Coleus forskohlii – GreenSpace

Family: Labiatae (now Lamiaceae)

Coleus forskohli: The Ayurvedic Root for Metabolic and Cardiovascular Balance

Coleus forskohlii, also known as Pashanabhedi, Makandi, or Indian Coleus, is a traditional Ayurvedic herb gaining scientific attention for its active compound forskolin, which influences key biochemical pathways in fat metabolism, blood pressure regulation, and thyroid function. Known for centuries as a cardiovascular and digestive tonic, Coleus is now widely used in weight management, metabolic health, and as a natural cAMP (cyclic adenosine monophosphate) activator.

What is Coleus forskohlii?

Coleus forskohlii is a perennial aromatic herb with fleshy roots, purple tubular flowers, and green, ovate leaves with serrated margins. It is botanically classified under the Lamiaceae family and closely resembles other aromatic herbs like mint and basil.
In Ayurveda, Coleus is known for its ability to "break stones" (Pashanabhedi) and regulate Vata and Kapha doshas. It is traditionally used to support heart function, digestion, and urinary tract health. In modern herbal practice, forskohlin, the root extract, is best known for its fat-burning and blood pressure-lowering effects.

Where Does It Grow?

Geographical Distribution

Coleus is native to:

East Africa (cultivated in some regions)

India (especially the Deccan Plateau and South India)

Nepal

Sri Lanka

Thailand

Climate

Warm, tropical to subtropical conditions

Altitude

600–1800 meters above sea level

Soil

Well-drained loamy or lateritic soil

Rainfall

Moderate; tolerates dry spells

Ideal Growing Conditions

It thrives in sunny locations and is often grown as a commercial herb crop for its economically valuable root.

Parts Used and Phytochemical Constituents

The tuberous roots are the primary medicinal part, although aerial parts may contain mild therapeutic activity.

Key Active Compounds:

Forskolin is unique among plant compounds for its direct activation of adenylate cyclase, which increases levels of cAMP, a vital intracellular signaling molecule.

Standardized Coleus extracts are often included in herbal weight-loss supplements.

Used traditionally as a cardiotonic in Ayurveda, particularly for Vata-type cardiac symptoms.

Therapeutic Benefits of Coleus forskohlii

Coleus offers systemic benefits through its regulatory influence on enzymes, hormones, and cellular signals, particularly those related to cardiovascular, metabolic, and respiratory systems.

How to Use Coleus forskohlii Safely

Coleus should be used under supervision when taken for specific health concerns, especially those involving blood pressure or thyroid function.

Common Forms

Root powder (Churna): Traditionally used in Ayurveda
Standardized extracts: Containing 10–20% forskolin
Capsules/Tablets: Commercially prepared for metabolic or cardiac health
Tinctures or teas: Less common, but available
Topical or ophthalmic formulations: For specific applications like glaucoma

Pregnancy and lactation: Avoid due to uterine stimulant effects
Low blood pressure (hypotension): May worsen symptoms
Heart medications: May potentiate effects of calcium channel blockers or beta-blockers
Bleeding disorders: May enhance bleeding risk; avoid before surgery

Modern research strongly supports Coleus’s pharmacological properties, particularly the action of forskolin as a cAMP elevator, with diverse applications in medicine.

Key Research Highlights:

Weight loss: Clinical studies show reduced body fat percentage and improved lean mass in overweight subjects using forskolin extract
Hypertension: Forskolin reduces blood pressure without causing reflex tachycardia
Asthma: Inhaled forskolin improved forced expiratory volume (FEV1) in asthmatic patients
Thyroid: Studies show increased T3 and T4 levels without affecting TSH

Coleus forskohlii is a fascinating herb that bridges ancient wisdom and modern science, offering benefits in cardiovascular function, metabolic balance, weight loss, and respiratory support. With forskolin as its signature bioactive, it is one of the few herbal agents with direct intracellular signaling action via cAMP elevation.

While promising and well-researched, its potent effects require careful, personalized use, making Coleus a valuable ally when guided by knowledgeable practitioners.

Precautions and Contraindications

Although Coleus is well tolerated, its strong physiological activity warrants careful use in certain populations.

References

1. Godard, M. P., Johnson, B. A., Richmond, S. R. (2005). Body composition and hormonal adaptations associated with forskolin consumption in overweight and obese men. Obesity Research, 13(8), 1335–1343. https://doi.org/10.1038/oby.2005.162

2. Borrelli, F., et al. (2004). Pharmacological effects of forskolin: A review. Natural Product Communications, 69(10), 763–768.

3. Hennekens, C. H., et al. (2005). Potential role of forskolin in prevention of cardiovascular disease. American Journal of Hypertension, 18(7), 912–916.

4. Suen, C. S., et al. (1986). Effect of forskolin on thyroid function in vitro. Endocrinology, 119(5), 2027–2032.

5. Tashkin, D. P., et al. (1984). Inhaled forskolin improves pulmonary function in asthma. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 35(5), 675–679.