Now reading Entry 002 / 102 Last revised Jan 22, 2026 12 sources 2 comparisons Methodology →
A specimen of the Metabolic drawer Drawer A · Metabolic

5-Amino-1MQ

Research Only

A small molecule NNMT inhibitor studied for metabolic effects in animal models. No human clinical trials have been conducted. Increases NAD+ levels in adipose tissue in preclinical studies.

5-Amino-1-Methylquinolinium · NNMT Inhibitor

Research evidence
Low

Mostly preclinical · 1 human study

Preclinical
92%
Clinical
8%

Based on 12 cited sources

Evidence Score49/100
Early / limited
Research Depth17/100
Mechanism84/100
Plausibility71/100
Global Coverage46/100
Community Experience37/100
EffectivenessNot Established

Demonstrated effect magnitude — not a recommendation or safety claim.

Research Depth low: zero human trials, evidence is animal/in-vitro only with a small preclinical-foundation credit. Mechanism strong: NNMT target validated by knockout/knockdown and the NAD+/SAM-sirtuin-thermogenesis pathway is well mapped. Plausibility good: mechanism-to-surrogate chain coherent with NNMT overexpression in obese human adipose, but human outcome unproven. Global Coverage moderate: replicated across independent US and German groups, no regulatory recognition. Community Experience modest: niche enthusiast use, sparse and inconsistent reports. Effectiveness not-established — no quantified human efficacy estimate and no meaningful community effect signal.

Scored May 2026 How we rate →
!
Evidence Level
low
Not approved for human use by any regulatory agency
Limited human clinical trial data
Consult a healthcare provider before use
Not FDA Approved WADA Prohibited
Identity
SCALE · 1:1 N-TERMINUS C-TERMINUS 173.21 Da
Also Known As
5-Amino-1-Methylquinolinium • NNMT Inhibitor
Class
Small molecule (methylquinolinium derivative)
Length
0 amino acids
Mol. weight
173.21 Da
Sequence
N/A (small molecule)
Molecular Structure
Hydrophobic
Polar
Positive
Negative

The proposed mechanisms of 5-Amino-1MQ are based entirely on animal and in vitro studies. No human mechanistic data exists.

How It Works (Simplified)

5-Amino-1MQ acts by blocking NNMT, an enzyme that depletes important cellular resources:

NNMT Inhibition

Blocks NNMT enzyme activity, preventing it from consuming NAD+ precursors and SAM (the universal methyl donor).

NAD+ Elevation

Preserves nicotinamide for NAD+ synthesis, increasing cellular NAD+ levels especially in adipose tissue.

Sirtuin Activation

Higher NAD+ activates sirtuins (SIRT1-7), master regulators of metabolism, mitochondrial function, and energy expenditure.

Metabolic Enhancement

In mice, leads to increased energy expenditure, adipose browning, and weight loss without reduced food intake.

Key Research: Neelakantan H et al. (UTMB, 2018) demonstrated that a potent, selective small-molecule NNMT inhibitor significantly reduced body weight and white adipose mass in diet-induced obese mice without affecting food intake. PMID:29155147

Important Limitations

  • Zero human trials - All efficacy data is from mice only
  • Translation to human adipose tissue metabolism is unconfirmed
  • Human pharmacokinetics (absorption, half-life, dosing) completely unknown
  • NNMT expressed in multiple tissues (liver, brain, muscle) - systemic effects uncharacterized
  • Potential cardiovascular concerns from vascular NNMT inhibition (NNMT may protect endothelium)
  • No long-term safety data in any species
i. NNMT Inhibition Pathway · Target Engagement
5-Amino-1MQBinds NNMT active siteBlocks nicotinamide methylationNicotinamide preserved for NAD+ synthesis
ii. NAD+ / Sirtuin Pathway · Metabolic Effects
NNMT blockedNAD+ levels increaseSirtuin activationEnhanced metabolismSAM preservedImproved methylation capacity
iii. Thermogenic Pathway · Energy Expenditure
Sirtuin activationPGC-1a upregulationUCP1 expressionAdipose browningIncreased energy expenditure
Mechanism NNMT inhibition preserving NAD+ and SAM in adipose tissue
Supported 4 direct studies
Benefit may reduce body weight and adiposity
Evidence Level
Low
4 Animal
3 In Vitro
Mechanism NAD+ elevation leading to enhanced sirtuin activity
Emerging 3 direct studies
Benefit suggested to improve metabolic function and insulin sensitivity
Evidence Level
Very Low
3 Animal
2 In Vitro
Mechanism Enhanced adipocyte energy expenditure and thermogenesis
Emerging 2 direct studies
Benefit suggested to increase metabolic rate and fat oxidation
Evidence Level
Very Low
2 Animal
2 In Vitro
Mechanism Confidence
Established
Supported
Emerging
Evidence Level
High
Moderate
Low
Very Low
Phase 01 1
Week 1-2

Based on preclinical data: NNMT inhibition should begin immediately upon administration. Mouse studies dosed NNMT inhibitors over multi-week treatment periods. No human pharmacokinetic data available to predict onset.

PMID:29155147
Phase 02 2
Week 2-4

In mouse studies, significant body-weight and white-adipose-mass reduction observed with NNMT-inhibitor treatment. Increased adipocyte NAD+ documented. Human timeline completely unknown.

PMID:29155147
Phase 03 3
Week 4-8

No long-term preclinical studies available. Sustained effects, tolerance development, and long-term metabolic adaptations are uncharacterized.

Phase 04 4
Week 8+

Completely unknown. Long-term safety and efficacy data do not exist in any species. Chronic NNMT inhibition effects unstudied.

Research-based observations

This timeline reflects observations from published clinical and preclinical studies. Individual responses may vary significantly. This is not a guarantee of effects or a dosing schedule. Consult qualified healthcare providers for personalized guidance.

Good Signs (6 indicators)
White to off-white crystalline powder
Dissolves readily in water (cationic, water-soluble compound)
Clear, colorless solution after dissolution
Certificate of analysis (COA) showing >98% purity
Third-party HPLC and mass spectrometry verification
Molecular weight confirmed at 173.21 g/mol
Warning Signs (5 indicators)
Slightly off-white or cream-colored powder
Slow dissolution or incomplete solubility
COA from manufacturer only without independent verification
Purity listed below 98% but above 95%
No identity confirmation (MS or NMR)
Bad Signs (6 indicators)
Yellow, brown, or otherwise discolored powder
Visible particles or cloudiness in solution
Insoluble residue after attempted dissolution
No COA provided or COA appears fraudulent
Strong unusual odor
Hygroscopic clumping suggesting moisture contamination
Positive quality indicator
Requires evaluation
Potential quality issue

For Research Evaluation Only

These quality indicators are general guidelines based on typical peptide characteristics. Professional laboratory testing (HPLC, mass spectrometry) provides definitive quality verification. This checklist is for initial visual evaluation only.

Synergistic
Compatible
Caution
Avoid

Nmn

Synergistic
Synergistic

Theoretical synergy: NMN provides NAD+ precursor while 5-Amino-1MQ preserves NAD+ by blocking NNMT consumption. Both aim to elevate NAD+ through complementary mechanisms. No combined studies available.

Similar theoretical synergy as NMN. NR provides substrate for NAD+ synthesis while 5-Amino-1MQ reduces NAD+ depletion. Combined effects unstudied.

Different mechanisms of action (5-Amino-1MQ targets NNMT/NAD+ pathway vs AOD-9604's lipolytic effects). No interaction studies available; both target metabolic pathways through distinct routes.

Both activate sirtuin pathways - resveratrol directly, 5-Amino-1MQ indirectly via NAD+ elevation. Theoretically complementary but unstudied.

Both target metabolic and weight management pathways. Semaglutide is a GLP-1 agonist affecting appetite/insulin while 5-Amino-1MQ targets cellular NAD+ metabolism. No interaction data exists.

Research Note: Interaction data is based on published literature, mechanistic understanding, and theoretical considerations. Most peptide combinations lack direct clinical study. This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare providers.

12 Sources 1 Human 11 Preclinical

Full reference list available on request. All citations link to PubMed for verification.

This dossier synthesizes available evidence from peer-reviewed literature, regulatory documents, and clinical trial registries. Evidence strength ratings follow a modified GRADE approach.

For complete methodology details, see our Methodology page.

Important Disclaimer

This dossier is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making health decisions.

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