3H LABS Introduces High-Potency Gotu Kola to US, Europe as Eye Health Ally

Research reveals Himalca™ as potential natural aid against age-related vision decline, shielding eyes from UV radiation and blue light.

Goyang-si, South Korea, Sept. 3, 2025 — Nutraceutical company 3H LABS Co., Ltd. launches Himalca™, its proprietary, science-backed gotu kola (Centella asiatica) extract in the US and European markets. Standardized to high concentrations of the beneficial asiaticoside bioactives, the company has dedicated the bulk of its research to exploring its benefits for eye health. Himalca will be introduced at Vitafoods Asia and SupplySide West.

Peak harvested, mountain high

The raw material is cultivated in the Himalayan region of India at elevations above 5,000 feet, an area with pristine mountain air and soil. The plant is harvested by hand by contract farmers to retain the botanical’s natural purity and integrity. This approach minimizes contamination and reduces the chance 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,” said 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 possesses thin, delicate leaves that are prone to wilting, making it difficult to process. To preserve its freshness, the harvested plants are transported immediately to nearby processing facilities so they can be handled while still in prime condition.

3H LABS employs a proprietary extraction method known as the DEF process (double extraction and filtration). This custom-developed process concentrates specific compounds—especially asiaticosides, triterpenes and key phytochemicals traditionally attributed to gotu kola. The process yields a stable, water-soluble powder: a high-purity extract with consistent potency verified through HPLC laboratory analysis.

Research focus on eye health

As a new player in the global commercial nutraingredient scene, Himalca is building a solid research foundation with a focus on eye health—a relatively new area for this botanical. “Although Centella asiatica is widely known for cognitive and skin benefits, our focus on eye health was driven by its strong antioxidant and cell-protective properties,” said Ryan Lee, Ph.D., 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 field 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.”

Findings from three studies—one animal, one lab, and one clinical trial—have demonstrated Himalca’s potential as a safe, natural option for inhibiting age-related eye disorders. In the most recent clinical trial, published in 2023 in the journal Nutrients, supplementation with Himalca improved macular pigment optical density (MPOD), a measure of protective carotenoid pigments (lutein and zeaxanthin) that help maintain macular structure and function.

Led by Hyelin Jeon, Ph.D., the trial enrolled 80 adults with low MPOD who were randomized to receive either a placebo or Himalca. After six months of daily supplementation, MPOD increased significantly in the Himalca group: +20.5% in the right eye and +5.1% in the left eye, with an average boost of 14% across both eyes. No significant MPOD change was observed in the placebo group.

A clearer vision for the future

“This result suggests that Himalca can inhibit macular degeneration by inducing accumulation of antioxidant carotenoids in the macula,” explained Dr. Lee. “The retina is one of the most metabolically active tissues and is particularly vulnerable to oxidative damage because of constant exposure to sunlight and the glow of digital devices—smartphones, tablets, and computer screens. Macular carotenoids filter harmful UV radiation and blue light and reduce oxidative stress.”

Laboratory and animal studies support Himalca’s role in protecting ARPE-19 cells in the retina from oxidative damage caused by toxins and oxidized toxic compounds called A2E, which can form in reaction to certain wavelengths of light (notably blue light). Himalca appears to help eye cells survive by activating natural defense systems against oxidative stress, reducing cell death and preventing buildup of oxidized A2E molecules.

In mice, Himalca prevented chemically induced retinal degeneration, restored retinal structure, and maintained or increased levels of light-sensing proteins rhodopsin and opsin, which are essential for visual function, color vision and image clarity.

Himalca is protected by four patents. The water-soluble powdered extract can be formulated into tablets, soft capsules, powders, jellies, or liquids.

Upcoming trade shows

• Vitafoods Asia 2025 — Bangkok, September 17–19, 2025, booth #B39
• Hi Japan — Tokyo, October 15–17, 2025, booth #1-153
• SupplySide West — Las Vegas, October 29–30, 2025, booth #846

About 3H LABS

Founded in 2013, 3H LABS Co., Ltd. develops scientifically validated nutraceutical ingredients by combining innovation with rigorous research. The company specializes in creating unique, branded ingredients that support diverse aspects of health, backed by studies conducted in collaboration with leading university research groups across Korea. 3H LABS works closely with trusted manufacturing partners to ensure long-term quality, consistency and sustainability.

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Source: 3H LABS