5-Amino-1MQ Calculator

What Is 5-Amino-1MQ?

5-Amino-1MQ (5-amino-1-methylquinolinium) is a small, orally active molecule studied in metabolic research as a selective inhibitor of the enzyme nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT). Unlike most compounds discussed across this calculator, 5-Amino-1MQ is not a peptide or a chain of amino acids — it is a low-molecular-weight chemical compound belonging to the quinolinium class. The name describes the structure directly: a methylquinolinium scaffold carrying an amino group at the 5 position. This small molecular size is the reason 5-Amino-1MQ is orally bioavailable in research models and does not need to be injected.

Interest in 5-Amino-1MQ grew out of the observation that NNMT becomes overactive in adipose tissue and the liver when metabolism is disrupted, such as in diet-induced obesity in rodent models. NNMT consumes two important cellular molecules by transferring a methyl group from S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) onto nicotinamide. Nicotinamide is a precursor of NAD+, the central cofactor of energy metabolism. When NNMT is inhibited, nicotinamide remains available for NAD+ regeneration and SAM is preserved for methylation reactions. It is precisely this dual effect that makes 5-Amino-1MQ interesting for research into adipocyte biology, energy expenditure, and aging.

5-Amino-1MQ was first described in a widely cited 2018 study that linked NNMT inhibition to a reduction in fat mass in obese mice without any change in food intake. Since then, the compound has been a recurring topic in preclinical metabolic and longevity research. To date, however, there are no completed large-scale human clinical trials. 5-Amino-1MQ is not an approved drug and is traded strictly for research purposes.

Mechanisms of Action

5-Amino-1MQ does not act through hormone receptors and is not a stimulant. Its entire activity profile derives from a single primary target — NNMT inhibition — which triggers a cascade of downstream metabolic effects:

• NNMT inhibition: 5-Amino-1MQ blocks the active site of nicotinamide N-methyltransferase. NNMT is strongly upregulated in metabolically disrupted adipose and liver tissue. When the enzyme is inhibited, the breakdown of nicotinamide into methylnicotinamide — a metabolic end product that is subsequently excreted — slows down.
• NAD+ salvage pathway: Nicotinamide is the central precursor of the salvage pathway through which cells recycle NAD+. By preventing NNMT from intercepting nicotinamide, 5-Amino-1MQ leaves more substrate available for NAD+ resynthesis. NAD+ is the cofactor for many enzymes of energy metabolism, including the sirtuins and poly-ADP-ribose polymerases.
• Adipocyte metabolism: In fat cells, increased NAD+ availability shifts the metabolic balance toward lipolysis and mitochondrial oxidation. In rodent models, NNMT inhibition was associated with reduced adipocyte size and increased energy expenditure without the animals eating less.
• Methylation balance: Every reaction catalyzed by NNMT consumes a methyl group from S-adenosylmethionine. When NNMT is inhibited, SAM remains available for other methylation-dependent processes, such as the regulation of gene expression through DNA and histone methylation. This aspect is an active research field and the reason 5-Amino-1MQ is also discussed in the context of cellular aging.

An important distinction: 5-Amino-1MQ does not raise NAD+ by supplying an external NAD+ precursor, as NMN or NR do. Instead, it raises NAD+ by closing a leak in the existing recycling pathway. These two approaches — substrate supplementation and enzyme inhibition — can be considered conceptually complementary, but they are mechanistically distinct.

Dosage Calculation

Because 5-Amino-1MQ is administered orally, dose calculation centers on the amount of active compound per dose rather than on injection volumes. Research protocols typically use a fixed daily dose without an elaborate titration ramp, although starting at the lower end of the range is a reasonable precaution.

Standard Dosing Parameters

• Conservative dose: 2.5 mg per day
• Standard dose: 5 mg per day
• Higher range: up to 10 mg per day
• Frequency: once daily or every other day (EOD)
• Timing: usually in the morning, since the metabolic focus is on the active part of the day

Example Calculation: Dosed Powder From a 5 mg Vial

5-Amino-1MQ is often supplied as loose powder or in 5 mg or 10 mg vials. Anyone preparing a capsule form divides the total amount of a vial across the desired daily dose. A 5 mg vial yields exactly one daily portion at a standard dose of 5 mg per day, or two portions at a conservative dose of 2.5 mg.

• At 2.5 mg per day, a 5 mg vial lasts 2 days.
• At 5 mg per day, a 5 mg vial lasts 1 day.
• At 5 mg per day, a 10 mg vial lasts 2 days; on an EOD frequency it covers four doses.

If the powder is dissolved in water or another suitable solvent, the 5-Amino-1MQ calculator above can determine the exact volume per dose: enter the vial size in mg, the added volume, and the target dose, and the calculator returns the volume to draw per administration. A precise milligram scale (0.001 g resolution) is the most reliable way to measure powder amounts accurately in a research setting.

Preparation and Administration

5-Amino-1MQ is not an injectable compound. The entire reconstitution-with-bacteriostatic-water step common to peptides therefore does not apply. Instead, the task is to measure the powder precisely and bring it into an ingestible form. Two approaches are common in research practice: filling empty capsules, or dissolving a measured amount in liquid.

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Gather supplies: the 5-Amino-1MQ vial or powder pouch, a precise milligram scale with 0.001 g resolution, a clean spatula or weighing scoop, and — depending on the chosen method — empty gelatin or cellulose capsules or a glass of water.
2. Keep the work surface and all tools clean and dry. 5-Amino-1MQ is hygroscopic, meaning it draws moisture from the air. Do not leave the powder exposed longer than necessary.
3. Weigh out the desired daily dose, typically 2.5 mg to 10 mg. Because these amounts are very small, a milligram scale is mandatory. Kitchen scales are not accurate enough in this range.
4. Capsule method: Fill the weighed dose into an empty capsule and close it. If a powder filler is used to take up the remaining capsule volume, choose a neutral filler such as microcrystalline cellulose.
5. Solution method: Dissolve the weighed dose in a fixed volume of water and drink it completely. Rinse the glass with a little more water afterward and drink that as well, so that no active compound is left behind.
6. Keep the administration consistent at every dose — that is, either consistently with food or consistently without it. This keeps absorption comparable across the entire research cycle.
7. Reseal the vial or pouch firmly right away and label it with contents and date, for example "5-Amino-1MQ - 5 mg - opened [date]".

If the powder changes color, clumps heavily, or smells unusual, it should not be used further. High-quality 5-Amino-1MQ is a fine, uniform powder.

Storage and Shelf Life

• Powder, unopened: Store cool, dry, and away from light. Keeping it at 2 to 8°C in the refrigerator or at −20°C in the freezer significantly extends stability. Keep the original vial sealed until use.
• Powder, opened: Because of its hygroscopic properties, reseal the vial immediately after each withdrawal. A desiccant pack in the storage container helps keep residual humidity low. Use opened powder within a few months.
• Dissolved in liquid: An aqueous solution is less stable than the dry powder. Freshly prepared solutions should ideally be used the same day and kept refrigerated. Avoid storing the compound in dissolved form for extended periods.
• Prepared capsules: Store capsules cool, dry, and dark, ideally in an airtight container with a desiccant. Do not keep them in humid rooms such as the bathroom.
• Avoid temperature swings: Repeated thawing and freezing can attract moisture and cause the powder to clump. If freezing, allow the vial to reach room temperature before opening so that no condensation forms.

Side Effects and Safety Profile

The safety profile of 5-Amino-1MQ rests largely on preclinical rodent models, in which the compound was well tolerated and did not produce obvious organ toxicity. Robust safety data from controlled human trials, however, is lacking. All use therefore remains explicitly within the research domain, and the tolerability profile is not fully characterized.

More Commonly Reported Observations

• Mild gastrointestinal discomfort such as nausea or a feeling of fullness, particularly when taken on an empty stomach or at the start of a protocol. Taking it with a meal can soften this.
• Headache or a slightly off feeling during the first few days, presumably related to metabolic adjustment.
• Changes in appetite. While food intake remained unchanged in rodent models, some users still report an altered perception of hunger in informal observations.

Less Common or Theoretical Concerns

• Methylation shifts: Because NNMT participates in the methylation balance, prolonged inhibition could theoretically affect SAM and homocysteine metabolism. The long-term consequences of chronic NNMT inhibition in humans have not been studied.
• Interaction with NAD+ precursors: When 5-Amino-1MQ is combined with NMN or NR, two pathways act on NAD+ metabolism at the same time. The combined effects are not well characterized.
• Liver and adipose focus: NNMT is highly expressed precisely in the liver and adipose tissue. Individuals with existing liver or metabolic conditions should not consider 5-Amino-1MQ without specialist medical guidance.

Contraindications

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding, as no safety data is available
• Existing liver disease or severe metabolic conditions without medical supervision
• Known hypersensitivity to any component of the preparation
• Concurrent use of medications whose breakdown is strongly methylation-dependent

No serious adverse events have been described in the published preclinical literature at standard research doses. However, because robust human data is lacking, caution is warranted. Consultation with a qualified healthcare professional is strongly recommended before beginning any protocol.

Combinations and Stacks

5-Amino-1MQ and NAD+ Precursors

5-Amino-1MQ can be conceptually paired with NAD+ precursors such as NMN or NR: the precursor supplies additional substrate, while 5-Amino-1MQ protects the recycling of nicotinamide that is already present. Both approaches aim at greater NAD+ availability but act at different points in metabolism. This combination is discussed in longevity research but is not clinically validated.

5-Amino-1MQ and Mitochondrial Peptides

In mitochondrial research, 5-Amino-1MQ is often mentioned alongside peptides such as MOTS-c and SS-31. MOTS-c is a mitochondrially encoded peptide linked to AMPK signaling and glucose utilization, while SS-31 targets the inner mitochondrial membrane and cardiolipin stability. With NAD+ availability, 5-Amino-1MQ addresses a third, independent lever of energy metabolism.

5-Amino-1MQ and Lipolysis-Focused Compounds

For research questions around fat metabolism and body composition, 5-Amino-1MQ is occasionally considered alongside AOD-9604, a fragment of growth hormone associated with lipolysis. The two compounds act through entirely different mechanisms, which is why research discussions treat them as complementary tools rather than interchangeable alternatives. For a complete overview of available tools, see the peptide calculator hub.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 5-Amino-1MQ a peptide?

No. 5-Amino-1MQ is a low-molecular-weight chemical molecule from the quinolinium class, not a chain of amino acids. It is covered on this platform alongside peptides because it is grouped into similar metabolic and longevity research contexts. Mechanistically and structurally, however, it differs fundamentally from true peptides.

Does 5-Amino-1MQ need to be injected?

No. 5-Amino-1MQ is orally active and is swallowed in research protocols, typically as a filled capsule or dissolved in water. Reconstitution with bacteriostatic water and injection are not part of its use. It is precisely this oral availability that sets it apart from many injectable peptides.

What does NNMT inhibition actually mean?

NNMT, or nicotinamide N-methyltransferase, is an enzyme that attaches a methyl group to nicotinamide and thereby removes it from the NAD+ recycling loop. 5-Amino-1MQ blocks this enzyme. As a result, nicotinamide remains available for NAD+ resynthesis, and at the same time less S-adenosylmethionine is consumed. NNMT inhibition is the only known primary mechanism of the compound.

How does 5-Amino-1MQ differ from NMN or NR?

NMN and NR are direct NAD+ precursors: they supply the body with additional building material for NAD+. 5-Amino-1MQ supplies no building material; instead, it prevents existing nicotinamide from being intercepted by NNMT. Figuratively speaking, NMN and NR fill the tank, while 5-Amino-1MQ seals a leak in the tank. Both approaches aim at higher NAD+ levels, but they are mechanistically distinct.

When is 5-Amino-1MQ best taken?

In research protocols, 5-Amino-1MQ is typically taken once daily in the morning, since the metabolic focus is on the active part of the day. Above all, consistency matters: the same time and the same relationship to meals every day keep absorption comparable across the cycle.

How long does a typical research cycle last?

Preclinical models often run for several weeks, roughly six to twelve, followed by a break. There are no established human protocols, since controlled human trials are lacking. Cyclical use with defined breaks is preferred as a precaution as long as the long-term consequences of sustained NNMT inhibition remain unstudied.

Does 5-Amino-1MQ affect hormone levels?

5-Amino-1MQ does not act through hormone receptors and is not a growth hormone secretagogue. It does not suppress the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, and no post-cycle therapy is required. Its effect runs exclusively through the metabolic level — specifically through the NAD+ and methylation balance.

Where can I buy 5-Amino-1MQ?

5-Amino-1MQ is not currently listed in the BergdorfBio catalog. Related metabolic and research tools can be found through the peptide calculator hub. All products listed there are sold strictly for research purposes.

Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for educational and research purposes only. 5-Amino-1MQ is not an approved drug or medical treatment and is traded strictly for research use. Nothing on this page constitutes medical advice, diagnosis, or a recommendation to use any specific compound. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before beginning any research protocol. BergdorfBio assumes no liability for the use or misuse of the information presented here.