Discovery and Sustainability

ac-11® and The Science of Phytonutrients

Phytonutrients are the organic components of plants that promote health in humans and animals. Fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, and teas are all rich in phytonutrients. The most powerful phytonutrients known to exist in the world are found in the rainforests of Brazil and Peru. The Amazon rainforest is often called the “living pharmacy” for the depth, variety and complexity of the plant and animal life that has emerged over thousands of years. Researchers have made numerous breakthrough discoveries in the fields of biochemistry and pharmacological medicine through the study of this wondrous ecosystem. Safe, all natural and effective ac-11® is a patent-protected, bioactive rainforest phytonutrient extract that: helps the body to repair its own DNA, enhances the immune system, inhibits pro-inflammatory cytokines, repairs neural function damaged by overexposure to high decibel noise in animals, maintains telomere length and integrity during cellular mitosis and repairs damage to the skin caused by the sun. ac-11® is the perfect joining of the rainforest’s secrets with the miracle of today’s advancements in phytonutrient science.

The Discovery of ac-11®

ac-11® 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. Our scientists have revealed Uncaria tomentosa’s medicinal properties through the study of the indigenous peoples of Central and South America, who traditionally steeped the bark of Uncaria tomentosa to create a hot water “tea”. Anecdotal evidence suggested that the “tea” derived from steeping the Uncaria tomentosa bark was useful in treating health problems “associated with rheumatism, arthritis, gastric ulcers, gastrointestinal / inflammatory / autoimminue disorders…” etc.¹ ac-11®’s proprietary extraction process has transformed the original “tea” into a highly effective extract with therapeutic benefits backed by extensive peer-reviewed research. Owing its origin to the practices of indigenous peoples of the Amazon rainforest, ac-11® has been established as an efficacious phytonutrient extract.

ac-11® and Environmental Sustainability

ac-11® is harvested by local farmers in the rainforests of Northern Brazil and Eastern Peru. Our manufacturer Givaudan (Botucatu, Brazil) processes the bark under the authority of the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (IBAMA). Authorization is granted through an ongoing sustainable management project directed by the government and based upon existing local availability.

G Nutra (Givaudan) is a member of the Union for Ethical BioTrade (UEBT), an organization that encourages sourcing with respect to natural ingredients in balance with the biodiversity of the ecosystem. G Nutra integrates its production supply chains by promoting direct purchases from the communities, generating fair income to rural communities and promoting local development.

The harvest of the inner bark of Uncaria tomentosa 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 works in cooperation with the Floravida Institutes (Brazil) guidelines for biodiversity conservation, environmental education and local community social inclusion.