Huons EN's Prunella Vulgaris Extract Powder Recognized as an Individually Approved Ingredient for Prostate Health

Proprietary Medicinal Plant Ingredient Developed In-House

Huons EN, a subsidiary of Huons Group, has received individual ingredient recognition for its proprietary herbal extract powder derived from Prunella vulgaris (Hagocho), acknowledging its efficacy for prostate health. Following the success of its existing prostate health brand, "Prostate Sagunja Premium," the company plans to further expand its men's health portfolio.

On July 9, Huons EN announced that the "Prunella vulgaris extract powder" has been recognized as an individually approved functional ingredient by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS), citing its potential to support prostate health.

Prunella vulgaris, known as Hagocho, is a medicinal plant that has long been used in traditional Eastern medicine. Through extensive research, Huons EN standardized the active components and established an optimal extraction process. The company scientifically validated the powder’s efficacy for improving prostate health, which led to its official functional recognition.

In animal studies, the Prunella vulgaris extract powder was shown to improve indicators related to prostate enlargement, such as prostate weight and epithelial cell thickness. Additionally, there were positive changes observed in proteins and hormone markers associated with prostate cell proliferation and apoptosis.

The extract also demonstrated potential for improving urinary function. Research found that Prunella vulgaris extract powder helped alleviate excessive contractions of the smooth muscle in the prostate and bladder, thereby reducing prostate smooth muscle contraction and regulating bladder contraction intervals.

In human clinical trials, participants consuming the extract powder showed improvement in their total International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS). There were improvements across key symptom categories such as residual urine sensation, frequent urination, weak stream, delayed urination, interrupted urination, and nocturia. Quality of life (QoL) assessments also recorded positive changes. Furthermore, the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) score, used to evaluate erectile function, increased after intake of the extract.

Individually approved ingredients are those not listed in the Health Functional Food Codex, but are recognized by the MFDS after a separate safety and functionality review. Because the approval process is highly rigorous, this latest recognition is seen as a testament to Huons EN's research and development capabilities and technological expertise.

Dongcheol Son, CEO of Huons EN, stated, "This individual ingredient approval scientifically proves the prostate health functionality of Prunella vulgaris extract powder, which is the result of Huons EN’s ongoing R&D efforts. As the importance of prostate health management continues to grow with an aging population, we will further strengthen our competitiveness in the men’s health functional food market, following our Sagunja line, by developing differentiated functional ingredients."

Meanwhile, Huons EN has secured its independently developed individually approved ingredient, "Sagunja Extract Powder," and offers the "Prostate Sagunja Premium" product for men's prostate health. The company regards the independent development of functional ingredients as a core growth strategy and plans to continue expanding its research and development of individually approved ingredients across various health sectors to become a leader in life care solutions.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.