# BenaGene (Oxaloacetate)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/benagene
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-04-04
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Other
**Also Known As:** Oxaloacetate, Enol-oxaloacetate, Oxaloacetic acid, OAA, 2-Oxobutanedioic acid, Ketobutanedioic acid, Thermally stabilized oxaloacetate

## Overview

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](/ingredients/condition/longevity)-associated pathways including SIRT1 and AMPK, mimicking aspects of caloric restriction.

## Health Benefits

• May support cellular [energy production](/ingredients/condition/energy) through citric acid cycle enhancement (mechanistic evidence only)
• Potentially modulates NAD+/NADH ratio to activate [longevity](/ingredients/condition/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)

## Mechanism of Action

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](/ingredients/condition/energy) and [autophagy](/ingredients/condition/longevity). Additionally, OAA undergoes transamination with glutamate via aspartate aminotransferase (GOT1/GOT2), potentially reducing excitatory glutamate levels and producing aspartate.

## 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](/ingredients/condition/longevity) 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](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) 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.

## Dosage & Preparation

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.

## Safety & Drug 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+ precursor](/ingredients/condition/longevity)s 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](/ingredients/condition/energy) redox pathways should consult a physician before use.

## 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.

## 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.

## Synergistic Combinations

[NAD+ precursor](/ingredients/condition/longevity)s, resveratrol, alpha-lipoic acid, CoQ10, PQQ

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is BenaGene and how is it different from regular oxaloacetate?

BenaGene is a patented, thermally stabilized form of oxaloacetate (OAA) developed to overcome OAA's inherent chemical instability, as unprotected OAA degrades rapidly at room temperature. The stabilization process allows it to survive manufacturing and shelf storage while remaining bioavailable upon ingestion. Standard oxaloacetate powders without this stabilization lose potency quickly and are not considered equivalent for supplementation purposes.

### Does BenaGene actually extend lifespan in humans?

There is currently no human clinical trial demonstrating lifespan extension with BenaGene or oxaloacetate supplementation. Lifespan data come from model organisms: a roughly 25% increase in C. elegans and positive results in rodent metabolic models. Human evidence is limited to small, uncontrolled pilot studies showing subjective energy benefits, making direct lifespan claims unsupported by current science.

### What is the recommended dosage of BenaGene?

Commercial BenaGene products are typically dosed at 100 mg per day, which is the amount used in the available human pilot study. Some formulations include vitamin C (ascorbic acid) as a co-ingredient to enhance OAA stability and bioavailability in the gut. No established optimal human dose has been confirmed through controlled trials, and doses above 300 mg/day have not been systematically evaluated for safety or efficacy.

### Can BenaGene be stacked with NMN or NR supplements?

BenaGene and NAD+ precursors like NMN or NR are often combined anecdotally because both target NAD+ metabolism, but through different mechanisms: OAA shifts the NAD+/NADH ratio by consuming NADH, while NMN and NR directly supply precursors for NAD+ biosynthesis via the salvage pathway. No controlled human trials have examined this combination, so synergistic or adverse interaction data are absent. Users combining these supplements should monitor for overstimulation symptoms and consult a healthcare provider, particularly if also taking AMPK-activating drugs like metformin.

### How does BenaGene mimic caloric restriction at the cellular level?

During caloric restriction, reduced glucose oxidation lowers NADH production, raising the NAD+/NADH ratio inside cells. BenaGene replicates this by providing oxaloacetate, which accepts electrons from NADH via malate dehydrogenase, converting NADH back to NAD+ without requiring reduced caloric intake. The resulting elevated NAD+ activates SIRT1 deacetylase and AMPK kinase, both of which regulate mitochondrial biogenesis, fat oxidation, and autophagy — pathways associated with the metabolic benefits of caloric restriction in animal models.

### What is the clinical evidence quality for BenaGene's effects on human metabolism?

Most evidence for BenaGene comes from in vitro and animal model studies showing potential effects on NAD+ metabolism and cellular energy pathways. Human clinical trials remain limited, with existing studies typically small and often sponsored by the manufacturer, making it difficult to draw definitive conclusions about real-world efficacy. Current evidence is promising mechanistically but falls short of robust proof of metabolic benefit in humans.

### Are there any known drug interactions with BenaGene or oxaloacetate supplements?

BenaGene has minimal documented interactions with common medications due to its role as a naturally occurring metabolic intermediate. However, individuals taking medications that affect glucose metabolism, such as diabetes drugs, or those with genetic conditions affecting the citric acid cycle should consult a healthcare provider before use. Limited human safety data means potential interactions with specific drug classes have not been thoroughly characterized.

### Who is most likely to benefit from BenaGene supplementation?

BenaGene may be most relevant for individuals interested in supporting cellular energy metabolism or those seeking to mimic caloric restriction pathways without dietary restriction. It may appeal to people with metabolic concerns or those pursuing longevity-focused supplementation strategies, though current evidence is insufficient to identify specific health conditions where it provides clear clinical benefit. Healthy adults seeking general metabolic support represent the primary target population based on current marketing and research.

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*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
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