Plant Part Used
Root
Introduction
Coleus is a relatively new medicinal herb in the United States, although it has been extensively researched in India over the last twenty years. Scientists are currently looking into the plant’s possible function as an anti-hypertensive, or hypotensive agent for blood pressure control. Additionally, many of the components of the whole plant may act in concert to improve the activity of coleus within the body. A standardized extract is derived from the leaf of this plant.
Interactions and Depletions
Interactions
Dosage Info
Dosage Range
250mg (1% standardized extract), 1-3 times a day
-OR-
50mg (18% standardized extract), 1-2 times a day.
Most Common Dosage
250mg (1% standardized extract), 2 times a day
-OR-
50mg (18% standardized extract), 2 times a day.
Standardization
[span class=doc]Standardization represents the complete body of information and controls that serve to enhance the batch to batch consistency of a botanical product, including but not limited to the presence of a marker compound at a defined level or within a defined range.[/span]
The most current available medical and scientific literature indicates that this dietary supplement should be standardized to 1% forskolin per dose. This dietary supplement can also be standardized to 18% forskolin per dose.
Reported Uses
Researchers think coleus functions by stimulating a chain of bio-chemical reactions that may lead to increased thyroid activity, immunity, insulin secretion and metabolism of fats. (1) , (2) What’s more, coleus may be involved in enhancing yet another complex chain of events that support strong, healthy blood vessels and cardiovascular tissue. (3)
Other studies have looked at coleus’ potential for treating psoriasis and glaucoma. (4) , (5)
Toxicities & Precautions
Introduction
[span class=alert]Be sure to tell your pharmacist, doctor, or other health care providers about any dietary supplements you are taking. There may be a potential for interactions or side effects.[/span]
General
This dietary supplement is considered safe when used in accordance with proper dosing guidelines.
Health Conditions
If you have low blood pressure, peptic ulcer disease or any other bleeding disorder, talk to your doctor before taking this dietary supplement. (6)
Pregnancy/ Breast Feeding
To date, the medical literature has not reported any adverse effects related to fetal development during pregnancy or to infants who are breast-fed. Yet little is known about the use of this dietary supplement while pregnant or breast-feeding. Therefore, it is recommended that you inform your healthcare practitioner of any dietary supplements you are using while pregnant or breast-feeding.
Age Limitations
To date, the medical literature has not reported any adverse effects specifically related to the use of this dietary supplement in children. Since young children may have undiagnosed allergies or medical conditions, this dietary supplement should not be used in children under 10 years of age unless recommended by a physician.
Read More
1) Ayuverda
References
- Seamon KB, et al. Forskolin: Its Biological and Chemical Properties. In: Advances in Cyclic Nucleotide and Protein Phosphorylation Research. vol. 20. New York: Raven Press;1986:1-150.
- View Abstract: Doi K, et al. The Effect of Adenylate Cyclase Stimulation on Endocochlear Potential in the Guinea Pig. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 1990;247(1):16-19.
- View Abstract: Marone G, et al. Inhibition of IgE-mediated Release of Histamine and Peptide Leukotriene from Human Basophils and Mast Cells by Forskolin. Biochem Pharmacol. 1987;36(1):13-20.
- View Abstract: De Vries GW, et al. Effect of Forskolin on Beta-adrenergic Hyporesponsiveness in Skin. Skin Pharmacol. 1998;1(2):106-14.
- View Abstract: Caprioli J, et al. Adenylate Cyclase Stimulation and Intraocular Pressure Reduction by Forskolin Analogs. J Ocul Pharmacol. 1989;5(3):181-87.
- View Abstract: Lindner E, et al. Positive Inotropic and Blood Pressure Lowering Activity of a Diterpene Derivative Isolated from Coleus forskohli: Forskolin. Arzneim-Forsch/Drug Res. 1978;28:284-89.
