Innovation & Research
Advancing herbal science through cutting-edge research and development.
Our R&D Excellence
Research & Development at Star Hi Herbs
At Star Hi Herbs, research and development is at the core of our innovation strategy. Our DSIR-recognized R&D laboratory, established in 2018, combines traditional herbal knowledge with cutting-edge scientific methods to develop standardized, efficacious, and safe botanical extracts.
Our team of experienced scientists, led by Dr. Sadashiv, has contributed 12+ international publications and filed 27+ patents in the field of herbal extracts and their applications. We continuously invest in advanced analytical equipment and methodology development to enhance our capabilities.
DSIR Recognition
Government certified R&D center
20+ Publications
In international journals
27+ Patents
Filed for novel formulations
Star Hi Herbs R&D Lab
State-of-the-art facilities
Research Focus Areas
Our R&D Initiatives
Our R&D initiatives focus on developing innovative, efficacious, and scientifically-validated extracts
Clinical Studies
- Coleus Forskohlii extract for obesity and liver health
- Boswellia extract for osteoarthritis management
- Lutein & Zeaxanthin for eye health and vision support
- Turmeric formulations for inflammatory conditions
Bioavailability Enhancement
- Development of phospholipid complexes for improved absorption
- Water dispersible technologies for lipophilic compounds
- Novel delivery systems for herbal actives
- Stability enhancement for sensitive phytochemicals
Analytical Method Development
- Validated HPLC methods for active compound quantification
- Fingerprinting techniques for botanical identification
- Stability-indicating assays for shelf-life determination
- Advanced spectroscopic methods for structure elucidation
Product Innovation
- Branded ingredient development with clinical substantiation
- Multi-herb formulations for synergistic benefits
- Organic and clean-label extract development
- Specialized applications for functional foods & beverages
Laboratory Infrastructure
State-of-the-art Equipment and Facilities
State-of-the-art equipment and facilities supporting our research and quality control
High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)
For precise quantification of active compounds and impurities
Gas Chromatography (GC)
Analysis of volatile compounds and essential oils
UV Spectrophotometry
Rapid screening and quantification of active constituents
LC-MS-MS
Advanced structural identification and trace analysis
Microbiology Testing Lab
For quality and safety testing of probiotic products
Stability Chambers
Long-term and accelerated stability testing under controlled conditions
Extract Development
- Optimization of extraction processes for maximum yield
- Standardization of active compounds
- Development of analytical methods for quality control
- Formulation for enhanced stability and bioavailability
Research & Validation
- In vitro studies for mechanism of action
- Clinical trials for efficacy validation
- Safety and toxicity assessment
- Documentation and patent application support
Quality Assurance
Ensuring Product Excellence
Our comprehensive quality assurance protocols ensure consistent, safe, and effective products
Supplier Qualification Framework
Current FDA 21 CFR 111 regulations mandate a four-tier supplier verification process:
- Documentary Audit
- Certification validity (ISO 9001, USDA Organic)
- Batch-specific COAs with HPLC chromatograms
- Physical Authentication
- Macroscopic/microscopic botanical verification
- DNA barcoding for species confirmation
- Performance Validation
- Three consecutive batch analyses
- Accelerated stability testing (40°C/75% RH for 6 months)
- Continuous Monitoring
- Quarterly bioactive content audits
- Annual onsite GMP inspections
Viability Verification Protocols
Current GMP standards mandate three-tier viability testing:
- Plate Count Validation
- ISO 19344:2015 IDF 232 standardized methodology
- 48-hour anaerobic incubation at 37°C
- Flow Cytometry Analysis
- Propidium iodide/SYTO 9 staining distinguishes viable/damaged cells
- Membrane potential measurements confirm metabolic activity
- qPCR Quantification
- Strain-specific 16S rRNA primers verify taxonomic integrity
- Metagenomic shotgun sequencing detects contaminant DNA
Quality Control
Rigorous Testing Standards
Our comprehensive quality control processes ensure every batch meets our strict specifications
Stability Testing Requirements
ICH Q1A(R2) guidelines enforce accelerated stability protocols:
| Condition | Duration | Maximum Viability Loss |
|---|---|---|
| 40°C/75% RH | 6 months | ≤1 log CFU reduction |
| 25°C/60% RH | 12 months | ≤0.5 log CFU reduction |
| 4°C refrigeration | 24 months | ≤0.3 log CFU reduction |
Real-time PCR quantification of stress response genes (groEL, dnaK) predicts long-term stability with 92% accuracy.
Supplier Qualification Checklist
Organic Suppliers Must Provide:
- USDA/EU organic certification with transaction certificates
- Annual soil heavy metal reports (<1ppm Cd, <0.3ppm Hg)
- Wildcrafting permits for >30% wild-sourced botanicals
Standardized Suppliers Must Demonstrate:
- ISO 17025 accredited HPLC/GC-MS capabilities
- 3-batch minimum consistency reports (±5% markers)
- ICH Q7-compliant solvent recovery systems
Quality Parameters Comparison
| Parameter | Raw Extracts | Standardized Extracts |
|---|---|---|
| Identity Testing | Macroscopic/HPTLC | HPTLC + qPCR |
| Potency | UV-Vis (total phenols) | HPLC (specific markers) |
| Contaminants | Heavy metals, microbes | Pesticides, solvents, ARGs |
| Stability | 6-12 months | 24-36 months |
Certifications impact quality:
- GMP: Reduces microbial counts by 3-log vs. non-certified
- ISO 17025: Ensures ±2% analytical accuracy vs. ±15% in-house labs
Research Publications
Our Contributions to Science
Our contributions to advancing scientific knowledge in herbal medicine
PUBLICATIONS
1. Akhina Tom, Zayeem Firoz Hussain, Firoz Hirehal Hussain Mirza, Channangihalli Thimmegowda Sadashiva. Evaluation of the Aqueous Extract of Emblica Officinalis (Storg C) for Bioavailability, Antioxidant, and Immune-Boosting Properties Compared to Synthetic Vitamin. Journal of Food and Nutrition Research. 13(2), 2025, 106-113.https://pubs.sciepub.com/jfnr/13/2/8
2. Sudhanva M S, Akhina Tom, Firoz H M, Zayeem Firoz Hussain, Sadashiva CT, Shobith Rangappa. Anti-Obesity Effects of Cissus Quadrangularis (Cissuslean®) in C57bl/6j Mice with High-Fat-Diet Induced Obesity and 3t3-L1 Adipocytes. Journal of Food and Nutrition Research. Vol. 13, No. 1, 2025, pp 9-17.https://pubs.sciepub.com/jfnr/13/1/2
3. Firoz Hirehal Hussain Mirza, Channangihalli Thimmegowda Sadashiva, Sreedrisya A K. In vitro antioxidant and in vivo immunomodulatory study of Lemon peel extract (Storg FA) and its Bioavailability assessment. International journal of pharmaceutical sciences and research 2024, 15(7): 2017-2027.https://doi.org/10.13040/IJPSR.0975-8232.15(7).2017-27
4. Firoz Hirehal Hussain Mirza, Sadashiva Channangihalli Thimmegowda. Assessment of the bioavailability of a natural supplement (Storg HIMmax) against cyclophosphamide- induced immunosuppression models and its effect on in vivo immunomodulation and in vitro antioxidant capacity. Journal of Medicinal Plants Research 2024,18(6): 85-94.https://doi.org/10.5897/JMPR2024.7338
5. Firoz Hirehal Hussain Mirza, Channangihalli Thimmegowda Sadashiva, Sahana Chigahalli Vasanth. In vitro Antioxidant, In vivo Bioavailability, and Immunomodulatory Effects of a Polyherbal Formulation (Storg B) Induced by Cyclophosphamide in an Experimental Animal Model. Journal of Pharmaceutical Research International. 36(4):11- 23, 2024.https://doi.org/10.9734/jpri/2024/v36i47508
6. Firoz Hirehal Hussain Mirza, Channangihalli Thimmegowda Sadashiva, Neethumol Benny, Rashmi Yoganand and Nimisha Singh. A Novel Approach to Defeat Obesity: An in vitro and in vivo Evaluation of the Active Diterpene in Coleus forskohlii (Forcslim ™ ). International Journal of Pharmacology. 20 (1): 72-80, 2024.https://scialert.net/fulltext/fulltextpdf.php?pdf=ansinet/ijp/2024/72-80.pdf
Patents
Our team has filed 27+ patents for novel formulations and extraction processes, including:
- Novel curcumin formulation with enhanced bioavailability
- Eco-friendly extraction process for medicinal herbs
- Standardized herbal extracts with improved stability
- Synergistic herbal formulations for specific health conditions
Ongoing Research
Our current research initiatives focus on:
- Advanced delivery systems for lipophilic herbal compounds
- Clinical validation of traditional herbal formulations
- Sustainable and eco-friendly extraction technologies
- Novel applications for traditional herbs in modern health challenges