Coleus Forskohlii Extract Benefits, Uses & Side Effects

Coleus forskohlii is a tropical perennial plant, found in India, Thailand and Nepal. This natural plant extract has been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine to promote heart and lung function, and to support weight loss and libido.

According to the Natural Medicines Database, this supplement may be used for various issues, including obesity, certain skin problems, irritable bowel syndrome, urinary tract infections, insomnia and other conditions.

Studies have shown that Coleus forskohlii extract supplements may have several effects on the body. Results have demonstrated a reduction in body weight and food intake, antioxidant effects, bronchodilation effects, a reduction in intraocular pressure, a reduction in blood pressure, improvement of erectile dysfunction and stimulation of platelet disaggregation.

Although few side effects of coleus forskohlii extract have been reported, this supplement should still be used with caution, as it may cause effects that have not yet been discovered.

Forskolin

Herbal Supplement

Weight Loss

Cognitive Function

Energy

How It Works:

• Boosts thyroid function & lipolysis
• Promotes energy, stamina & concentration
• Supports weight loss & appetite suppression

Dosage:

Between 100 - 500 mg per day

Safety:

Generally Regarded as Safe

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Forskolin vs. Coleus Forskohlii Extract

The terms “forskolin” and “coleus forskholii extract” are often confused, but they do not refer to the same substance.

The term “forskolin” refers to the primary active ingredient in coleus forskohlii extract. The more forskolin present in coleus forskohlii extract, the more powerful the supplement will be.

However, there are other bioactive constituents found in this plant extract in addition to forskolin. Coleus forskholii extract refers to any concentrated preparation of the constituents found in the roots of the Coleus herb.

Some of these other constituents isolated from this plant include 13-epi-sclareol, diterpene glycosides, forskoditerpenosides A & B, eudesmane sesquiterpene, 4beta, 7beta, 11-enantioeudesmantriol, 14-deoxycoleon U, demethylcryptojaponol, alpha-amyrin, betulic acid, alpha-cedrol and beta-sitosterol.

According to the Natural Medicines Database, anecdotal reports indicate that most coleus products are standardized to contain between 10 and 18 percent forskolin content. Some products may contain different concentrations, so verification is highly recommended.

Keep in mind that some manufacturers may also refer to supplements made from the coleus forskohlii plant as “forskolin supplements.”

However, even if these products claim to contain pure coleus forskohlii extract, that does not mean that these products are composed of 100 percent forskolin.

Most research has focused on the beneficial effects of forskolin extract. Researchers are not yet sure what the effects of all of the other constituents in this herb are.

Coleus Forskohlii Extract Uses

Three of the most popular uses for coleus forskohlii supplements are weight loss, increased testosterone levels and enhanced cognitive function. This supplement is popular as a diet aid and among bodybuilders to improve lean mass to body fat ratios.

The United States Food and Drug Administration has not approved coleus forskohlii extract for the treatment of any condition or ailment. However, the Natural Medicines Database reports that coleus forskohlii extract has been used for the following medicinal purposes.

• Bladder infections
• Urinary tract infections
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Dysmenorrhea
• Convulsions
• Insomnia
• Impotence
• Thrombosis
• Metastatic cancer
• Angina
• Hypertension
• Obesity
• Psoriasis
• Eczema
• Allergies
• Asthma

Studies of the effectiveness of coleus forskholii extract in treating each of these issues are ongoing.

Although some limited studies have indicated that coleus forskholii extract may be effective for people with asthma or idiopathic congestive cardiomyopathy, further study is required to verify these results.

Is Coleus Forskohlii Extract Safe?

This herb has a long history of traditional use and is generally well tolerated by those who use it. The safety of coleus forskholii extract has been investigated by several studies. Very few side effects have been documented among people taking forskolin in these studies.

However, because long-term safety data pertaining to coleus forskholii extract is not yet available, it is impossible to know whether the substance could cause side effects with continuous use.

It is also possible that coleus forskholii extract causes immediate side effects that have not yet been discovered. Further study is needed to verify the safety of this supplement.

Some users have reported low blood pressure, dizziness, nausea and increased perspiration when taking this supplement. Some user reviews of coleus forskholii online say that the users have stopped taking the supplement due to unpleasant side effects.

However, many other users have experienced no side effects when taking the supplement. Individual experience can be very different.

How to Take Coleus Forskohlii Extract

Products containing coleus forskholii extract may be consumed orally, used intravenously, inhaled or administered in the form of eye drops.

Because the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved coleus forskholii extract to treat any condition, standardized dosage guidelines are not available.

However, the Natural Medicines Database reports that a dosage of 6 to 12 ml of standardized fluid coleus forskholii extract with a concentration of 10 to 20% forskolin extract daily in divided doses has been recommended for general use.

Recommended dosages for dried preparations of coleus forskholii root, tablet and capsule formulations and intravenous preparations may differ.

Even though studies have not yet connected coleus forskholii extract to any serious adverse effects, consumers are still advised to exercise caution when using this supplement.

Never take more coleus forskholii extract than you need to achieve your desired effect, and do not exceed the dosage recommended by the supplement’s manufacturer and/or your doctor.

Be sure to verify the concentration of forskolin in the coleus forskholii extract product you choose before you determine the dosage you will take.

id=”interactions”Coleus Forskohlii Interactions and Contraindications

Coleus forskohlii plant supplements may interact with certain medications or other supplements. Some of the substances that may interact with forskolin include:

• Nitrates – Examples include isosorbide and nitroglycerin.
• Calcium channel blockers – Examples include nifedipine, verapamil and diltiazem.
• Antihypertensive drugs – Examples include valsartan, captopril and furosemide.
• Anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs – Examples include warfarin, cilostazol and anagrelide.
• Supplements with antiplatelet, anticoagulant or hypotensive effects – Examples include theanine and stinging nettle.

Coleus forskohlii extract supplements may not be safe for individuals who have low blood pressure, cardiovascular disease or bleeding disorders. If you have any of these conditions, talk to your doctor before using this supplement.

Because of the limited information available, coleus forskohlii extract should not be administered to children, pregnant women or breastfeeding women unless otherwise directed by a doctor.

If you experience any serious or bothersome side effects while taking coleus forskholii extract, discontinue your use of the supplement and talk to your doctor.

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