The ac11® herbal extract found in DNA360™
History, Function, Efficacy & Safety
The Discovery of ac11
The method by which ac11 is formulated was discovered by Ronald W. Pero Ph.D., a widely published scientist, university professor emeritus and expert in the fields of human biochemistry and DNA research. Dr. Pero’s work involving ac11 was based on more than 30 years of research, including extensive field research on indigenous plant life in the Amazon region of South America.
ac11 is a novel proprietary extract of the herb Uncaria tomentosa, commonly known as Cat's Claw or Una de Gato. ac11 has a completely different mode of action than other cat's claw products. It offers a unique set of benefits for the immune system and DNA repair that are not available from other products.
While developing ac11 Dr. Ronald Pero identified that a previously unrecognized naturally occurring class of compounds known as carboxyl alkyl esters is the primary ingredient. Carboxyl alkyl esters (CAEs) are phospholipid-like compounds that can interact with the cholesterol/phospholipid ration in cell membranes and strongly influence the membrane integrity of cells. The CAEs as well as other esters present in ac11 have been shown to support immune system enhancement and natural DNA repair.
ac11 and The Science of Phytonutrients
The term "phyto" originates from a Greek word for “plant.” Phytonutrients are the organic components of plants that promote health in humans and animals. Fruits and vegetables, grains, nuts, teas, etc. are all rich in phytonutrients.
A source of amazing phytonutrients unknown to exist elsewhere in the world is found in the rainforests of Brazil and Peru, often called the “living pharmacy” for the depth, variety and complexity of the plant and animal life forms that have developed there over many thousands of years, and for the breakthrough discoveries that researchers in biochemistry and pharmacological medicine continue to make in studying the wondrous ecosystem of this region.
Safe, all natural and water soluble ac11 is a patent-protected, bioactive rainforest plant extract that helps the body to repair environmental stress-related damage to DNA, and slow down the process of aging. ac11 is the perfect joining of the rainforest’s secrets with the miracle of today’s advancements in phytonutrient science.
DNA Care & ac11
ac11 derives from Uncaria tomentosa, a plant indigenous to the rainforest. We create ac11 using a patented, wholly proprietary “aqueous hot water extraction” and purification process standardized to a minimum of 8% Carboxy Alkyl Esters (CAE) concentration.
CAEs are the complex molecular chains that form the primary active components of ac11 –They are responsible for approximately 90% of the biological activity in ac11 relating to DNA repair and immune enhancement.
Although the exact mechanisms of action are not all completely understood, our scientists believe that when the body is subjected to stress that may affect the integrity of the DNA (overexposure to the sun for example), ac11 helps activate enzymes that are instrumental in the repair processes. In a series of peer reviewed scientific and clinical studies conducted by third party laboratories and university medical centers, we have shown that ac11 helps the body’s natural ability to repair DNA.
ac11 studies moreover show that the CAEs unique to our product not only enhance significantly the body’s natural ability to repair damaged DNA, but also measurably improve natural collagen III production in the skin.
Collagen III is a form of collagen associated with soft, supple, youthful-looking skin. As we age, our cells gradually produce less collagen III than they did when we were young. However, laboratory research shows significant, measurable increases in collagen III production in adult skin cells treated with ac11
ac11 also helps to normalize the expression of NF-KB in the cells, thereby regulating cellular response to inflammation. NF-KB is a nuclear transcription factor that influences numerous gene-encoding proteins important in apoptosis (programmed cell death), inflammation and cellular growth. A normal expression of NF-KB minimizes the hazards of excessive oxidative stress. An over-expression of NF-KB triggers increased inflammation.
In a human study, ac11 demonstrated a positive effect on lymphocytes, increasing their life span and, by implication, enhancing the body’s immune system.
ac11 differs from all other Uncaria tomentosa products, some of which are sold under the common name “cat’s claw,” in that its molecular composition is distinct by virtue of the Optigenex patented process. ac11 is standardized, pure, water-soluble and micro-filtered to contain only low weight molecules (<10,000 Daltons). ac11 is relatively alkaloid free (<0.05%) and is the only product available anywhere containing a patented class of CAE actives shown by extensive research to have healthy aging and natural DNA enhancement properties. No other Uncaria tomentosa product can make these claims. ac11 moreover has been studied for efficacy and safety for over ten years.
ac11 Efficacy & Safety
ac11 is backed by an extensive Efficacy and Safety profile. Pure, bioactive ac11 is the only known plant extract in the world shown by research studies to enhance our natural DNA repair processes. In fact, few other nutraceutical or cosmeceutical plant extract ingredients have been subjected to as much rigorous scientific study as has ac11.
ac11 strictly conforms to the unique specifications set by our manufacturing methods and standardization claims. We perform all of the standard industry-accepted tests to ensure that our product meets requirements for sale in the United States and other centers of commerce throughout the world. To make ac11 we engage the services of Centroflora Group in Botucatu, Brazil, a U.S. Department of Agriculture approved and ISO 9002 certified facility operated in accordance with FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) regulations and GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) standards, and one of the finest facilities in the world for the production of phytotherapic extracts. Using proprietary equipment conceived and developed by our company, ac11 is manufactured at Centroflora under state-of-the-art conditions and we warrant our product’s conformance to its specifications as well as to applicable governmental regulations.
ac11’s purity is due to the clean, contaminant and chemical toxin-free rainforest environment in which the plant is harvested and processed, as well as the patented Optigenex molecular sieving (filtration) process. By contrast, mild toxicity with long term use often is observable in other “Uncaria” products, especially the water-insoluble, alkaloid based extracts.
The ac11 “Rainforest Connection”
ac11 is derived naturally from Uncaria tomentosa, a vine that grows wild in the Amazon rainforest. We harvest the vine in an ethical manner under the authority of the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (IBAMA). This ensures future maintenance of a natural balance in the rainforest. Authorization is granted through an ongoing sustainable management project directed by the government and based upon existing local herb availability whereby the amount of inner bark approved for harvesting is set. The harvest is taken (cut) at a point on the plant approximately three feet above the ground; the plant is then capped to ensure integrity of the root structure and rapid regeneration of the vine. Additionally, new saplings of the Uncaria tomentosa vine are planted in a precise manner to ensure the continued viability in the harvesting area. Optigenex moreover works in cooperation with the Floravida Institutes (Brazil) guidelines for biodiversity conservation, environmental education and local community social inclusion.