Why did the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute develop a herbal preparation? HemoHIM’s story starts with research into radiation-related biological damage, then moves through ingredient development, commercialization, and later studies in people.
This article explains that history and separates experimental findings, a fatigue trial, and reported consumer experiences. Reviewed September 11, 2026. Disclosure: The site operator is an Atomy member and provides purchase guidance on request.
HemoHIM development at a glance
Selected milestones: research goals, ingredient recognition, and human evidence.
1997–2002 · Initial research
Radiation biology
KAERI investigated a herbal composition for radiation-related damage to immune, blood-forming, and regenerating tissues in experimental models. Research origins.
2003–2006 · Development
Toward a product
Further work explored applications and commercialization of the herbal preparation. What was developed.
August 2006 · Recognition
Immune-function ingredient
Korean recognition covered the ingredient’s immune-function claim. It was not approval as a radiation-protection or cancer medicine. Recognition context.
2022 · Published human trial
Fatigue outcomes
An eight-week placebo-controlled study in 96 adults reported improved fatigue scores and exercise distance. These findings have study-specific limits. Trial results and limitations.
Sources: 2012 development case study; 2022 trial abstract. This is a selected overview, not a complete study or safety timeline. Read the separate safety review alongside it.
Why a nuclear research institute studied herbs
KAERI’s work extends beyond reactors. Its biotechnology program studies how radiation affects cells and organisms and how that knowledge can support biological and industrial applications. The institute lists HemoHIM among its biotechnology achievements. See KAERI’s description of its biotechnology research (Korean).
A published commercialization case study traces the initial project to 1997–2002. Its research problem was damage to immune and blood-forming systems and regenerating tissues caused by radiation. Researchers investigated a herbal mixture in experimental models, with subsequent work on applications and commercialization during 2003–2006. See the research case study in Korea’s OAK repository.
That background explains the connection to nuclear research. It does not mean today’s supplement is an approved radiation-protection medicine or a cancer treatment. A research objective and an authorized consumer-product claim are different things.
What came out of the research?
The result was a formulated herbal composition using 당귀, 천궁, and 백작약. The case study describes extraction, concentration, recovery of a polysaccharide-rich fraction, and recombination, rather than simply packaging three unprocessed herbs. It records recognition of the ingredient for immune-function improvement in August 2006. Source: development and commercialization case study.
A 2006 press release supplied by KAERI also documents research beginning in 1997, the team led by Dr. Sung-Kee Jo, patents, and commercialization through SunBioTech. This is a historical institutional account. Patents document an invention; they do not establish that every advertised health benefit has been demonstrated in consumers.
From three herbs to a formulated extract
A simplified reading of the historical development paper.
- 1 · Start with three roots
The paper describes 당귀 (danggui), 천궁 (cheongung), and 백작약 (white peony root).
- 2 · Extract and concentrate
Water extraction is followed by cooling, filtration, and concentration.
- 3 · Recover a fraction
Part of the extract undergoes an alcohol-treatment step to recover a crude polysaccharide fraction—a separated portion containing complex carbohydrates.
- 4 · Recombine
The recovered fraction is combined with the extract to produce the described composition.
KAERI, Kolmar BNH, and Atomy have different roles
| Organization | Role |
|---|---|
| KAERI | Originating research and technology development. |
| Kolmar BNH | Manufacture of the Korean HemoHIM sachet product (000011); the commercialization history includes SunBioTech. |
| Atomy | Retail distribution and product information for its market versions. |
KAERI’s research page describes commercialization through research-based companies. The current Atomy Korea product listing identifies Kolmar BNH as the manufacturer. Atomy’s involvement in sales should not be confused with being the original research institute.
Is there human evidence about fatigue?
Yes. A 2022 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial recruited 96 adults with fatigue, assigning 48 to HemoHIM and 48 to placebo for eight weeks. The authors reported lower Fatigue Severity Scale scores in the HemoHIM group at the later visits and greater exercise distance to exhaustion compared with placebo. See the Seoul National University record and abstract and published paper.
This is stronger evidence than an isolated testimonial because it includes a comparison group. Its limits still matter: one short study in selected adults cannot show that everyone will feel better, that benefits last indefinitely, or that fatigue caused by a medical condition will respond. Statistical significance alone also does not tell a shopper how noticeable the improvement will be.
What does the Korean ingredient recognition establish?
Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety lists HemoHIM mixed extract (헤모힘 당귀등 혼합추출물, recognition no. 2006-17) among functional ingredients associated with fatigue improvement. This provides a direct regulatory source for the ingredient-level statement. Read the FoodSafetyKorea fatigue ingredient listing.
The date of the additional fatigue recognition is reported as 2023 in Atomy’s 2026 account; the MFDS overview linked above does not itself document that amendment date. Ingredient recognition and a finished product’s market-specific labeling need separate checks.
The Korean HemoHIM sachet listing reviewed for this article states immune-function support. HemoHIM G sold in the EU has a different botanical list, while Korean HemoHIM Shot is a mixed beverage with functional labeling, explicitly not a health functional food. Neither the original research history nor the 2022 trial alone establishes identical effects for those versions. See our comparison of HemoHIM, HemoHIM G, and HemoHIM Shot, with official product sources.
What about positive experiences from people taking it?
A report reproduced on Atomy’s channel in June 2026 describes a survey of 3,201 adult Atomy members who had used HemoHIM for at least one year. Respondents assessed perceived changes in 23 health-related areas. Fatigue and immune-related areas were reported as showing relatively positive perceived changes. The account says the findings were presented at a rehabilitation-medicine academic meeting. Read the company-hosted report (Korean).
These are reported user experiences, not proof that all users benefit. Long-term users can differ from people who stopped taking the product. Recall, expectations, other lifestyle changes, and the absence of a randomized comparison can affect survey findings. We reviewed the published account, not a full survey dataset or complete peer-reviewed methods paper. We therefore do not turn these findings into a guaranteed success rate or a reason to exceed label directions.
Read the safety information alongside the benefits
A favorable fatigue result is not a complete safety assessment. Our HemoHIM ingredients, evidence, and safety guide covers the Korean label, the 2025 short-term safety trial, and the dated 2021 Hong Kong safety notice with its scope. If you have ongoing unexplained fatigue or are receiving treatment, discuss symptoms and supplements with your clinician.
Practical questions: Read our HemoHIM questions and answers for expectations about timing, interpreting reviews, comparing versions, and making a purchase enquiry.
Questions about buying HemoHIM?
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Educational research overview. We have not independently tested this product or verified an individual customer’s medical outcome.