3H Labs is introducing a branded gotu kola extract in the U.S. and European markets. The extract is standardized to high concentrations of bioactives called asiacoticosides, and the bulk of the company’s research has been on eye health benefits. The ingredient, Himalca, will be introduced at Vitafoods Asia and SupplySide Global.

Himalca’s raw material is grown and hand-harvested in the Himalayas at elevations above 5,000 feet, to retain the botanical’s natural purity and integrity. This eliminates contamination or adulteration with other plant species.

“By choosing hand-picking over mechanical harvesting, we not only ensure the selection of high-quality raw materials but also contribute to environmental preservation,” highlights Jerry Bae, CEO and founder of 3H LABS. “This low-impact method helps prevent pollution from fuel-powered equipment and protects the farmland, supporting long-term soil vitality and sustainable farming practices.”

Gotu kola has thin, delicate leaves which are prone to wilting, making processing difficult. To preserve their freshness, the harvested plants are transported immediately to nearby processing facilities to ensure they’re handled and processed in their prime condition.

3H Labs uses a double extraction and filtration process which concentrates on asiaticosides, a triterpene, and a key phytochemical responsible for the health benefits gotu kola is traditionally known for. The process yields a stable, water-soluble powder with consistent potency, verified through high-performance liquid chromatography.

The bulk of Himalca’s research is focused on eye health, which is a relatively novel area. “Although Centella asiatica is widely hailed for its cognitive and skin benefits, our focus on eye health was driven by its strong antioxidant and cell-protective properties,” said Ryan Lee, PhD, research director of 3H Labs. “Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is largely caused by oxidative stress in retinal cells. The use of natural agents for eye support is still a developing area and there are only a handful of scientifically validated options on the market. In our studies, Centella asiatica extract and its active compound asiaticoside showed significant protective effects against retinal degeneration.”

The most recent clinical trial published in 2023 found that supplementation with Himalca improved macular pigment optical density, a measure of the protective carotenoid pigments lutein and zeaxanthin, which preserve the structure and function of the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision. The study enrolled 80 adults with low MPOD at baseline. After six months, those who took the supplement had a 20.5% increase in MPOD in the right eye and a 5.1% increase in the left eye, with an average boost of 14% in both eyes, with no changes observed in the placebo group.

“This result suggests that Himalca can inhibit macular degeneration by inducing the accumulation of antioxidant carotenoids in the macula,” said Lee. “The retina is one of the most active tissues in the body with high oxygen demand. It is particularly vulnerable to oxidative damage due to constant bombardment by light from the sun and the glow of digital devices—smartphones, tablets, and computer screens. The carotenoids of the macular pigment filter out harmful UV radiation and blue light and reduce oxidative stress.”

Lab and animal studies suggest that Himalca protects ARPE-19 cells, which are present in the retina, from oxidative damage caused by toxins and oxidized toxic compounds called A2E. A2E are formed in the retina in reaction to blue light. Himalca, according to these findings, may help eye cells survive by activating their natural defense system against oxidative stress, reducing cell death, and preventing the buildup of oxidized A2E molecules.

In mouse models, Himalca prevented chemically-induced retinal degeneration, restored retinal structure, and maintained or increased the presence of the light-sensing rhodopsin and opsin. These proteins support visual function and overall image clarity.