동아제약은 위 건강 개별인정형 원료인 황해쑥추출분말(Gastil)을 함유한 건강기능식품 ‘위스트로’를 출시했다고 30일 밝혔다. The release arrives as consumer demand for everyday gastric care expands amid rising gastrointestinal disease rates across South Korea.
Expanding Stomach Health Market and Rising Patient Demands
Data from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service show that domestic gastrointestinal disorder patients grew from approximately 960만 명 in 2020 to about 1,100만 명 in 2024, marking a steady 4% annual increase. Within that total, patient share increased by 2.2 percentage points for those in their 30s and 1.7 percentage points for individuals in their 20s.
Commercial market metrics reflect this shift.
Scientific Validation of Gastil and Raw Material Securing
The primary ingredient in Wistro is Gastil, an Artemisia scoparia extract powder that received individual functional recognition from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety following preclinical and clinical evaluations. Non-clinical cell and animal studies conducted by Dong아제약 demonstrated mechanisms related to gastric mucosal protection and cellular regeneration.
Clinical human application trials assessed 93 adult subjects diagnosed with functional dyspepsia over a 12-week period. Participants consuming the extract showed statistically significant improvements compared to a placebo group across four major evaluation indices: the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS), the Gastrointestinal Index (GIS), the Nepean Dyspepsia Index-Korea (NDI-K), and the Functional Dyspepsia-Related Quality of Life (FD-QoL). Evaluated metrics covered upper abdominal pain, postprandial fullness, upper abdominal discomfort, and acid reflux.
To secure a reliable supply chain for the raw material, Dong아제약 established partnerships with agricultural authorities. Dong아제약 also instituted contract farming arrangements with farms holding Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) certification.
Product Formulation and Market Availability
Wistro combines Gastil with seven supplemental nutrient ingredients, including Vitamin A, Vitamin B6, Zinc, Folic Acid, Vitamin E, and Selenium. The product is packaged as tablets designed for a dosage regimen of one tablet taken once daily with water.
“As irregular meals and spicy diets become common, more people look for ways to protect their stomach condition,” a Dong아제약 representative stated in official company communications. “Wistro aims to establish everyday gastric care as a natural habit rather than just treating symptoms after they occur.”
The product is available to consumers through digital retail channels, including the company’s official online platform, Dmall.
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