HOME > Ingredients > AC-11
AC-11
Name
AC-11
Example of Ingredient Material Labeling
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Foods: Cat’s claw extract (dextrin, cat’s claw)
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Cosmetics: Maltodextrin, Uncaria tomentosa extract
Functional Ingredients
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CAEs (carboxy alkyl esters), 8% or more
Overview
AC-11 is an extract of the bark of cat’s claw, a well-known South American herb, prepared by hot water extraction without using chemicals. The proprietary production process patented in the US yields this functional material containing a rich fraction of CAEs, which are novel biologically active substances that promote the body’s ability to repair DNA.
AC-11 has been granted the use of the function claim (a statement in the product label highlighting the effect on function) as a “substance promoting DNA repair” by US FDA based on the large body of study data accumulated by Dr. Pero who developed this product.
What is cat’s claw?
It is a large woody vine belonging to the genus Uncaria of the madder family (called uña de gato in Spanish). The common name derives from the hook-like thorns resembling the claws of a cat. Its scientific name is Uncaria tomentosa. Growing naturally in the Amazon region of South America, cat’s claw is esteemed as a holy and exceedingly noble plant by the Campa people of this area. Local shamans have long been making a traditional tea by hot water extraction of the bark of its climbing stem, and giving it to the patients suffering from inflammation, infection, cancer, etc. According to an Austrian scientist Dr. Klaus Keplinger, who first reported the medicinal use of cat’s claw in 1974, shamans used this plant not only for the treatment of physical symptoms but also as a cure for psychiatric conditions.
Background of development
The development of AC-11 started when Dr. Pero of Lund University (Sweden), the leading expert on this extract, discovered a new component in cat’s claw based on his study for over 30 years. After testing various plant species, he found that the component called CAEs in cat’s claw bark was highly effective in promoting DNA repair. In order to extract CAEs effectively from cat’s claw bark, he decided to perform fractionation using a US patented proprietary method (hot water extraction). By virtue of hot water extraction, AC-11 is a safe material that has not undergone any chemical treatment and does not contain indole alkaloids. It is now widely chosen as an ingredient of supplements and cosmetics for aging care and beauty treatment.
Who is Dr. Pero?
He is a former professor (now professor emeritus) of Lund University in Sweden, a Scandinavian country known for its advanced technology and research abilities. Counted as an authority of molecular biology in the world, he specializes in the basic research related to DNA repair mechanisms and carcinogenesis. During the development of AC-11, he focused on the practical study of medicinal plants that act on the DNA level building upon his scientific achievements.
Distinguishing features
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Function claims permitted by US FDA.
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An absolutely aqueous extract produced by hot water extraction and ultrafiltration without using organic solvents (process patented in the US). It does not contain alkaloids or tannins, which are conventional active components (less than 0.05%).
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The name AC-11 is given only to the novel extract obtained from the South American herb “cat’s claw bark” with the standardized content of the novel active component CAEs (carboxy alkyl esters).
Research and collaborating institutions
Dr. Ronald Pero
Former professor (now professor emeritus) of Lund University in cell and molecular biology.
Lund University
Established in 1666, this is the higher education institute that is the oldest in Sweden and the largest in Scandinavia. It is renowned for the outstanding competence in science and technology, which outshines even against high standards of Scandinavia.
Safety
Cat’s claw has long been used as teas and other forms of beverage among the Campa people of South America. Its dietary use as a medicinal plant has a history of more than 2000 years. AC-11 is a powder obtained by hot water extraction of bark, concentration, and drying. It does not contain organic solvents or other harmful chemicals. Its safety has been confirmed by the following toxicity studies.
Safety in food use
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Acute toxicity study: Single administration to rats at 8,000 mg/kg body weight confirmed the absence of toxicity.
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Subacute toxicity study: Administration to rats at 160 mg/kg body weight/day for 4 weeks confirmed the absence of toxicity.
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Chronic toxicity study: Administration to rats at 5, 10, 20, 40, and 80 mg/kg body weight/day for 8 weeks.
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Chronic toxicity study in humans: Continuous consumption of 350 mg × 2 pills/day for 2 months confirmed the absence of toxicity.
Safety in cosmetic use
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Patch test: No primary irritability.
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Mutagenicity: Negative on Ames test.
Safety concerning hazardous substances
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Tests for residual pesticides, arsenic, heavy metals, etc. have been performed.
Past implementations
Foods: Soft capsules, hard capsules, tablets, granulated products, candies, gummy candies, jellies, etc.
Cosmetics: Cosmetic products in general (skin care, body care, hair care, etc.)
