3H Labs debuts high-potency gotu kola in US and Europe for eye health

3H Labs has launched Himalca, its proprietary, science-backed gotu kola (Centella asiatica) extract, in the US and European markets. The ingredient is standardized to high concentrations of the asiaticoside bioactive and is marketed as a natural aid against age-related vision decline that shields eyes from UV radiation and blue light. 

3H Labs has directed the majority of its research toward exploring Himalca’s eye health benefits. The nutraceutical supplier says it uses a “gentle yet powerful” proprietary extraction method known as the DEF process (double extraction and filtration).

This custom-developed process concentrates asiaticosides, which are triterpene glycosides that are the key phytochemical responsible for various wellness benefits traditionally attributed to gotu kola.

The process yields a stable, high-purity, water-soluble powder with “consistent potency,” verified through HPLC (high-performance liquid chromatography) laboratory analysis.

“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,” says Ryan Lee, Ph.D., research director of 3H Labs.

Lee notes that 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.”

3H Labs will introduce Himalca at Vitafoods Asia (September 17–19) and SupplySide West (October 28–31). The water-soluble powdered extract has four patents and can be formulated into various formats, including tablets, soft capsules, powders, jellies, and liquids.

Himalayan harvesting

The raw material is cultivated in India’s Himalayan region at elevations above 5,000 ft, from a region with pristine mountain air and soil. Contract farmers harvest the plant by hand to retain the botanical’s natural purity and integrity.

Gotu kola is cultivated in India’s Himalayan region at elevations above 5,000 ft, from a region with pristine mountain air and soil.This eliminates the risk of contamination and minimizes the possibility of mixing 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 that are prone to wilting, making it difficult to process. The harvested plants are transported immediately to nearby processing facilities to preserve freshness. This allows them to be handled and processed while still in their prime condition.

New focus on eye health

Eye health is a relatively new terrain in gotu kola’s scientific evaluation, says 3H Labs.

Three studies — one animal, one in vitro, and one clinical trial — support Himalca’s potential as a safe, natural option for inhibiting age-related eye disorders.

The most recent clinical trial, published in 2023 in the journal Nutrients, highlights that supplementing with Himalca improved macular pigment optical density (MOPD), a measure of the protective carotenoid pigments lutein and zeaxanthin.

Lutein and zeaxanthin are crucial in maintaining the structure and function of the macula, which is the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision. It contains the densest concentration of photoreceptors.

This trial was led by Hyelin Jeon, Ph.D., and enlisted 80 adults identified as having low MPOD. They were randomized to take either a placebo or Himalca.

After six months of daily supplementation, MPOD “significantly increased” in the Himalca group by 20.5% in the right eye and 5.1% in the left eye, with an average boost of 14% in both eyes.

Conversely, the placebo group saw no significant changes in MPOD.

“This result suggests that Himalca can inhibit macular degeneration by inducing accumulation of antioxidant carotenoids in the macula,” Lee explains. “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.”

Future research vision

In other areas of health, results from lab studies support Himalca’s benefits in protecting ARPE-19 cells in the retina, which can become susceptible to oxidative damage caused by toxins and oxidized toxic compounds called A2E.

A2E are typically formed in the eye as a reaction to certain wavelengths of light, particularly screen-emitted blue light. Research suggests that Himalca helps eye cells survive by activating their natural defense system against oxidative stress, which reduces cell death and prevents the buildup of these oxidized A2E molecules.

When fed to mice, Himalca prevented chemically induced retinal degeneration, restored retinal structure, and maintained or increased the presence of the light-sensing rhodopsin and opsin.

These proteins are important for visual function because they contribute to the eye absorbing light efficiently, sharpening color vision, and producing overall image clarity.

Earlier this year, gotu kola was at the center of discussions after the US Botanical Adulterants Prevention Program published a bulletin highlighting how it shares the common Sanskrit name brahmi with bacopa (Bacopa monnieri) — often leading to adulteration and mislabeling. Both plants have similar properties for brain health.