
Used machine learning to identify NNMT as a key metabolic dysregulation gene in sarcopenia. NNMT inhibition improved grip strength, alleviated age-related decline in muscle mass, and increased NAD+ content and PGC1α expression in aging mice.
References
Primary literature and clinical-trial data informing this entry.
Selective and membrane-permeable small molecule inhibitors of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase reverse high fat diet-induced obesity in mice
Neelakantan H, Vance V, Wetzel MD, Wang HL, McHardy SF, Finnerty CC, Hommel JD, Watowich SJ · Biochemical Pharmacology · 2018
Diet-induced obese mice showed significant weight loss and adipocyte size reduction with 5-amino-1MQ treatment. Demonstrated that NNMT inhibition increases energy expenditure, reduces body weight and white adipose mass, improves insulin sensitivity, and normalizes glucose tolerance.
Development & validation of LC-MS/MS assay for 5-amino-1-methyl quinolinium in rat plasma: Application to pharmacokinetic and oral bioavailability studies
Kannt A et al. · Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis · 2021
Demonstrated 38.4% oral bioavailability, half-life 6.9hr (oral) and 3.8hr (IV). Validated sensitive LC-MS/MS method for pharmacokinetic assessment supporting oral administration viability.
Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase inhibition mimics and boosts exercise-mediated improvements in muscle function in aged mice
Neelakantan H et al. · Scientific Reports · 2024
NNMTi-treated aged sedentary mice showed ~40% greater grip strength than controls. Combined with exercise, 60% grip strength increase. Also improved intramuscular lipid content and gastrocnemius fiber cross-sectional area.
Last updated . How this page was sourced is described in the methodology.
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