Generally referred to as Indian pennywort, gotu kola is a perennial plant native to the tropical areas of Africa, Asia and Australia.
In Ayurvedic drugs, it was historically used to assist wound therapeutic, pores and skin well being and cognitive operate. Now, gotu kola is booming within the Korean magnificence trade, utilized in each topical and complement skincare formulations.
With Ok-beauty shortly changing into a worldwide phenomenon, CEO and founding father of 3H Labs Jerry Bae mentioned this growth will carry alternatives for formulators throughout new markets.
“In Asian international locations, gotu kola—or Centella asiatica—is well-known for pores and skin advantages and is often utilized in cosmetics,” he instructed NutraIngredients.
“It has additionally been consumed as a natural complement and drugs in European international locations, so we imagine it has potential in Europe, and within the U.S. market too. Shoppers are in search of pure wellness options they will belief.”
What are the advantages of gotu kola extract?
3H Lab’s gotu kola extract is harvested by hand within the Himalayan area of India. With delicate leaves which can be vulnerable to wilting, the plant is transported instantly to close by processing amenities to protect its high quality and freshness.
The bioactive compounds are then extracted utilizing a double extraction and filtration methodology which concentrates the asiaticosides compounds, remodeling the extract right into a water-soluble powder.
Asiaticosides are believed to be accountable for gotu kola’s big range of beauty-from-within advantages, with analysis displaying the ingredient could promote collagen synthesis, skin hydration and scar reduction.
Research additionally recommend gotu kola may have liver-protective results, with one placebo-controlled medical trial displaying that Centella asiatica can reduce markers of liver damage in comparison with placebo, with in vivo research backing these findings.
“We’re unearthing that the profound advantages of Himalca are eye and liver well being,” Bae mentioned. “Principally, all the advantages of Centella asiatica are derived from its robust antioxidant impact and cell protecting properties. It will possibly assist forestall the dying of eye and liver cells and likewise could cut back the mobile harm in eye and liver.”
Gotu kola for eye well being
Gotu kola’s potential ocular advantages are supported by rising analysis, together with one animal examine wherein the extract was proven to protect against age-related macular degeneration (AMD)—a watch situation which blurs central imaginative and prescient.
The extract was discovered to stop retinal cells from cell dying and enhance the thickness of a cell layer within the retina which turns into thinned by the harm.
Bae says gotu kola acts on a distinct mechanism of motion than different eye well being components, resembling lutein and zeaxanthin, opening up the potential for formulators to make use of the components synergistically.
“While you take lutein, it will increase the MPOD ranges by filling up the pigment itself,” he mentioned. “Alternatively, Himalca protects the cells from apoptosis, reduces mobile harm and will increase cell viability.
“For patrons who have already got lutein merchandise of their line-up, I might recommend combining lutein and Himalca. Then, we might anticipate a greater outcome by their complementary actions of filling up the pigment and defending the cell.”
A human medical trial assessing the influence of Himalca on ocular well being has additionally been performed, however the outcomes haven’t been revealed.
Wanting forward
3H Labs is now conducting additional research on cognitive and pores and skin well being utilizing its gotu kola extract, with a brand new ingredient set for launch at Vitafoods Asia this yr.
“We’ve completed the animal examine and human medical research for every well being profit, and we’re within the technique of publishing the paper now,” Bae mentioned. “We’ve got a presentation at Vitafoods Asia 2025 in regards to the pores and skin well being examine outcomes and can introduce a brand new branded ingredient—InnerCica.”
