Lamiaceae
Coleus
Coleus forskohlii
⚠ Use with Caution
Avoid in Pregnancy
Native to: India, Nepal, Sri Lanka
Also known as: Forskohlii, Indian Coleus, Makandi, Coleus Root
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Parts Used
Root
Therapeutic Uses
Asthma (bronchodilator — comparable to salbutamol in some trials), hypertension, heart failure, glaucoma (eye drops), hypothyroidism, weight management (cAMP activates lipolysis).
Herbal Actions
Adenylate cyclase activator (increases cAMP), bronchodilator, vasodilator, antihypertensive, cardiotonic, thyroid stimulant, lipolytic
Active Constituents
Diterpene (forskolin — primary active, 0.2–0.5% of root), essential oil, flavonoids
Preparation Methods
💊 Capsule🏺 Tincture
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | Not standardizable as tea |
| Tincture | Standardized extract (18% forskolin): 250mg 2x daily; or 5–10mg pure forskolin 2x daily |
| Notes | Forskolin is the active — standardized extract essential. Whole root variable in potency. For asthma: 10mg forskolin inhalation most studied. Oral: 250mg standardized extract 2x daily. Increases cAMP broadly — multiple downstream effects. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
⚠ Use with Caution
Pregnancy
Avoid in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
⚠ Known interactions
Contraindications: Avoid in pregnancy. Avoid with antihypertensives, anticoagulants, cardiac medications. Avoid before surgery (vasodilatory). Avoid in active peptic ulcer.
Side Effects: Hypotension (vasodilatory). Flushing. Tachycardia. GI irritation. Headache.