Cosmax Bio develops pennywort extract to protect against age-related macular degeneration

25 Jun 2021 --- Cosmax Bio has developed a new eye health ingredient made from Centella asiatica extract. Better known as Gotu Kola or pennywort, the tropical medicinal plant is native to Southeast Asia, Madagascar and South Africa.

Study results revealing that the botanical extract was “effective for inhibiting or preventing age-related eye damage/degeneration” prompted the Korea-based supplement manufacturer to develop the supplement. 

The study found pennywort extract can inhibit retina degeneration, leading to the study authors reporting it would be “worthwhile” to develop drugs or functional foods related to age-related eye degeneration using Centella asiatica.

Cosmax Bio notes Centella asiatica has been used in traditional medicine in India, China and Korea to treat various diseases, ranging from heart to skin health. The company-produced ingredient is suitable for 300 mg daily consumption via tablets, soft capsules, jellies and gummies for children.

The company also recently tapped into the growing market for digital device-induced eye fatigue with its clinically studied red perilla leaf extract. 

Besides boosting vision health, Centella asiatica is known to have biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, cytotoxic and antioxidant effects. Move over carotenoids?
Xanthophyll carotenoids, such as astaxanthin, capsanthin, lutein and zeaxanthin, are especially recognized for their ability to provide powerful ocular nutrition.  

According to Innova Market Insights data, Botanical/Herbal Supplements was one of the top subcategories of global supplement launches in 2019, making up 25 percent. This was just behind Vitamins/Minerals with 26 percent. 

However, Cosmax Bio flags that carotene, retinol and lutein supplements “cannot be used long-term,” as studies have shown that the risk of total lung cancer and histologic cell type cancer “significantly increased with these supplements.” 

Interest in eye health supplements is growing, as the pandemic has exacerbated ocular health concerns.Vision concerns rise during COVID-19
Lockdown and pandemic isolation measures have rapidly increased screen time – and with it eyesight damage. 

As virtual pastimes for education, work and entertainment reached unprecedented levels throughout the past 18 months, digital device overexposure from multiple screens for extended periods has resulted in frequent eye strain.

In both the spring and fall period of the pandemic-stricken year 2020, NutritionInsight spoke with industry experts on escalating eye health concerns, as well as the increased demand for eye health ingredients.

Numerous companies have brought nutritional solutions to the market, ranging from saffron extract preventing glaucoma to paraprobiotics tackling digital eye fatigue.

Edited by Anni Schleicher