3H Labs Co. announces branded gotu kola extract called Himalca

3H Labs Co., Ltd., announced in a recent press release, the launch of their new proprietary, science-backed gotu kola (Centella asiatica) extract called Himalca, to the European and U.S. markets.¹ The company has been focused on investigating eye health benefits, as well as high concentration of asiacoticoside bioactives.

Gotu kola harvesting

Located in the Himalayan region of India, the gotu kola plant is harvested at elevations more than 5,000 ft. Contract farmers hand pick the plant in order to help preserve its integrity and natural purity. Additionally, harvesting by hand decreases the risk of contamination, such as the potential of mixing with other plant species.¹

“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.¹ “This low-impact method helps prevent pollution from fuel-powered equipment and protects the farmland, supporting long-term soil vitality and sustainable farming practices.”

The botanical has thin, delicate leaves and are challenging to process due to their proneness to wilting. In order to preserve the freshness of the plant, they are immediately transported to facilities where they will be processed in their “prime” condition.¹

To extract from the gotu kola plant, 3H Labs utilizes an extraction method called double extraction and filtration (DEF). As mentioned in the press release¹, “This custom-developed process concentrates specific compounds, in this case asiaticosides, a triterpene and key phytochemical responsible for multiple wellness benefits traditionally attributed to gotu kola. The process yields a stable, water-soluble powder that is a high-purity extract with consistent potency, verified through HPLC laboratory analysis.”

Potential benefits of gotu kola

There are a number of benefits gotu kola can impart, such as cognitive and skin health benefits, but Himalca’s focus is on eye health. “Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is largely caused by oxidative stress in retinal cells,” explains Ryan Lee, PhD, research director of 3H Labs.¹ “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.”

References

1. 3H LABS. 3H labs introduces high-potency gotu kola to us, Europe as eye health ally https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/3h-labs-introduces-high-potency-gotu-kola-to-us-europe-as-eye-health-ally-302544935.html (accessed Sep 12, 2025).