Forskolin Plant (Coleus Forskohlii) Extract Uses in Ayurveda & More

Native to tropical and subtropical areas of East Africa and India, the Coleus Forskohlii plant (Indian Coleus) is medically and scientifically relevant because it contains forskolin.

Forskolin plant extract is an intensely studied constituent known to elevate levels of cAMP, or cyclic AMP. A second “messenger” (cell-regulating compound) essential for eliciting the correct reaction of cells to extracellular signals and hormones, forskolin also supports cellular communication within the pituitary-hypothalamus gland axis.

Increasing cAMP provides a broad range of physiological benefits, such as blocking platelet activation for reduction of blood clots, reducing histamine release to control allergy symptoms and stimulating systemic lipolysis (fat oxidation).

According to the Natural Medicines Database, Forskolin plant extracts have been used to treat various health problems ranging from eczema and psoriasis to hypertension, obesity and heart disease. [1]

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 Plant Uses in Ayurvedic Medicine

Developed over 3000 years ago in India, Ayurveda traditional medicine is based on the Indian Veda, a large amount of text written in Vedic Sanskrit and representing the oldest writings of Hinduism.

Described in the Indian Veda are methods of preparing forskolin plant extract for use in Ayurvedic and Hindu traditional medicine. Forskolin extract continues to be used by Ayurvedic practitioners to treat heart disease, gastrointestinal disorders, respiratory disorders, convulsions/seizures and insomnia.

Interest in forskolin plant uses in Ayurveda medicine during the 1970s encouraged researchers to begin clinically investigating forskolin.

In one study, forskolin seemed to improve myocardial functioning and coronary blood flow without increasing myocardial oxygen use in patients undergoing heart catheterization.

Additional research discovered forskolin reduced intraocular pressure when applied topically. Asthmatic patients experienced improved respiration after inhaling forskolin in spray form. Finally, people with psoriasis also enjoyed symptomatic relief using coleus forskolii plant extract [2]

Coleus Forskohlii Plant Benefits

Forskolin plant extracts are most commonly used as a weight loss supplement today. After being promoted on the Dr. Oz television show, interest in the use of Coleus forskohlii as a diet pill increased significantly.

In a study comparing a forskolin group with a placebo group, forskolin produced favorable modifications in body compositing by reducing body fat mass and body fat percentage. In addition, forskolin increased bone mass in subjects taking a forskolin supplement for 12 weeks.

Also increasing in the forskolin group were levels of serum free testosterone, a beneficial side effect potentially providing a health advantage in obese or overweight men. [3]

Forskolin Antioxidant Properties

When examining antioxidant properties of all parts of the Coleus forskohlii, researchers found enzymatic antioxidant activity highest in tubers. This refers to the tip of the underground stem that enlarges when full of unused nutrients.

Forskolin plant tubers showed more antioxidant activity than the stems, roots or leaves of the plant. In fact, tubers of the Coleus forskohlii offer both non-enzymatic and enzymatic antioxidants in addition to a wide variety of medicinal properties. [4]

Forskolin Anti-Diabetic Properties

Evaluation of the effects of forskolin administration on oxidative stress and blood glucose of rats with induced Type II diabetes has found positive results.

Delivery of forskolin over a period of eight weeks lowered fasting blood glucose levels in the treatment rat group compared to a placebo rat group. However, the supplement appeared to have no effect on oral glucose tolerance in the diabetic rat group. [5]

Additional Uses of Coleus Forskohlii Plant Extract

Extracts from the Coleus Forskohlii plant have long been used as a natural remedy for asthma symptoms. It has also been administered in an inhalable form for bronchospasms.

A clinical study investigating the effectiveness of forskolin in stopping mild to moderate asthma attacks in adults and children found that patients taking 10 mg of forskolin daily for six months experienced a significant reduction in asthma attacks.

Authors of the study concluded that forskolin may be more effective than sodium cromoglycate when used to prevent asthma attacks. [6]

Forskolin also seems to have anti-inflammatory, anti-platelet and inotropic properties that may aid in heart health or even bleeding disorders affecting the brain, such as aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Treating mice infected with E. coli reduced bacteria populations via cAMP regulated cell death to expedite symptomatic relief.

Additionally, animal studies found that when applied to mice skin, forskolin stimulated production of melanin in an environment absent of ultraviolet light. Researchers report that including forskolin in sunless tanning lotions this result may help reduce the risk of skin cancer by limiting exposure to UV rays. [7]

Forskolin Extract Side Effects

Because of forskolin’s stimulating affect on cAMP, side effects could occur in people with certain medical conditions:

Hemophilia or other bleeding disorder: Some research evidence indicates that anti-platelet properties of the Coleus forskohlii plant extract may increase bleeding in those with blood-clotting issues.

Heart disease: Since forskolin may lower blood pressure, some concern exists that it could interfere with medications intended to treat blood vessel or heart disease.

Hypotension (Low Blood Pressure): In people with hypotension, forskolin plant products may reduce blood pressure excessively, possibly inducing dizziness, blurry vision, fainting, rapid breathing and nausea.

Medication Interactions: Coleus forskohlii plant extract may interact negatively with calcium channel blockers (for hypertension) and cause sudden drops in blood pressure. Taking nitrates, or medications increasing blood flow to the heart, while taking forskolin supplements could significantly increase the flow of blood to the heart and induce dizziness, rapid breathing or fainting spells.

Forskolin Supplements for Sale

Most people who take forskolin are interested in its ability to burn fat and support weight loss programs. Consumers can buy forskolin supplements and diet pills in capsule form, typically containing 250 to 350 mg of powdered Coleus forskohlii plant extract.

When evaluating different products for sale, note the percentage of forskolin contained in each product as this will determine the appropriate dosage. Products can contain anywhere from 10 – 95% forskolin plant extract.

In Ayurvedic medicine, practitioners sometimes use the leaves and tubers of the plant to brew Forskolin plant tea. This supplement has also been administered via inhalation, for ocular use or by intramuscular injection.

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