Coleus Forskohlii - Side Effects and Benefits

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Health Benefits and Potential Side Effects of Coleus Forskohlii

Botanical Name: Plectranthus barbatus, Coleus barbatus. Other Common Names: Coleous, makandi, Indian coleus, false boldo. Habitat: Coleus is a hardy plant, growing on the dry slopes of the lower Himalayas and the plains in Uttar Pradesh, Northern India. However, coleus has long been cultivated in India, hailand and also in other parts of !outh "ast #sia. Description: Coleus is a member of the $amiaceae family, more commonly known as the mint family. Plants in this group have a stem that is s%uare in shape and are usually e&tremely fragrant due to their large content of essential oil. Coleus is a fleshy, perennial herb, which has an aroma similar to camphor' its spiked flowers are typical of the mint family. Unlike other plants in the $amiaceae family, the principal part used medicinally is coleus( pale fibrous roots. Plant Parts he root. sed:

Coleus Forskohlii Extract

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Coleus Forskohlii - Side Effects and Benefits

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Coleus Forskohlii (Plectranthus barbatus) (Click on image to enlarge) Attribution:Jurema

Oliveira

!herapeutic

ses" Benefits and Claims of Coleus Forskohlii

Coleus is a not a particularly remarkable plant to look at, yet is has a )*** year history in #yurvedic medicine and is mentioned in ancient !anskrit as a tonic for a healthy heart and lungs. oday, coleus is not +ust an herb for cardiovascular ailments but is increasingly used to assist weight loss by breaking down adipose tissue and preventing production of further fatty tissue. In addition, coleus mildly stimulates the metabolism by increasing thyroid hormones and increases the secretion of insulin. hese therapeutic indications for coleus are due to its principal active compound, a diterpenoid called forskolin. his is the only plant,derived compound known to directly stimulate the en-yme, adenlylate cyclase, and in turn, stimulates cellular cyclic #.P which boosts our metabolism. Coleus forskohlii preparations used as eye drops are known to reduce eye pressure in glaucoma. $ike all good tonics, coleus directly stimulates digestion and is thought to assist in the absorption of nutrients in the small intestine.
Coleus (Coleus_barbatus)

Increased cellular cyclic #.P reduces histamine, making coleus beneficial in the treatment of allergies. Coleus is also a bronchodilator with an anti, histamine action, making it useful in treating asthma. Conditions such as hypothyroidism, ec-ema, psoriasis are also improved by using coleus, largely due to its ability to increase cyclic #.P.

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Coleus Forskohlii - Side Effects and Benefits

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It is a popular herb for angina and for the health of the heart. Coleus increases stroke volume, which is the amount of blood pumped in each heart beat, and reduces the risk of blood clots, coleus lowers high blood pressure acting to rela& the arterial walls. Indian and Chinese studies in the last two years have isolated a number of diterpenoids in the stem and leaves of coleus forskohlii with a focus on treatment of gastric cancer and preventing metastatic /secondary0 cancers. hese have been carried out on animal models with considerable success.

!herapeutic Dosa#es
1ecommended dosage of coleus forskohlii is 2*mg two to three times daily.

Potential Side Effects of Coleus Forskohlii

Care should be used when taking coleus with any other medication to control asthma or cardiac disease. It is essential to consult your health care professional when altering medications and to investigate thoroughly how medications may interact with each other. If you take blood pressure and heart medications such as beta,blockers, clonidine, hydrala-ine you should only take coleus under the guidance of a physician. !imilarly, blood thinners, including warfarin and heparin re%uire that coleus be taken with caution under your physician(s care. Supportin# $eferences
3oster !teven4 5ohnson 1. 6esk 1eference to Nature7s .edicine. National 8eographic !ociety. 9ashington 6.C. :**;. .ishra $C. !cientific <asis for #yurvedic herapies. C1C Press. New =ork. :**). 6uke, 5ames #.4 he 8reen Pharmacy Herbal Handbook4 =our Comprehensive 1eference to the <est Herbs for Healing. 1odale <ooks :***. Pole !4 #yurvedic .edicine. "lsevier. Philadelphia. :**;.

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