3H Labs Co. launches 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 release, “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

“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,” explains Ryan Lee, PhD, research director of 3H Labs.¹ “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 release announced the results of a not-yet published clinical trial which explored the potential benefits of supplementing with Himalca and the role it may have on supporting macular pigment optical density (MPOD), a measure of the protective pigments, lutein and zeaxanthin, found in the macula, the central portion of the retina that manages detailed vision and also consists of a dense concentration of photoreceptors.¹

The study was managed by Hyelin Jeon, PhD and consisted of a participant pool of 80 adults that were experiencing low MPOD. At random, participants were either given Himalca or a placebo over the course of 180 days. Data was measured and analyzed for both the left eye and right eye of each participant. Research concluded that “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% increase in both eyes.”¹ In the placebo group, participants did not show significant changes in MPOD.

“This result suggests that Himalca can inhibit macular degeneration by inducing accumulation of antioxidant carotenoids in the macula,” explains Lee.¹ “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 bombarded 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.”

3H Labs will be exhibiting at the following upcoming shows to showcase Himalca, along with their portfolio of other ingredients:

• Vitafoods Asia 2025
  • Bangkok, Thailand, September 17-19, 2025, booth # B39
• Health Ingredients Japan 2025 (Hi Japan)
  • Tokyo, October 15-17, 2025, booth #1-153
• SupplySide West
  • Las Vegas, October 29-30, 2025, booth #846

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).