AC-11® Supplement (Cat’s Claw Extract)

Our AC-11® supplement — also known as cat’s claw extract — is a patented extract of the Uncaria tomentosa plant in vegetarian capsules to help the body naturally repair damaged DNA.

What is cat's claw, and how is it obtained?

AC-11® is obtained from the inner bark of the Amazon rainforest plant Uncaria tomentosa. It’s designed to help the body safely and naturally repair damaged DNA.

The mechanism through which this DNA repair takes place is similar to the self-healing rooted in evolution and may be an essential piece in the jigsaw of human health.

Modern science confirms that progressive damage to DNA accelerates the aging process and weakens the body as a whole. This is also an important advance in the fields of human nutrition and skincare.

AC-11® is extracted from Uncaria tomentosa by an exclusive hot water extraction process, then micro-filtered and purified in order to obtain a minimum standardization of 8% Carboxyl Alkyl Esters (CAE), which are responsible for over 90% of the plant’s biological activity.

CAE is present in only very small amounts in Uncaria tomentosa and only AC-11® contains an effective concentration, as shown by numerous studies and patents.

Effective both orally and topically, AC-11® begins where antioxidant protection ends by reducing the visible signs of aging and helping to restore good cellular function. Backed by numerous scientific studies, AC-11® works to repair DNA damaged by the sun and other sources of oxidative stress.

Cat's Claw Benefits

Why would anyone want to consume the cat's claw plant? Turns out, there are a lot of Uncaria tomentosa benefits. AC-11® may enhance the body’s response to inflammation, stimulate collagen production and provide support for the immune system.

More specifically, the following AC-11® supplement benefits have been researched:

• There may be a connection between cat's claw supplements and skin health. Studies show AC-11® significantly increases the natural production of collagen type 3 in cutaneous tissue during periods of sun exposure. It is collagen type 3 that gives young skin its suppleness. The cat's claw benefits for skin is one of the most popular reasons people use it.
• Another AC-11® benefit indicated by research is that it may help normalize the expression of the NF-kB factor in cells, therefore regulating the cellular response to inflammation. The NF-kB factor is a nuclear transcription factor governing the gene-coding of a number of proteins that control cell apoptosis — programmed cell death — as well as inflammation and cellular growth.
• In a human study, AC-11® was shown to have a direct effect on lymphocytes, increasing their lifespan and potentially causing a significant boost to the immune system as a whole.

All these cat's claw supplement benefits would indicate it’s a helpful supplement for most adults.

And if you’re looking for additional supplements that have similar effects as these cat’s claw extract benefits, Supersmart offers several other dietary solutions that may support protection against cell damage.

For example, two mushroom extracts, our Reishi Extract and our AHCC Supplement (shiitake) offer a number of beneficial effects for protecting the body's cells and tissues. In addition, our Resveratrol Synergy supplement offers the protective effects of powerful antioxidants, such as trans-resveratrol.

Why take AC-11® (Uncaria tomentosa)?

It’s the cells that drive the metabolic processes that sustain life; they absorb nutrients, generate and transfer energy and eliminate waste. The cell nucleus acts as a command post and contains DNA, the genetic code which determines and organizes the body's structure and physiology.

Each DNA molecule is a double-stranded helix around a group of proteins that form a chromosome. A human cell contains 23 pairs of chromosomes, totaling 46 altogether. DNA contains the complete genetic code and determines each of our individual characteristics, from eye color to gender.

When cells create or use energy, oxygen, light and nutrients react chemically with cell structures. These reactions generate by-products — free radicals — which bombard the cell structures, particularly the fragile DNA, damaging and even destroying it. The result is that cell function becomes compromised, potentially to the extent that cell replication and division are impossible. This is a key mechanism of aging.

Unfortunately, the body has a limited capacity for self-repair, and this capacity also becomes less effective as we age. As a result, cells replicate in a damaged or corrupted form and then cease to divide.

And when the lymphocytes that form the basis of the immune system are affected, chronic and degenerative diseases may surface. Collagen also deteriorates rapidly, the skin becomes wrinkled and the joints and bones grow weaker. One way to combat these effects is by supplementing with AC-11®, a revolutionary botanical extract that may help repair damaged DNA. This patented ingredient aims to boost cells’ repair mechanisms, which help improve the function of organs, muscles and tissues.

Cat's Claw Side Effects

AC-11® is generally considered safe to consume. However, it's always advisable to research the AC-11® side effects for yourself. If you are unsure whether it is right for you, you can discuss the Uncaria tomentosa side effects with your healthcare provider. It's important to talk to your provider about the other medications you take and your medical history before starting a new cat's claw extract regimen.

Additionally, while there may be numerous benefits of cat's claw supplements, there has been minimal research performed with pregnant women and nursing mothers. For this reason, we advise new and expectant mothers to not worry about receiving any cat's claw health benefits until a safer time.

Remember that supplements can interact with each other as well. If you are already taking a DNA repair supplement you’ll want to carefully consider how much cat’s claw you take. In fact, you should provide your doctor with a list of all the supplements you consume to ensure there will be no interaction.

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