Home / Our Science

Evidence first. Marketing last.

How we formulate, how we test, and how honestly we grade the evidence behind every active we use. This page is our method, in the open.
Read our research notesSee our tests
Add image (500 × 625)
✦ Evidence-graded actives✦ NGS & Sanger sequencing✦ Named extracts only✦ Clinically documented outcomes✦ No miracle claims✦ Evidence-graded actives✦ NGS & Sanger sequencing✦ Named extracts only✦ Clinically documented outcomes✦ No miracle claims✦ Evidence-graded actives✦ NGS & Sanger sequencing✦ Named extracts only✦ Clinically documented outcomes✦ No miracle claims✦ Evidence-graded actives✦ NGS & Sanger sequencing✦ Named extracts only✦ Clinically documented outcomes✦ No miracle claims✦ Evidence-graded actives✦ NGS & Sanger sequencing✦ Named extracts only✦ Clinically documented outcomes✦ No miracle claims✦ Evidence-graded actives✦ NGS & Sanger sequencing✦ Named extracts only✦ Clinically documented outcomes✦ No miracle claims
How we grade evidence

Not all evidence is equal. We say which is which.

Every active we use sits somewhere on the evidence scale — and we tell you where. On our product pages and in our Knowledge Base you will find the same three labels, used the same way.
STRONG

Human trials, consistent results

Actives with randomised controlled trials behind them, at defined doses. Example: standardised ashwagandha root extract for stress and sleep, or the bifidogenic effect of prebiotic FOS.

PROMISING

Encouraging, not settled

Early human research points the right way but needs confirmation. Example: beta-glucan and respiratory immunity, or tart cherry for uric acid. We use these honestly — as support, never as promises.

TRADITIONAL

Centuries of use, thin trial data

Ayurvedic actives with long traditional use and preclinical support, but limited clinical trials. Example: Shatavari in women’s health. We name this plainly rather than dressing tradition up as proof.

The form matters as much as the herb: a trial that showed a benefit used a specific extract, of a specific plant part, at a specific dose. That is why every Horta formulation names its actives — plant part, extract and source.
How we formulate

Four checks before anything reaches a label.

🧪

Standardised extracts

Named plant parts and extraction ratios, matched to what was actually studied — never ‘proprietary blend’ hiding the dose.

🌱

Vegetarian by design

Where science allows it, we choose plant routes — like algal DHA (Schizochytrium) instead of fish oil, keeping formulas vegetarian.

🚫

Modulation, not stimulation

We build for balance: non-sedating sleep support, immune modulation rather than ‘boosting’, prebiotics rather than stimulant laxatives.

✅

GRAS & compliance checks

GRAS-recognised actives where applicable, GMP-compliant manufacturing across four facilities, FSSAI-licensed throughout.

How we test

Sequencing, not guessing.

Our 13 diagnostic panels run on Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) for genomic, microbiome and multigene analysis, and Sanger sequencing for targeted pharmacogenomic tests — the same technologies used in clinical research.
Every report is read by our clinical nutrition team against your symptoms and history, then translated into a protocol — and re-tested to confirm the markers actually moved.
Browse the 13 panels →
NGS
Genomic, microbiome and multigene panels
Sanger
Targeted pharmacogenomics: CYP2C9, VKORC1, SLCO1B1, CYP2C19
7–30 days
Accredited-lab turnaround
1:1 review
Expert result consultation on every panel
Inside our formulas

The actives we actually use.

M
Joints · Skin

Marine Collagen

Hydrolyzed Type I peptides
Supplies the building blocks for connective tissue, supporting joint comfort, skin elasticity and nail strength.
In Collagen Joint
A
Brain · Focus

Algal DHA

Schizochytrium — vegetarian omega-3
An omega-3 source from algae rather than fish oil, keeping the formula fully vegetarian while supporting brain development.
In Ten-on-Ten
S
Women's Health

Shatavari & Ashoka

Asparagus racemosus · Saraca asoca
Ayurvedic herbs traditionally used to support menstrual health, regulate cycles and promote hormonal harmony.
In Ovarian Support
P
Gut Health

Prebiotic FOS

Fructo-oligosaccharides
The naturally occurring dietary fibre found in fruit and vegetables — it nourishes good gut bacteria rather than forcing the bowel.
In SmartyFOS Liquid
G
Uric Acid · Joints

Guduchi & Amla

Tinospora cordifolia · Emblica officinalis
Support kidney function and natural detoxification while delivering antioxidants that help calm inflammatory response.
In Uric Acid Support
B
Sleep · Calm

Brahmi & Jatamansi

Bacopa monnieri · Nardostachys jatamansi
Calming botanicals that help the mind settle and support natural, restful sleep without sedation or dependence.
In Sleepify
B
Immunity

Beta-glucan

With vitamin C and zinc
Clinically studied to support immune function, paired with two antioxidants known for immune and skin defence.
In Incremune Syrup
Documented Outcomes

Real people. Measured results.

Thyroid & Inflammation
86
→
12
hs-CRP (mg/L)
Inflammatory markers followed through a nutrition and lifestyle protocol.
Man, 49 · 1 month
Metabolic Health
6.0
→
5.4
HbA1c (%)
Weight management difficulty, hair loss and fatigue addressed through diet.
Woman, 29 · 3 months
Fertility
0.11
→
—
AMH
Advised IVF; undertook an individualized nutrition programme beforehand.
Woman, 30 · 3 months
Gut Health
High
→
Improved
Bilirubin
Chronic constipation addressed with a microbiome-informed protocol.
Man, 61 · documented
Individual experiences documented with client consent; names and locations withheld for privacy. Results vary between individuals and are not a guarantee of outcome. Nutrition should complement, not replace, appropriate medical care.
Go deeper

Read the why behind the what.

Nine evidence-graded articles on hormones, gut health, immunity, sleep and child development — written by the team who formulate and interpret.
Visit the Knowledge Base →