Adenosine 5'-monophosphate monohydrate (5'-AMP) , also known as 5'-adenylic acid, is a nucleotide that is used as a monomer in RNA. It is an ester of phosphoric acid and the nucleoside adenosine. Adenosine 5'-monophosphate monohydrate consists of a phosphate group, the sugar ribose, and the nucleobase adenine. As a substituent it takes the form of the prefix adenylyl-.

Metformin (1,1-Dimethylbiguanide) is an AMPK activator with blood-brain barrier permeability. Metformin may improve glycemic control by increasing insulin sensitivity and decreasing intestinal glucose uptake, and is commonly used in type 2 diabetes research.

Phenformin hydrochloride (Phenformin HCl) is an agent belonging to the biguanide class of antidiabetics with antihyperglycemic activity.

Doxorubicin hydrochloride (Adriamycin) belongs to the anthracycline class of antibiotics and is an inhibitor of human DNA topoisomerase I/II (IC50=0.8/2.67 μM). Doxorubicin hydrochloride exhibits cytotoxicity and antitumor activity. Doxorubicin hydrochloride reduces the phosphorylation of AMPK and its downstream target protein acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase, and induces apoptosis and autophagy.

AICAR (Acadesine) is an AMPK activator that causes ZMP accumulation, thereby mimicking the stimulatory effect of AMP on both AMPK and AMPKK. It is commonly used in research related to diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and tumors.

Buformin hydrochloride (NSC-528218) is a potent AMPK activator,an oral antidiabetic drug of the biguanide class. Buformin delays the absorption of glucose from the gastrointestinal tract increases insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake into cells and inhibits synthesis of glucose by the liver. Biguanides may antagonize the action of glucagon, thus reducing fasting glucose levels.

HTH-01-015 is a selective NUAK1 inhibitor with an IC50 of 100 nM.

A-769662 is an effective, reversible AMPK activator(EC50=0.8 μM).