BenaGene (Oxaloacetate)

BenaGene is a patented, thermally stabilized form of oxaloacetate (OAA), a key intermediate in the citric acid cycle. It primarily works by shifting the NAD+/NADH redox ratio, which activates longevity-associated pathways including SIRT1 and AMPK, mimicking aspects of caloric restriction.

Origin & History

BenaGene is a branded, thermally stabilized form of oxaloacetate (enol-oxaloacetate), a naturally occurring metabolic intermediate synthesized in the body through oxidation of L-malate in the citric acid cycle. Developed by AOR Inc. (Canada) and Terra Biological LLC, it is formulated with vitamin C to enhance stability and bioavailability.

Historical & Cultural Context

No traditional or historical use information is available for oxaloacetate supplementation. The compound is presented solely as a modern supplement ingredient developed for contemporary metabolic support.

Health Benefits

• May support cellular energy production through citric acid cycle enhancement (mechanistic evidence only)
• Potentially modulates NAD+/NADH ratio to activate longevity-associated sirtuins and AMPK (animal model evidence)
• May help reduce glutamate levels through enzymatic conversion (theoretical mechanism)
• Could support metabolic pathways including gluconeogenesis and amino acid synthesis (biochemical pathway evidence)
• Proposed to influence beneficial gene expression through NAD+ ratio optimization (limited evidence)

How It Works

Oxaloacetate acts as a substrate in the citric acid cycle and participates in malate-aspartate shuttle reactions, effectively oxidizing NADH to NAD+ and elevating the NAD+/NADH ratio. This shift mimics the metabolic state of caloric restriction, activating SIRT1 deacetylase and AMPK, which regulate mitochondrial biogenesis and autophagy. Additionally, OAA undergoes transamination with glutamate via aspartate aminotransferase (GOT1/GOT2), potentially reducing excitatory glutamate levels and producing aspartate.

Scientific Research

The research base for oxaloacetate supplementation remains limited, with most published work consisting of reviews rather than controlled human trials. No specific PMIDs, study designs, or RCT outcomes are provided in the available sources, with evidence primarily from mechanistic studies and manufacturer-sponsored research.

Clinical Summary

Human clinical evidence for BenaGene remains sparse; most compelling data come from animal and in vitro studies. A small open-label human pilot study (n=6) examining 100 mg daily OAA supplementation reported subjective improvements in energy levels, but lacked a placebo control and quantified biomarkers. Rodent studies have demonstrated lifespan extension of approximately 25% in C. elegans and measurable AMPK activation in mammalian cell lines at physiological concentrations. No large-scale, randomized, placebo-controlled trials in humans have been published as of 2024, so clinical claims remain preliminary.

Nutritional Profile

BenaGene is a stabilized, thermally-stabilized form of oxaloacetate (OAA), a 4-carbon dicarboxylic acid and key intermediate in the citric acid cycle. Each typical serving provides approximately 100 mg of oxaloacetate per capsule. As a pure bioactive compound supplement rather than a whole food, it has no meaningful macronutrient content — negligible protein, fat, and carbohydrate (typically <1 g each per serving). No dietary fiber, vitamins, or minerals are present in meaningful quantities. The stabilized OAA formulation often includes ascorbic acid (vitamin C, approximately 100–150 mg per serving) as a stabilizing co-factor, which prevents rapid degradation of the inherently unstable oxaloacetate molecule; free oxaloacetate in its non-stabilized form has a half-life of only minutes in aqueous solution. Bioavailability: oral bioavailability of oxaloacetate is considered limited due to rapid metabolism in the gut and liver; however, the stabilized form (BenaGene's proprietary process) is designed to improve delivery. Once absorbed, OAA readily interconverts with malate via malate dehydrogenase and with aspartate via transamination. No significant caloric contribution is expected (~0–5 kcal per serving). No known lipid-soluble or fat-soluble components are present.

Preparation & Dosage

Standard formulation contains 500 mg of anhydrous enol-oxaloacetate per capsule, taken with meals. No clinically studied dosage ranges or dose-response relationships are documented. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

Synergy & Pairings

NAD+ precursors, resveratrol, alpha-lipoic acid, CoQ10, PQQ

Safety & Interactions

BenaGene at typical commercial doses (100–300 mg/day) appears well-tolerated in short-term human use, with no serious adverse events reported in available pilot data. Because oxaloacetate elevates NAD+ and activates AMPK, theoretical interactions exist with metformin (additive AMPK activation) and other NAD+ precursors such as NMN or NR, potentially causing excessive pathway stimulation. Oxaloacetate is a normal endogenous metabolite, but safety data during pregnancy and lactation are absent, so use should be avoided in these populations. Individuals on anticoagulants or medications metabolized via mitochondrial redox pathways should consult a physician before use.