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3H LABS Launches Himalca™: Gotu Kola's Answer to Eye Health

In a significant development for the nutraceutical industry, 3H LABS Co., Ltd. has officially introduced its proprietary gotu kola extract, Himalca™, to the markets in the United States and Europe. This innovative product is particularly intriguing due to its potential applications in eye health, addressing crucial issues such as age-related vision decline.

The core ingredient, gotu kola (scientifically known as Centella asiatica), is renowned for its various health benefits. Widely celebrated in traditional medicine for its cognitive and skin-enhancing properties, its newfound focus on eye health represents an exciting and underexplored area of research. As more people become concerned about their vision—especially with the increased screen time seen in modern society—Himalca offers a promising natural solution.

Sourcing and Sustainability

Himalca is derived from plants grown in the pristine enviroments of the Himalayan region of India, particularly at elevations exceeding 5,000 feet. The meticulous hand-harvesting process, which is handled by contract farmers, not only guarantees the purity and quality of the gotu kola but also nurtures sustainable agricultural practices. The commitment to environmentally conscious processes is emphasized by Jerry Bae, CEO, who notes that hand-picking helps prevent pollution from machinery and fosters long-term farm health.

The delicate leaves of the gotu kola plant require immediate processing to retain freshness, and 3H LABS ensures this is achieved through rapid transportation to nearby facilities. The extraction process utilized is the proprietary DEF method (double extraction and filtration), which enriches the product with key phytochemicals, particularly asiaticosides, known for their numerous health benefits.

The Eye Health Focus

Dr. Ryan Lee, the Research Director at 3H LABS, elaborates on the rationale behind focusing on eye health with Himalca. He remarks that while many understand the cognitive benefits of gotu kola, recent studies have unveiled its powerful antioxidant properties which can significantly mitigate oxidative stress—an essential factor in age-related macular degeneration (AMD). As populations age, conditions like AMD become increasingly prominent, highlighting the need for effective natural solutions.

Research has progressively validated Himalca’s potential. In various studies, including laboratory and clinical trials, the extract has demonstrated impressive protective capabilities against retinal degeneration—a common consequence of oxidative stress due to aging and environmental factors. The most noteworthy clinical trial published in Nutrients highlighted that participants taking Himalca experienced a 20.5% increase in macular pigment optical density (MPOD), suggesting an enhanced protective role of carotenoids like lutein and zeaxanthin in the macula.

Scientific Validation

The trial involved 80 adult participants, randomized to receive either the Himalayan extract or a placebo over six months. At the conclusion of the study, those in the Himalca group showed marked improvements in MPOD compared to the control group, underscoring the extract’s potential as a preventative measure against macular degeneration.

In addition to clinical trials, lab and animal research corroborates that Himalca boosts the natural defenses of retinal cells, reducing detrimental oxidative impacts and cell death. Among the compelling findings was that Himalca prevented chemically induced retinal degeneration in mice, preserving the integrity of critical proteins responsible for vision clarity.

Accessible Formats and Future Endeavors

In light of its potential benefits, Himalca is designed for versatility, available in various formats such as tablets, capsules, powders, and liquids. This flexibility could facilitate its incorporation into daily health regimens, making eye health a priority for all individuals concerned about long-term visual function.

3H LABS plans to showcase Himalca at key industry events in 2025, including Vitafoods Asia and SupplySide West, aiming to solidify its presence in the nutraceutical market. The company, founded in 2013, prides itself on developing scientifically validated ingredients in collaboration with leading research institutions, and Himalca is poised to be a testament to their commitment to health and sustainability.

Overall, Himalca stands as a beacon of hope for individuals seeking natural options to combat age-related vision decline. With ongoing research and trials, the future appears brighter for those eager to enhance their eye health with the innate powers of gotu kola.