NAD+ — Research Peptide Overview, Specifications, and Sourcing

At-a-Glance Specifications

CAS Number

53-84-9

Molecular Weight

663.43 g/mol

Molecular Formula

C₂₁H₂₇N₇O₁₄P₂

Structure

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (oxidized form, NAD⁺)

Purity

≥99% (HPLC verified)

Physical Form

Lyophilized powder (white to off-white)

Storage

-20°C lyophilized; 2-8°C reconstituted

Synonyms

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, Coenzyme I, DPN, Diphosphopyridine nucleotide, Beta-NAD

What Is NAD+?

NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a critical coenzyme found in every living cell, serving as a central mediator of cellular energy metabolism and a substrate for numerous enzymatic reactions essential to life. First described by Arthur Harden and William John Young in 1906 during their studies on fermentation, NAD+ has since been recognized as one of the most important molecules in biology, participating in over 500 enzymatic reactions and serving as a cofactor for key metabolic enzymes across virtually all metabolic pathways.

NAD+ exists in two forms: the oxidized form (NAD+) and the reduced form (NADH). The ratio between these two forms serves as a critical indicator of cellular metabolic status. NAD+ accepts electrons in catabolic reactions (becoming NADH) and donates electrons to the mitochondrial electron transport chain for ATP production. Beyond its role as an electron carrier, NAD+ is consumed as a substrate by three major enzyme families: sirtuins (SIRT1-7), poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARPs), and CD38/CD157 ectoenzymes.

The discovery that NAD+ levels decline significantly with age has generated enormous research interest over the past two decades. Intracellular NAD+ concentrations decrease by approximately 50% between young adulthood and old age in mammalian tissues, and this decline has been causally linked to many hallmarks of aging including mitochondrial dysfunction, genomic instability, cellular senescence, and stem cell exhaustion. This NAD+ decline paradigm has become a central pillar of contemporary aging biology and has driven the development of NAD+-boosting strategies as a major research focus.

For wholesale research suppliers, NAD+ represents a foundational catalog compound with extraordinarily broad demand spanning longevity research, metabolic studies, neuroscience, enzymology, and basic cell biology. Its status as a core molecule in cellular metabolism ensures consistent, high-volume demand from virtually every segment of the biomedical research community.

Mechanism of Action

NAD+ participates in cellular function through multiple mechanistic pathways, serving both as a coenzyme and as a consumed substrate for key regulatory enzymes.

Electron Transfer and Energy Metabolism

In its most fundamental role, NAD+ functions as an electron carrier in cellular redox reactions. During glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and fatty acid beta-oxidation, NAD+ accepts electrons (becoming NADH), which subsequently donates these electrons to Complex I of the mitochondrial electron transport chain for ATP production. This electron shuttle function makes NAD+ indispensable for cellular energy generation.

Sirtuin Activation

NAD+ is the essential co-substrate for the sirtuin family of NAD+-dependent deacetylases (SIRT1-7). Sirtuins regulate a wide array of cellular processes including gene silencing, DNA repair, metabolic regulation, and stress resistance. Imai and Guarente (2014) reviewed the central role of NAD+ availability in sirtuin-mediated aging and metabolic regulation, establishing the concept that declining NAD+ levels with age lead to reduced sirtuin activity and accelerated aging processes (PMID: 24560926).

DNA Repair (PARP Signaling)

NAD+ serves as the substrate for poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARPs), enzymes critical to DNA damage detection and repair. PARP1, the most abundant PARP enzyme, consumes NAD+ to generate poly(ADP-ribose) chains that recruit DNA repair machinery to sites of DNA damage. With aging, accumulated DNA damage leads to increased PARP activity and consequent NAD+ depletion, creating a vicious cycle of NAD+ loss and impaired DNA repair.

CD38 and Calcium Signaling

CD38 is the major NAD+-consuming enzyme in mammalian tissues and a significant driver of age-related NAD+ decline. Camacho-Pereira et al. (2016) demonstrated that CD38 expression increases with age and is responsible for the majority of NAD+ degradation in aging tissues. This finding identified CD38 as a key target for understanding and potentially reversing age-related NAD+ decline (PMID: 27304511).

Circadian Rhythm Regulation

NAD+ levels oscillate in a circadian manner, linked to the expression of the NAD+ biosynthetic enzyme NAMPT. Ramsey et al. (2009) showed that this NAD+ oscillation drives rhythmic sirtuin activity, connecting NAD+ metabolism directly to circadian clock function and its downstream effects on metabolic regulation (PMID: 19229036).

Research Applications

Aging and Longevity Research

NAD+ is a central molecule in aging biology. Research focuses on understanding the mechanisms of age-related NAD+ decline, the consequences of NAD+ depletion on cellular function, and strategies for restoring NAD+ levels through precursor supplementation (NMN, NR) or CD38 inhibition. Landmark studies have demonstrated that NAD+ restoration can reverse multiple age-related phenotypes in animal models.

Metabolic Research

NAD+ is essential for all major metabolic pathways. Research applications include studies of mitochondrial function, insulin sensitivity, hepatic metabolism, lipid metabolism, and the metabolic consequences of NAD+ depletion. The NAD+/NADH ratio is used as a key biomarker of cellular metabolic status.

Neuroscience Research

NAD+ depletion has been implicated in neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and ALS. Research examines the role of NAD+-dependent pathways in neuronal survival, axonal degeneration, neuroinflammation, and synaptic function.

Cancer Research

NAD+ metabolism is altered in cancer cells, with shifts in NAD+ biosynthetic pathways supporting rapid proliferation and survival under metabolic stress. Research examines both NAD+ depletion as an anti-cancer strategy and NAD+ supplementation for cancer prevention.

Enzymology and Biochemistry

NAD+ is a fundamental reagent in enzymology research, serving as a substrate or cofactor for hundreds of enzymatic reactions. It is used in enzyme kinetics studies, metabolic flux analysis, and high-throughput screening assays.

Available Formats and Bulk Options

• Standard Research Quantities: 100 mg, 250 mg, 500 mg, and 1 g lyophilized powder
• Bulk Research Quantities: 5 g, 10 g, 25 g, and 50 g for high-throughput programs
• Ultra-High Purity: ≥99.5% grade available for enzymatic assays requiring minimal contaminants
• Solution Format: Pre-dissolved NAD+ solutions at specified concentrations available upon request

Wholesale Pricing Summary

For detailed pricing, visit our wholesale pricing page or contact our B2B team.

Quality, Testing, and Certificates of Analysis

• HPLC Purity: RP-HPLC confirms ≥99% purity with quantification of NAD+ vs. NADH and degradation products.
• Mass Spectrometry: ESI-MS confirms molecular weight of 663.43 g/mol.
• UV Spectrophotometry: Absorbance at 260 nm confirms identity and quantifies NAD+ concentration.
• Enzymatic Activity Assay: Functional testing with alcohol dehydrogenase confirms biological activity.
• Water Content: Karl Fischer titration for lyophilized presentations.
• Endotoxin Testing: LAL assay for in vivo research-grade presentations.

Storage and Stability

Lyophilized Form

• Long-term: -20°C, desiccated, protected from light. Shelf life 24+ months.
• Short-term: 2-8°C for up to 3 months.
• Note: NAD+ is hygroscopic. Minimize exposure to moisture. Allow vials to equilibrate to room temperature before opening to prevent condensation.

Reconstituted Solution

• Vehicle: Sterile water, PBS, or Tris buffer. pH stability range: 2-8 (most stable at neutral pH).
• Storage: 2-8°C for up to 7 days. For longer storage, aliquot and freeze at -80°C.
• Stability note: NAD+ in solution is susceptible to hydrolysis, especially at elevated temperatures and extreme pH. Prepare fresh solutions when possible.

Compliance and Intended Use

Research Use Only (RUO). NAD+ supplied by Wholesale Bulk Peptides is intended for in vitro and preclinical research use. This product is not intended for human therapeutic, diagnostic, or dietary supplement use.

NAD+ is a naturally occurring molecule and is available in various forms as dietary supplements under separate regulatory frameworks. Research-grade NAD+ from Wholesale Bulk Peptides is manufactured to analytical standards suitable for research and should not be confused with or substituted for dietary supplement products.

Purchasers assume responsibility for compliance with all applicable regulations.

Related Compounds

• MOTS-C — A mitochondrial-derived peptide studied alongside NAD+ in longevity and metabolic research.
• GHK-Cu — A copper tripeptide studied in anti-aging and tissue repair research.
• BPC-157 — A cytoprotective peptide studied in tissue repair models.

References

1. Imai S, Guarente L. NAD+ and sirtuins in aging and disease. Trends Cell Biol. 2014;24(8):464-471. PMID: 24786309
2. Camacho-Pereira J, Tarragó MG, Chini CCS, et al. CD38 dictates age-related NAD decline and mitochondrial dysfunction through an SIRT3-dependent mechanism. Cell Metab. 2016;23(6):1127-1139. PMID: 27304511
3. Yoshino J, Baur JA, Imai SI. NAD+ intermediates: the biology and therapeutic potential of NMN and NR. Cell Metab. 2018;27(3):513-528. PMID: 29249689
4. Ramsey KM, Yoshino J, Brace CS, et al. Circadian clock feedback cycle through NAMPT-mediated NAD+ biosynthesis. Science. 2009;324(5927):651-654. PMID: 19299583
5. Verdin E. NAD+ in aging, metabolism, and neurodegeneration. Science. 2015;350(6265):1208-1213. PMID: 26785480

Frequently Asked Questions

What is NAD+?

NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme found in every living cell, essential for energy metabolism, DNA repair, gene regulation, and cellular signaling. It participates in over 500 enzymatic reactions and serves as a substrate for sirtuins, PARPs, and CD38.

Why does NAD+ decline with age?

NAD+ levels decrease approximately 50% between young adulthood and old age due to increased consumption by CD38, PARP1, and other NAD+-consuming enzymes, combined with decreased synthesis via the NAMPT salvage pathway. This decline is causally linked to multiple aging hallmarks.

What purity is guaranteed?

All NAD+ is supplied at 99%+ purity by HPLC with MS identity, UV spectrophotometry, enzymatic activity verification, and water content analysis. Ultra-high purity (99.5%+) grade is available for demanding enzymatic assays.

How should NAD+ be stored?

Lyophilized at -20C desiccated (24+ months stability). NAD+ is hygroscopic, so minimize moisture exposure. Reconstituted at 2-8C for 7 days or aliquot at -80C. Fresh solution preparation is recommended when possible.

How does research-grade NAD+ differ from supplement-grade?

Research-grade NAD+ is manufactured to analytical purity standards with comprehensive batch testing (HPLC, MS, enzymatic activity) and is intended for laboratory research. Supplement-grade NAD+ is manufactured under different regulatory frameworks for dietary supplement use.

What is the minimum order quantity?

Wholesale orders start at 10 units (500 mg each). Volume discounts from 12% to 45% are available at higher quantities, with custom pricing for orders exceeding 1,000 units.

Is NAD+ stable in solution?

NAD+ in solution is susceptible to hydrolysis, especially at elevated temperatures and extreme pH. Most stable at neutral pH and 2-8C. Prepare fresh solutions when possible, and aliquot frozen stocks at -80C for longer storage.

What research areas use NAD+?

Aging/longevity, metabolic research, neuroscience, cancer biology, enzymology, circadian rhythm research, and fundamental cell biology. NAD+ is one of the most universally used biochemical reagents in research.

Can NAD+ be combined with other compounds in research?

Yes. NAD+ is frequently used alongside MOTS-C, sirtuin activators (e.g., resveratrol), PARP inhibitors, and other metabolic modulators in combination studies. Compatibility in solution should be verified for each combination.

What documentation is provided?

Batch-specific COA with HPLC purity, MS identity, UV absorbance, enzymatic activity, water content, and appearance data. SDS available upon request.

What is the lead time?

Standard orders ship within 3-5 business days. Bulk orders may require additional preparation. Expedited processing available.

Is NAD+ approved as a therapeutic?

NAD+ is not approved by the FDA as a drug or therapeutic agent. It is available as a dietary supplement under separate regulatory oversight. Research-grade NAD+ from Wholesale Bulk Peptides is intended for laboratory research only.