Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Coleus is a plant from the mint family. It grows in tropical regions of Asia such as Nepal, India, and Thailand. The root is used as medicine. Coleus root contains a chemical called forskolin. Herbal product manufacturers often produce coleus extracts that contain high levels of forskolin. These preparations are being promoted for the same conditions for which forskolin has been traditionally used.

Coleus or forskolin are used for high blood pressure, chest pain (angina), asthma, dry eye, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support any of these uses.

Forskolin works on muscles in the heart and in the walls of the blood vessels. It produces a more powerful heartbeat and widening of the blood vessels, which lowers blood pressure.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Possibly Effective for

• A heart condition called idiopathic congestive cardiomyopathy. Some research shows that giving coleus intravenously (by IV) may improve the function of the heart in people with congestive cardiomyopathy.
• Asthma. Some research shows that inhaling a single dose of coleus can improve symptoms of asthma.

Insufficient Evidence for

• Asthma. It’s unclear if coleus is beneficial for people with asthma. Research findings are inconsistent. Some research shows that inhaling a chemical from coleus called forskolin might improve breathing. Some research also shows that taking forskolin by mouth might reduce asthma attacks. But other research shows no benefit.
• Dry eye. Early research shows that taking a supplement containing coleus extract and other ingredients for 30 days moderately decreases dry eye symptoms. It’s unclear if this benefit is due to coleus, other ingredients, or the combination.
• Erectile dysfunction (ED). Early research shows that injecting coleus into the base of the penis along with the drugs phentolamine, papaverine, and prostaglandin E1 improves sexual function in men with ED.
• High blood pressure. Early research shows that taking coleus root tuber or coleus whole root tablets for 2 months slightly decreases in blood pressure in elderly people with high blood pressure.
• Weakened and enlarged heart (dilated cardiomyopathy). Some research shows that giving forskolin, a chemical found in coleus, by injection improves the function of the heart in people with a heart condition called dilated cardiomyopathy.
• A group of eye disorders that can lead to vision loss (glaucoma). Early research shows that taking a specific supplement containing forskolin and other ingredients may slightly decrease eye pressure in people with glaucoma. Taking a different product containing coleus extract and other ingredients in addition to prescription drug therapy decreases eye pressure in people with glaucoma. It’s unclear if these improvements are due to coleus, other ingredients, or the combination.
• Obesity. Early research shows that taking coleus extract doesn’t decrease weight. But it may modestly decrease body fat in overweight and obese men. However, other early research has found no benefit for weight or fat loss.
• Allergies.
• Blood clots.
• Cancer.
• Chest pain (angina).
• Insomnia.
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
• Period pains.
• Seizures.
• Skin.
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs) and bladder infections.
• Other conditions.

More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of forskolin for these uses.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Coleus is POSSIBLY SAFE for most adults when taken by mouth in appropriate amounts. Coleus seems to be safe in doses of 500 mg or less. But coleus is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when taken in larger doses. It can cause diarrhea, loose stools, and other side effects.

When given by IV: Coleus is POSSIBLY SAFE for most adults when given by IV. It can cause flushing and low blood pressure.

When inhaled: Coleus is POSSIBLY SAFE for most adults when inhaled (breathed in). It can cause throat irritation, cough, tremor, and restlessness.

When applied into the eye: Coleus is POSSIBLY SAFE for most adults when applied as eye drops. Eye drops containing coleus can cause stinging.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Coleus is POSSIBLY SAFE for most adults when taken by mouth in appropriate amounts. Coleus seems to be safe in doses of 500 mg or less. But coleus is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when taken in larger doses. It can cause diarrhea, loose stools, and other side effects.

When given by IV: Coleus is POSSIBLY SAFE for most adults when given by IV. It can cause flushing and low blood pressure.

When inhaled: Coleus is POSSIBLY SAFE for most adults when inhaled (breathed in). It can cause throat irritation, cough, tremor, and restlessness.

When applied into the eye: Coleus is POSSIBLY SAFE for most adults when applied as eye drops. Eye drops containing coleus can cause stinging.

Pregnancy: Coleus is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when used during pregnancy. High doses of coleus might slow or stop the growth of the fetus. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Breast-feeding: There is not enough reliable information about the safety of taking coleus if you are breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Bleeding disorders: Coleus contains a chemical called forskolin that might increase the risk of bleeding in some people.

Heart disease: Coleus contains a chemical called forskolin that might lower blood pressure. There is some concern that coleus might interfere with treatment for heart or blood vessel diseases and could make these conditions worse. Use coleus with caution if you have a heart problem.

Low blood pressure: Coleus contains a chemical called forskolin that might lower blood pressure. If your blood pressure is already low, taking coleus might make it drop too much.

Surgery: Coleus contains a chemical called forskolin that might increase bleeding during and after surgery. Stop using coleus at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Interactions ?

Major Interaction

Do not take this combination

• Coleus might decrease blood pressure. Calcium channel blockers are a type of medicine used to decrease blood pressure. Taking coleus with calcium channel blockers might cause your blood pressure to go too low. Don’t use coleus if you are taking calcium channel blockers.

  Some calcium channel blockers include nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia), verapamil (Calan, Isoptin, Verelan), diltiazem (Cardizem), isradipine (DynaCirc), felodipine (Plendil), amlodipine (Norvasc), and others.

• Coleus increases blood flow. Taking coleus with medications that increase blood flow to the heart might increase the chance of dizziness and lightheadedness. Don’t use coleus if you are taking medications that increase blood flow to the heart.

  Some of these medications that increase blood flow to the heart include nitroglycerin (Nitro-Bid, Nitro-Dur, Nitrostat) and isosorbide (Imdur, Isordil, Sorbitrate).

Moderate Interaction

Be cautious with this combination

• Coleus might slow blood clotting. Taking coleus along with medications that also slow clotting might increase the chances of bruising and bleeding.

  Some medications that slow blood clotting include aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), naproxen (Anaprox, Naprosyn, others), dalteparin (Fragmin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, warfarin (Coumadin), and others.

• Coleus might decrease blood pressure. Taking coleus along with medications for high blood pressure might cause your blood pressure to go too low.

  Some medications for high blood pressure include captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), losartan (Cozaar), valsartan (Diovan), diltiazem (Cardizem), Amlodipine (Norvasc), hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDIURIL), furosemide (Lasix), and many others.

Dosing

The following doses have been studied in scientific research:

INTRAVENOUS:

• Healthcare providers give forskolin intravenously (by IV) for a heart condition called idiopathic congestive cardiopathy.

INHALATION:

• Under medical supervision, people with asthma breathe in forskolin powder using a Spinhaler inhalator.

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.

Health Benefits, Common Uses, Side Effects, and Risks

Written by Matt McMillen

• Why do people take forskolin?
• Can you get forskolin naturally from foods?
• What are the risks of taking forskolin?

Forskolin is made from the root of a plant in the mint family. The plant grows in Nepal, India, and Thailand. It has long been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine.

People take forskolin supplements for many reasons. But very little substantial evidence exists to back its use for any health condition.

Some research suggests that forskolin may aid in weight loss and muscle building. In one very small study, overweight and obese men took 250 milligrams of a 10% forskolin extract twice a day. After 12 weeks, they lost more body fat and had a greater increase in testosterone levels compared to similar men taking a placebo. But more research must be done to confirm these results and establish its safety.

Forskolin has a long history as a folk remedy for asthma. Some research supports that. Forskolin appears to work in a way similar to certain types of conventional asthma drugs, by boosting the levels of a compound called cyclic AMP. This helps relax the muscles around the bronchial tubes to make breathing easier.

Forskolin has also been used to try to treat glaucoma. A small study indicates that forskolin may help relieve pressure in the eyes, which is often seen in glaucoma. It has also been found to be a safe alternative to beta blockers in glaucoma patients having concomitant asthma.

Another potential use of forskolin is for people with idiopathic congestive cardiomyopathy, which can cause heart failure. In a small study, patients who took forskolin through an IV showed improved heart function.

Optimal doses for forskolin have not been established for any condition. Also, as with supplements generally, the quality of the active ingredients and the level of concentration in products that contain forskolin vary from maker to maker. Some experts recommend that forskolin only be taken under the supervision of a health care professional.

While forskolin does come from an herb, it has only been studied as an extract. No evidence is available regarding any potential benefits from the whole herb.

It is not known whether taking forskolin is safe, because it has not been thoroughly studied. Some negative reactions to forskolin have been reported. These include:

• Flushing, fast heart beats, and low blood pressure when taken through an IV
• Upper respiratory tract irritation, cough, tremor, and restlessness when inhaled
• Stinging of the eyes and enlarging of the blood vessels in the eyes
• Headache

People taking blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs should not take forskolin. Also, certain high blood pressure drugs may interact with forskolin, including:

• Beta-blockers
• Calcium channel blockers
• Clonidine
• Hydralazine

Avoid taking forskolin if you take such medications.

Forskolin should also be avoided if you have polycystic kidney disease. The safety of forskolin in pregnant and breastfeeding women is not known, so they should avoid it.

Talk to your doctor about potential risks before you take forskolin or any other dietary supplement.

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January 17
2020

Nearly 40% of Americans over 20 are obese. Another 32% are overweight, according to the National Center for Health Statistics.

Forskolin is a herbal supplement that helps people lose weight. But how effective and safe is it? Today we are talking about the health benefits of forskolin and how it is used for weight loss.

What is forskolin?

Forskolin is a chemical compound derived from the root of the plant Coleus forskohlii, a member of the mint family. The plant can be found in Thailand, Sri Lanka and Nepal, as well as parts of India. Its teardrop-shaped leaves are green with a bright purple center. The root is golden brown. It is thick and has a fibrous structure. The roots are harvested in the fall, when forskolin is at its most concentrated.

Tropical plant has been used since ancient times in Ayurvedic and Hindu medicine. The locals boiled coleus root, which contains forskolin. The root was then ground into a powder and used for medicinal purposes.

Forskolin has also been used to treat a number of heart problems (high blood pressure, chest pain, congestive heart failure, and hypertension) and to help manage eczema, colic, insomnia, asthma, and respiratory disorders. More recently, it has been promoted as a weight loss dietary supplement.

Western scientists discovered the root of the plant in 1974, and originally called it coleonol. Over time, the name of the plant was changed to forskolin.

Supplement Benefits

Forskolin helps you lose weight by producing enzymes called lipase and adenylate cyclase, which release free fatty acids to be burned as fuel. In addition to reducing fat mass, it can also increase lean body mass.

A 1992 study in rats showed how forskolin stimulates lipolysis, breaks down fats and other lipids to release fatty acids in fat cells.

However, human studies have shown mixed results. In one study, 23 overweight women were given 250 milligrams of a 10% forskolin extract in capsule form twice daily. After 12 weeks, patients taking forskolin no longer showed any difference in body weight or energy expenditure compared to those taking placebo.

On the other hand, researchers have concluded that the root may help prevent weight gain in women (without overt side effects).

Another study in men showed that forskolin did reduce body fat. But this had little effect on their weight. However, forskolin increased testosterone levels. This has a positive effect not only on increasing sexual desire. Higher testosterone levels help you lose weight faster.

Research also confirms that forskolin is beneficial for heart and respiratory conditions. Forskolin has been shown in both animals and humans to significantly lower blood pressure by relaxing vascular muscles. Intravenous forskolin significantly reduces diastolic blood pressure and improves ventricular function.

When it comes to treating asthma, forskolin powder relaxes the bronchial muscles, relieving asthma symptoms. In one study, 16 asthma patients received either a single inhaled dose of 10mg dry forskolin powder and asthma medication, or a placebo. Both forskolin and drugs resulted in equivalent bronchodilation. But patients taking the medication have experienced side effects such as decreased plasma potassium levels.

Forskolin also helps prevent cancer metastasis in mice. However, animal and human studies have demonstrated the ability of forskolin to lower intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with glaucoma. In one study, rabbits, monkeys, and humans received a topical suspension of forskolin (1% drug) that significantly reduced IOP within five hours of application.

Forskolin heals wounds and protects skin cells from damage (eg from excessive UV exposure).

How to use Forskolin

The supplement comes in a variety of forms including teas, capsules, liquid drops, powder that can be mixed into smoothies or yogurt, tinctures.

Experts recommend taking 250 mg once or twice a day on an empty stomach. Forskolin is best taken before breakfast and lunch. It is advisable to avoid taking the supplement at the end of the day because it can stimulate wakefulness, which can lead to sleep problems.

Talk to your doctor before taking forskolin, especially if you are taking any other medications.

Supplement Side Effects

Side effects of forskolin include increased heart rate and low blood pressure. Coughing, tremors and restlessness have been observed when the supplement is inhaled.

But side effects are often minimal.

Pregnant and lactating women should also avoid taking the supplement. There is currently no published information on the effects of forskolin on the health and well-being of pregnant and lactating women.

In addition, those who have heart disease or are taking any medications for cardiovascular disease should not take forskolin unless directed by a doctor, as it may interact with blood pressure medications, calcium channel blockers , nitrates and anticoagulants.

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Cardiovascular Research – Forskolin 250mg 60 Capsules (Testosterone Boost) cent extract of the roots of Coleus Forskolii – a source of forskolin .

Forskolin Effects:

• Forskolin significantly increases testosterone production (proven by an independent study), resulting in an increase in lean muscle mass
• In the same study, forskolin reduced body fat mass. It was from this study that the active use of forskolin in sports nutrition began
• Vasodilatory effect, which is also useful in bodybuilding, as it improves muscle nutrition
• Forskolin improves resistance to UV radiation for a darker tan
• Suppresses urinary tract infections. Can be used in combination with antibiotics
• Antitumor effect
• Forskolin restores peripheral nerve fibers

A study published in Obesity Research verified the effects of forskolin on body composition, testosterone levels, metabolic changes and blood pressure in overweight individuals. Thirty volunteers took part in this randomized, cross-over, blind, placebo-controlled study lasting 12 weeks. Subjects took Forslean 10% forskolin extract at a dose of 250 mg twice daily. “Attention” The group that took forskolin showed a significant reduction in body fat (31%) compared with the beginning of the experiment (35%). There were no changes in the control group. In addition, an increase in lean muscle mass was recorded. The level of free testosterone in the blood increased significantly compared to the control group, although the difference in the levels of total testosterone was minimal. Free testosterone increased by 17% in the forskolin group and decreased by 1% in the control group. Blood pressure in both groups remained normal.

So, 250mg of 10% forskolin extract taken twice a day for 12 weeks significantly altered body composition, increasing muscle mass and free testosterone in overweight people. If being overweight is your problem, look for fat burners with the right dose of forskolin. As a bonus, you will also get extra muscle thanks to the increase in testosterone levels.

1 capsule contains:

ForsLean (Coleus forskohlii) (10% Forskolin) – 250mg
N-acetyl-L-tyrosine – 50 mg

Please note that this website and all product information provided on it, is for informational purposes only and under no circumstances is it a public offer, determined by the provisions of Article 437 of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation.