Coleus

Coleus forskohlii

Family: Lamiaceae

Habitat: India, also grown as ornamental plant

Part Used: The root.

Constituents: Forskolin, a chemical found in coleus, activates the enzyme adenylate cyclase. This enzyme is a turnkey compound that initiates a cascade of critical events within every cell of the body. Adenylate cyclase and the chemicals it activates comprise a “second messenger” system that is responsible for carrying out the complex and powerful effects of hormones in the body. Stimulation of the second messenger system by forskolin leads to blood vessel dilation, inhibition of allergic reactions, and an increase in thyroid hormone secretion. Forskolin has other properties as well, including inhibition of the pro-inflammatory substance known as platelet-activating factor (PAF)6 and inhibition of the spread of cancer cells.

Forskolin may help dilate blood vessels and improve the forcefulness with which the heart pumps blood. A preliminary trial found that forskolin reduced blood pressure and improved heart function in people with cardiomyopathy. It is unknown if oral coleus extracts would have the same effect. A small double-blind trial found that inhaled forskolin could decrease lung spasms in asthmatics. It is unclear if oral ingestion of coleus extracts will provide similar benefits.

The root is used for a myriad of medicinal purposes. As recorded in ancient Sanskrit texts, coleus has been used as a medical herb to treat heart and lung diseases, intestinal spasms, insomnia, and convulsions.

It has been reported that forskolin may also assist in dilating blood vessels and improving the forcefulness with which the heart pumps blood. Some studies have indicated that forskolin may help to reduce blood pressure and improved heart function in people with cardiomyopathy. However, there is no clear evidence as to whether or not oral supplementation with coleus extracts would be an efficient way of taking this herb. One study did find evidence that inhaling forskolin could decrease lung spasms for people with asthma.

Dosage and Administration

Commonly coleus extracts come in standardized dosage of about 15% forskolin. Some medical professionals have recommended taking 50-100 mg of standardized coleus extract two to three times per day but these amounts have not been confirmed by clinical research. Most studies have used injected forskolin; therefore, the amount that should be taken orally to have the same effect is still unknown.