Coleus Forskohlii Plectranthus barbatus


Plectranthus barbatus
coleus in lush garden
  • Common Names
  • Coleus Forskohlii , Forskolin, Indian Coleus, False Boldo
  • Botanical Name
  • Plectranthus barbatus
  • Family
  • LAMIACEAE
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Medicinal Uses & Benefits of Coleus Forskohlii

remedyHow to Use| Side Effects | Plant & Garden|

How to Use: Coleus Forskohlii



Coleus forskohlii is found in
many herbal diet pills

Coleus forskohlii has been traditionally used to treat high blood pressure. Other benefits include help in losing weight by improving the breakdown of fats, improving digestion and nutrient absorption, lowering cholesterol, and immune system support. The active photochemical in Coleus forskohlii, forskolin, was discovered in 1974 and has been the subject of many laboratory studies. 1The compound has a vast array of effects on the body, working primarily on an enzymatic level, raising the level of cyclic AMP (adenosine 3.5 - monophosphate) a substance that activates all sorts of other cellular enzymes. Allergic conditions, including asthma, are associated with decreased cAMP levels and increased PAF.

Preparation Methods & Dosage :The whole root contains only a minute amount of forskolin and may not provide a therapeutic response. Look for a product containing 18 percent forskolin, a typical dose is 50 milligrams two or three times a day. A standardized supplement should also contain various helper phytochemicals that improve forskolin's performance and absorption.


Ayurvedic Medicine ayurvedic medicinea Coleus forskohii has been Traditionally used in Southeastern Asia as a pickling spice and minor ingredient in heart, stomach, and lung medicines.

Coleus Forskohlii Side Effects: Do not use if you have hypotension, (low blood pressure), because coleus may reduce blood pressure even more. May also strengthen the action of prescription drugs used to treat asthma and high blood pressure. Patients with ulcers should not take forskolin because it may increase stomach acid levels. Pregnant and lactating women should also avoid forskolin, due to lack of safety data.

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Plant Description


Coleus forskohlii is grown along mountain slopes in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand. Coleus forskohlii is a tropical perennial plant in the mint family and related to the typical coleus species commonly used to add accent color to gardens.

Regional Traditions :Ayurvedic *


History and Traditions & Folklore


References:
books citedWorks Cited
  1. Snow, Joanne Marie. Coleus forskohlii Wild. (Lamiaceae). Protocol Journal of Botanical Medicine. Autumn 1995:39-42. American Botanical Council
    2. Forskolin has since been used in over 5000 research studies as a tool in cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-related investigations.. It is known to have the following actions: bronchospasmolytic, hypotensive, PAF inhibitor, lowers intraocular pressure, stimulates lipolysis, positive cardiac inotropic, and anti-inflammatory.
  2. Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook(2000)