5-Amino-1MQ: Dosage, Benefits & Research Guide
What is 5-Amino-1MQ?
5-Amino-1MQ (5-amino-1-methylquinolinium) is a small-molecule inhibitor of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT), an enzyme that methylates nicotinamide and depletes the cellular pool of S-adenosyl methionine (SAM), a critical methyl donor. By inhibiting NNMT, 5-Amino-1MQ is proposed to increase intracellular NAD+ levels and SAM availability, thereby enhancing cellular energy metabolism and epigenetic regulation. Research published by Neelakantan et al. (Biochemical Pharmacology, 2018) demonstrated that NNMT inhibition in diet-induced obese mice reduced body weight and white adipose tissue mass while increasing energy expenditure, without changes in food intake. The same research group at the University of Texas showed that NNMT expression is upregulated in visceral adipose tissue of obese subjects, suggesting the enzyme plays a direct role in metabolic dysfunction. Unlike GLP-1 receptor agonists that suppress appetite centrally, 5-Amino-1MQ operates at the cellular metabolic level by modulating the NAD+ salvage pathway and methylation balance, offering a mechanistically distinct approach. Compared to NMN or NR supplementation (NAD+ precursors), 5-Amino-1MQ addresses NAD+ depletion at the enzymatic level rather than through precursor loading. Studies also suggest NNMT inhibition may improve insulin sensitivity through enhanced SIRT1 activity. Store lyophilized powder at -20C protected from moisture; reconstitute in sterile water as needed. This compound is investigated by metabolic biochemistry laboratories, NAD+ biology researchers, and academic institutions studying the intersection of epigenetics and obesity.
5-Amino-1MQ Research Applications
In published and preclinical research, 5-Amino-1MQ has been studied across the following areas:
- Obesity and metabolic syndrome studies
- Insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes research
- NAD+ optimization for anti-aging
- Energy and endurance performance
5-Amino-1MQ in Research: Reconstitution & Study Concentrations
5-Amino-1MQ is supplied as a lyophilized powder. For laboratory research it is reconstituted with bacteriostatic or sterile water; the solvent volume sets the working concentration. Published studies select concentrations specific to the assay or model system — there is no human dose, as 5-Amino-1MQ is not approved for human use. Researchers should reference the primary literature for the model in question and document the exact lot COA.
Worked example: a 5mg vial reconstituted with 2 mL of bacteriostatic water yields 2.50 mg/mL.
Open the reconstitution calculator