3H LABS steamed ginger extract cuts body fat and cholesterol in head-to-head clinical trial
A patented steamed ginger extract has demonstrated statistically significant reductions in body weight, body fat and cholesterol levels in a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, according to South Korean nutraceutical developer 3H LABS Co., Ltd.
The ingredient, branded as Zinoact™, is produced using a proprietary steaming process applied to Zingiber officinale prior to extraction. The process thermally converts and concentrates bioactive phenolic compounds – including gingerols, shogaols, paradols and zingerone – that are typically prone to degradation during conventional processing and storage.
Steaming amplifies key bioactives
According to the company, the steaming step increases concentrations of the compound 1-dehydro-6-gingerdione by up to tenfold compared to untreated ginger. High-performance liquid chromatography has confirmed a minimum content of 0.9 mg/g of this thermally stable compound in the finished extract.
“By applying a special steaming process to ginger prior to extraction, key bioactive compounds – such as 1-dehydro-6-gingerdione – are increased up to 10 times compared to untreated ginger,” said Jerry Bae, CEO and founder of 3H LABS. “Our patented steaming process not only can help boost functional efficacy and bioavailability but also improves shelf stability and the flavour profile of the extract.”
Clinical findings
The trial, published in Nutrients in January 2026 and conducted at Santosh Hospital, Bangalore, India, enrolled 80 overweight adults with elevated BMI. Participants received either 480 mg/day of Zinoact or an identical placebo for 12 weeks, with no prescribed changes to diet or physical activity.
Body composition was assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). The Zinoact group showed marked reductions in weight, body fat percentage and body fat mass relative to placebo, alongside decreases in BMI, waist circumference and hip circumference. Blood triglycerides and total cholesterol were also significantly lowered, and no adverse reactions were recorded.
“This study demonstrated the potential of our highly concentrated ginger extract to exert a positive impact not only on weight management but also on metabolic function,” said Ryan Lee, PhD, Research Director of 3H LABS.
Evidence from preclinical work
Preclinical studies using high-fat diet animal models corroborate the clinical findings. Researchers attribute the metabolic effects to activation of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which suppresses lipogenesis and fat storage. Zinoact was also shown to increase the activity of proteins involved in insulin signalling and glucose transport, improving cellular insulin sensitivity and blood sugar regulation.
Joint health applications
Beyond metabolic outcomes, a separate human trial of 100 participants with mild knee osteoarthritis reported a nearly fivefold reduction in pain scores in the Zinoact group compared to placebo, with more than 60% reductions in stiffness and loss of knee function. Inflammatory markers, knee swelling and cartilage degradation markers also decreased.
The company notes the extract was formulated to deliver these effects at modest doses – addressing a known limitation of conventional ginger products, where the therapeutic quantities required for joint relief can cause gastrointestinal discomfort.
Zinoact is non-GMO, allergen-free and pesticide-free, and is protected by five patents covering joint health, metabolic wellness and gastric health applications. The ingredient is backed by eight published studies.
3H LABS presented Zinoact at Vitafoods Europe, which took place 5-7 May in Barcelona.
For more information, visit: 3h-labs.com
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