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 Coleus forskohli is a perennial member of the mint, or
Lamiaceae, family that was first discovered in the lower elevations
of India. It is now grown around the world as an ornamental plant.
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.
Forskolin is a chemical found in the coleus herb
that activates the enzyme adenylate cyclase. Andenylate cyclase
compound initiates a myriad of critical events and processes within
all the cells of the human body. Adenylate cyclase and the chemicals
it activates are responsible for executing a number of important
hormonal processes. Stimulation that is caused by forskolin
supposedly leads to blood vessel dilation, inhibition of allergic
reactions, and possibly an increased secretion of thyroid hormone.
Forskolin has other reported uses as well, including inhibition of
the pro-inflammatory substance known as platelet-activating factor
(PAF) 6 and inhibition of the spread of cancer cells.
Some
studies in humans have shown that direct application of a special
preparation of forskolin to the eyes lowers eye pressure, whereby
decreasing the risk of glaucoma. Direct application of the whole
herb to the eyes has not been studied and is not recommended by any
known medical professionals.
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.
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