1. What is ac-11® ?

ac-11® is an all-natural, safe and effective aqueous extract of Uncaria tomentosa, a medicinal plant indigenous to the Amazon rainforest. ac-11® is manufactured using a proprietary ultra-filtration process that produces a low weight (less than 10,000 Daltons) bioavailable, scientifically indole alkaloid free (less than 0.05 ppm) extract. Our patented process standardizes Carboxy Alkyl Esters (CAEs), the biologically active ingredient in ac-11®, to minimum 8%. Our primary research has demonstrated ac-11®’s natural ability to help the body repair its own DNA. Additional studies have also demonstrated ac-11®’s ability to: reduce proinflammatory cytokines, encourage cell apoptosis (cellular death) of damaged cells, enhance the immune system and decrease the rate of telomere truncation. ac-11® has both oral use and topical applications.

2. What is DNA ?

DNA, otherwise known as deoxyribonucleic acid, is the self-replicating molecule that contains the genetic instructions for the development, functioning, growth and reproduction of nearly all living organisms.

3. How important is DNA to our health ?

As the building block of life, DNA is essential to the optimal functioning of all life processes. DNA contains the genetic instructions for all processes within the body. Damage to DNA results in cellular mutation, which in turn leads to the inefficient functioning of biological processes in the body. Increasing evidence has shown DNA damage is a causative factor in accelerated aging and may be responsible for age onset disease.

4. What is Natural DNA Repair ?

Natural DNA repair involves a series of enzymatic processes that remove damage to our DNA caused by oxidative and non-oxidative stress. DNA repair preserves genetic integrity and maintains optimal cell function. These processes are homeostatic, in that they attempt to maintain a natural equilibrium in the body. The more efficient our natural DNA repair processes are, the longer and healthier our lives can be.

5. What are Carboxy Alkyl Esters (CAEs) and Quinic Alkyl Esters ?

CAEs are the complex molecular chains that serve as the primary active ingredients in ac-11®. CAEs are responsible for approximately 90% of ac-11®’s therapeutic benefits. Quinic Alkyl Esters and its analogs are a subset of active ingredients contained in Carboxyl Alkyl Esters. Studies isolating these patented ingredients have determined that CAEs, Quinic Alkyl esters and their analogs contribute to all the health benefits associated with taking ac-11®.

6. What is aging ?

Aging is the natural process by which the body slowly becomes unable to efficiently repair itself due to the accumulation of DNA damage. Signs of aging, such as sagging skin or increased susceptibility to infection, are indicative of inefficient biological processes caused by accumulated DNA damage.

7. Do our genes predetermine our life spans and our genetic inheritance?

Not necessarily. Our genetic inheritance does not guarantee that we will age exactly the same way as our family members, nor does it ensure that we must succumb to the same genetic-related diseases. We can avoid certain environmental and dietary pitfalls that are known to accelerate aging and that may promote or trigger the onset of certain genetically or environmentally-based diseases. For example, we can avoid too much sun, cigarettes, excessive alcohol consumption, and unnecessary exposure to environmental pollutants, as well as try to regulate daily stress in our lives. We can also choose a diet rich in antioxidants and supplement our nutritional intake in smart ways to minimize cellular damage and improve the built-in repair mechanisms in our cells. While antioxidants can help reduce the cellular damage and DNA damage that takes place daily, they cannot repair the damage that has already occurred. ac-11® is the first known natural product shown to improve DNA repair.

8. How does ac-11® work ?

When ingested orally or applied topically, ac-11® helps the body’s natural ability to repair its own DNA. We believe ac-11® activates DNA repair enzymes located on Chromosome 11, which in turn facilitates the natural DNA repair process.

9. What are the benefits of taking ac-11® ?

Research has shown ac-11® to have the following therapeutic benefits including but not limited to:
• Helping the body’s natural ability to repair its own DNA
• Enhancing the immune system by increasing the life cycle of white blood cells
• Repairing neural function damaged by overexposure to high decibel noise
• Normalizing the expression of NF-KB, thereby down-regulating pro-inflammatory cytokines
• Maintaining telomere length and integrity during the process of cellular mitosis
• Increasing production of natural collagen III, a form of collagen associated with soft, supple, youthful-looking skin
• Repairing damage to the skin caused by excessive exposure to the Sun.

10. How is ac-11® different from other Uncaria tomentosa extracts ?

ac-11® differs from all other Uncaria tomentosa extracts, most of which are sold under the common name “cat’s claw,” due to our patented ultra-filtration aqueous extraction process. This process yields a distinct molecular composition of a low weight, bioavailable (less than 10,000 Daltons), scientifically indole alkaloid free (less than 0.05 ppm) extract. By contrast, mild toxicity with long term use often is observable in other Uncaria tomentosa products, especially the water-insoluble, alkaloid based extracts. Our research has shown ac-11® to be safe and effective. It is also the only known extract that helps the body repair its own DNA. This therapeutic claim appears in a variety of our patents.

11. How is the manufacture of ac-11® quality controlled ?

ac-11® 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 extract meets requirements for sale in the United States and other centers of commerce throughout the world. To manufacture ac-11®, we engage the services of Givaudan 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.

12. Is ac-11® safe and can I take it with my other medications ?

Yes. The LD-50 of ac-11® is greater than 8,000mg/kilogram. What this indicates is that any amount of ac-11® taken that is less than 8000mg has been proven to be safe. The recommended daily dose of ac-11® for an adult weighing between 120 and 200 pounds (70-90 kilograms) is 350 and 700mg. A CYP 450 analysis, which determines the interaction between pharmaceutical agents and in this case ac-11®, has shown that ac-11® does not negatively interact with common pharmaceuticals and is safe to take with other medications.

13. Is ac-11® registered and where can it be sold ?

ac-11® is registered as a dietary supplement under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) and listed under its INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetics Ingredients) names Maltodextrin and C1-8 Alkyl Tetrahydroxy-cyclohexanoate with the Personal Care Products Council (formerly the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association or CTFA). ac-11® is also pending GRAS approval (Generally Recognized as Safe), which would allow ac-11® to be added to food products, as approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). ac-11® is approved for sale in numerous foreign jurisdictions.

14. Is ac-11® Patent protected ?

Yes. Optigenex currently owns 11 patents that protect our technology, composition, active ingredients and a variety of health benefits.

15. Are there any artificial ingredients in ac-11® ?

No. ac-11® and its carrier Manioc Maltodextrin are all natural.

16. Is ac-11® bio-sustainable ?

Yes. ac-11® is extracted from the inner bark of Uncaria tomentosa, which 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.

17. How can consumers purchase ac-11® ?

Products containing ac-11® can be purchased through select authorized licensees whose products and manufacturing processes meet our standards of quality. Optigenex sells ac-11® only under license to approved manufacturers, distributors and resellers.

18. How is ac-11® packaged and shipped to our authorized licensees and customers ?

ac-11® is shipped in 25 kilogram fiber drums. ac-11® is identified by a lot number with the date of manufacture and expiration date. Data has shown ac-11 to be stable for at least 5 years and is accompanied by a certificate of analysis conforming to the product specification sheet. We ship worldwide and are familiar with the import/export, customs regulations and requirements of the United States and other major commerce centers.

19. How can my company find out more about licensing opportunities ?

Contact C.E.O and President Daniel Zwiren at dzwiren@optigenex.com.