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Coleus (Coleus forskohlii, Lamiaceae) And Forskolin (Coleonol, HL 362) Be aware that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and dietary supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products containing or claiming to contain coleus. Decisions to use herbs or supplements should be carefully considered. Individuals using prescription drugs should discuss taking herbs or supplements with their pharmacist or health care provider before starting.
Scientists have studied coleus and forskolin, a root extract of coleus, for the following health problems: Cardiomyopathy | A small number of studies suggest that forskolin may improve cardiovascular function in patients with cardiomyopathy. These studies, however, are small and of poor quality.
More studies are needed to evaluate its use in severe heart failure. | Bronchial asthma | Several small studies suggest that coleus and forskolin may improve breathing in patients with bronchial asthma due to relaxation of airway smooth muscle. However, larger and better-quality studies are needed to demonstrate that coleus is safe and effective as an asthma treatment. | Breathing aid for intubation | Pretreatment before intubation may be beneficial and advantageous for middle-aged smokers among others. Further research is needed to confirm these results. | Glaucoma | Forskolin (an extract from Coleus forskohlii) has reduced intraocular pressure in low-quality laboratory studies and studies in humans. Further studies are needed to show potential safety and efficacy of forskolin in glaucoma. | Anti-inflammatory action after cardiopulmonary bypass | There is currently not enough evidence to recommend for or against the use of coleus, to patients recovering after cardiopulmonary bypass, for its anti-inflammatory effects. | Breast milk stimulant | Coleus has been used as a breast milk stimulant for hundreds of years, however the traditional use has not been well documented and scientific evidence is limited. | Depression and schizophrenia | There is currently not enough evidence to recommend for or against the use of coleus in the management of patients with depression or schizophrenia. | Erectile dysfunction | There is currently not enough data to recommend for or against the use of coleus in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. |
Coleus and forskolin have been suggested for many other uses, based on tradition or on scientific theories. However, these uses have not been thoroughly studied in humans, and there is limited scientific evidence about safety or effectiveness. Some of these suggested uses are for conditions that are potentially serious and even life-threatening. You should consult a health care provider before using coleus or forskolin for any unproven use. Abdominal colic
Abdominal cramps
Abortion
AIDS
Allergies
Angina
Antimicrobial (C. blumei)
Antioxidant
Antiplatelet
Antiseptic (C. aromaticus leaves)
Antiviral (C. parvifolius)
Atherosclerosis (C. parvifolius/rosamarinic acid)
Atopic dermatitis
Autoimmune diseases
Bladder infection
Bladder pain
Bloating
Bronchitis
Cancer (melanoma)
Cataracts
Cerebral vascular insufficiency
Circulatory tonic
Cirrhosis
Congestive heart failure
Convulsions
Decreasing platelet aggregation
Depression
Diabetes
Digestion
Dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation)
Eczema
Epilepsy
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Gas
Gastrointestinal disorders
Heart disease
High blood pressure
HIV
Hypothyroidism
Immune system stimulant
Inflammation
Insomnia
Irritable bowel syndrome
Ischemic heart disease
Liver diseases
Malabsorption
Menstrual cramps
Metastatic cancer
Obesity
Painful urination
Peptic ulcers
Poor sperm motility
Psoriasis
Reproductive disorders
Respiratory disorders
Skin rashes
Slow heart rate
Smooth muscle spasms
Spasmodic pain
Stroke
Thrombosis
Thyroid disorders
Urinary tract infection
Vasoconstriction
Weight loss
Worms |
Allergies Individuals with allergies to Coleus forskohlii should avoid coleus products. There are reports of skin rash ([airborne] contact dermatitis) with exposure to some species of coleus, such as Coleus blumei and Coleus scutellarioides. Side Effects At recommended doses, coleus is generally regarded as safe, with few reports of side effects. There have been reports of skin rash, a milky film over the eyes (when used as an eyedrop), increased heart rate and flushing. Coleus may lower blood pressure. Individuals with low blood pressure and those taking prescription drugs for high blood pressure should check with their health care provider before taking coleus. In animal studies, coleus has caused sedation. In theory, coleus may increase the risk of bleeding. You may need to stop taking coleus before some surgeries and dental procedures; discuss this with your health care provider. Coleus should not be used by people with active bleeding, such as peptic ulcer or intracranial bleeding. Coleus may stimulate the thyroid and should be used cautiously by people with thyroid disorders. The water extract of Coleus barbatus Benth, another species of coleus, produces mild stimulation of the central nervous system, increases intestinal movement in rats, as well as decreases gastric pH. Studies in humans are lacking. Caution should be used in patients with acid reflux or other gastric acid problems. Forskolin has been found to stimulate acid formation. Inhalation of forskolin may cause throat and/or upper respiratory tract irritation, mild to moderate cough, tremor, or restlessness. When given intravenously, forskolin may cause flushing and lower blood pressure. Pregnancy And Breast-Feeding Coleus is not recommended during pregnancy and breast-feeding. There is some evidence in animals that coleus may delay fetal development and affect implantation of the embryo in the uterus. Coleus may increase the risk of miscarriage during pregnancy.
Interactions with drugs, supplements and other herbs have not been thoroughly studied. The interactions listed below have been reported in scientific publications. If you are taking prescription drugs, speak with your health care provider or pharmacist before using herbs or dietary supplements. Interactions With Drugs In theory, coleus may increase the risk of bleeding when used with anticoagulants (blood thinners) or antiplatelet drugs. Examples include warfarin (Coumadin), heparin and clopidogrel (Plavix). Some pain relievers may also increase the risk of bleeding if used with coleus. Examples include aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) and naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve, Anaprox). Drugs that may enhance the antiplatelet effect of forskolin include dipyridamole and dilazep. One species of coleus, C. aromaticus (extract), has been shown to protect against cancer chemotherapy drug (cyclophosphamide and mitomycin-C) cell damage in mice. Lower doses were proven more effective than higher doses for this purpose. Coleus may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised if you are taking prescription drugs that may lower blood sugar levels. Patients taking oral drugs for diabetes or using insulin should be monitored closely by their health care provider while using coleus. Dosing adjustments may be necessary. In theory, coleus may have an additive effect if taken with drugs used to treat asthma (bronchodilators), high blood pressure or glaucoma or if taken with drugs that increase heart rate or heart function, such as digoxin (Lanoxin). Coleus may also have additive effects if taken with antihistamines, thyroid agents and antidepressants. Dosing adjustments may be necessary. The water extract of C. barbatus Benth (another coleus species) has been shown to reduce gastric secretion, protecting against gastric ulcers induced by stress. It did not, however, protect against the prescription drug indomethacin-induced ulcers. Caution should be used in patients taking medications that are dependent on pH and gastric action for breakdown and activation, such as some newer cephalosporin antibiotics, itraconazole, ketoconazole and warfarin. Coleus may interact with abortifacients, analgesics, anesthetics, antineoplastics, antiobesity drugs, drugs broken down by the liver, Ddecongestants, glaucoma drugs, neurologic drugs, and vasodilators. Interactions With Herbs And Dietary Supplements In theory, coleus may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with other products that are believed to increase the risk of bleeding. Examples include Ginkgo biloba and garlic ( Allium sativum). Coleus may lower blood sugar levels. People using other herbs or supplements that may alter blood sugar levels, such as bitter melon ( Momordica charantia), should be monitored closely by their health care provider while using coleus. Dosing adjustments may be necessary. In theory, coleus may have an additive effect if taken with herbs and supplements that act as bronchodilators, lower blood pressure and affect heart rate and heart function, such as hawthorn ( Crataegus laevigata). Coleus may also have additive effects if taken with herbs and supplements that act as antidepressants, such as St. John's wort ( Hypericum perforatum) or herbs and supplements that have an affect on thyroid function, such as bladderwrack ( Fucus vesiculosus). Dosing adjustments may be necessary. Coleus may interact with abortifacients, analgesics, anesthetics, anti inflammatoriesy, antihistamines, antineoplastics, antiobesity herbs and supplements, antioxidants, herbs and supplements broken down by the liver, gastrointestinal herbs and supplements, intraocular pressure altering herbs and supplements, neurologic herbs and supplements, and vasodilators.
The doses listed below are based on scientific research, publications or traditional use. Because most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly studied or monitored, safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients even within the same brand. Combination products often contain small amounts of each ingredient and may not be effective. Appropriate dosing should be discussed with a health care provider before starting therapy; always read the recommendations on a product's label. The dosing for unproven uses should be approached cautiously, because scientific information is limited in these areas. Coleus is frequently used in combination products, and there are no doses that have been well established scientifically. Coleus products may be standardized to contain 10 percent to 18 percent forskolin. Concentrations of forskolin may vary in different parts of the plant. Adults (Aged 18 Or Older) Some experts recommend 50 milligrams of a standardized coleus extract (18 percent forskolin) taken one to three times per day or 250 milligrams of a less-concentrated coleus extract (1 percent forskolin) taken one to three times per day. In liquid form, a dose of two to four milliliters of a standardized extract (10 percent to 20 percent forskolin) taken two to three times per day has been used. Dried root preparations have been recommended at a dose of two to five milligrams taken two to three times daily. Forskolin has been taken in doses of five to ten milligrams taken two to three times daily. For lowering intraocular pressure, a dose of 50 microliters of forskolin suspension eye drops (one percent) applied topically to the cornea has been used in healthy people. Intravenous forskolin has been given at a rate of 0.5 micrograms per kilogram per minute and increased at 15-minute intervals to 1, 2 and 3 micrograms per kilogram per minute up to one hour. Single-dose inhalation of forskolin powder (10 milligrams) has been taken from a Spinhaler. Children (Younger Than 18) The dosing and safety of coleus have not been studied thoroughly in children. Discuss doses with your child's health care provider before considering therapy.
Although coleus has been suggested for many illnesses, there is not conclusive evidence supporting its use for any health condition. Some studies suggest possible benefits for cardiomyopathy, glaucoma, bronchial asthma and as a breathing aid during intubation, but further research is needed. Pregnant or breast-feeding women and people with an increased risk of bleeding should avoid coleus. Individuals being treated for asthma, diabetes, glaucoma, heart disease, high blood pressure and thyroid conditions, as well as those taking anticoagulants (blood thinners), antiplatelet drugs, antihistamines or antidepressants, should check with their health care provider before taking coleus. Consult your health care provider immediately if you experience side effects. The information in this monograph was prepared by the professional staff at Natural Standard, based on thorough systematic review of scientific evidence. The material was reviewed by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School with final editing approved by Natural Standard.
- Natural Standard: An organization that produces scientifically based reviews of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) topics
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM): A division of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services dedicated to research
Selected Scientific Studies: Coleus And Forskolin Natural Standard has reviewed all of the currently available medical literature to prepare the professional monograph from which this version was created. Some of the more recent studies are listed below: - 1. [No authors listed] Coleus forskohlii. Monograph. Altern Med Rev. 2006 Mar;11(1):47-51.
- Almeida FC, Lemonica IP. The toxic effects of Coleus barbatus B. on the different periods of pregnancy in rats. J Ethnopharmacol 2000;Nov, 73(1-2):53-60.
- Cos P, Hermans N, Van Poel B, et al. Complement modulating activity of Rwandan medicinal plants. Phytomedicine 2002;Jan, 9(1):56-61.
- Damanik R, Wahlqvist ML, Wattanapenpaiboon N. Lactagogue effects of Torbangun, a Bataknese traditional cuisine. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2006;15(2):267-74.
- Hayashida N, Chihara S, Tayama E, et al. Antiinflammatory effects of colforsin daropate hydrochloride, a novel water-soluble forskolin derivative. Ann Thorac Surg 2001;71(6):1931-1938.
- Head KA. Natural therapies for ocular disorders, part two: cataracts and glaucoma. Altern Med Rev 2001;Apr, 6(2):141-166. Review.
- Ishikawa Y. Isoform-targeted regulation of cardiac adenylyl cyclase. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol 2003;Jan, 41(Suppl 1):1-4. Review.
- Iwatsubo K, Tsunematsu T, Ishikawa Y. Isoform-specific regulation of adenylyl cyclase: a potential target in future pharmacotherapy. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2003;Jun, 7(3):441-451.
- Mei SX, Jiang B, Niu XM, et al. Abietane diterpenoids from Coleus xanthanthus. J Nat Prod 2002;May, 65(5):633-637.
- 10. Natural Standard Research Collaboration, Chief Editors: Ulbricht C, Basch E, Natural Standard Herb and Supplement Reference - Evidence-Based Clinical Reviews, USA: Elsevier/Mosby, 2005.
- Petersen M, Simmonds MS. Rosmarinic acid. Phytochemistry 2003;Jan, 62(2):121-125. Review.
- Prasad S, Naik P, Vijayalaxmi KK. Efficiency of Coleus aromaticus extract in modifying cyclophosphamide and mitomycin-C induced clastogenicity in mouse bone marrow cells. Indian J Exp Biol 2002;Sep, 40(9):1020-1025.
- Ragas CY, Templora VF, Rideout JA. Diastereomeric diterpenes from Coleus blumei. Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo) 2001;Jul, 49(7):927-929.
- Tewtrakul S, Miyashiro H, Nakamura N, et al. HIV-1 integrase inhibitory substances from Coleus parvifolius. Phytother Res 2003;Mar, 17(3):232-239.
- Wajima Z, Shiga T, Yoshikawa T, et al. Effect of prophylactic bronchodilator treatment with intravenous colforsin daropate, a water-soluble forskolin derivative, on airway resistance after tracheal intubation. Anesthesiology 2003;Jul, 99(1):18-26.
Last updated September 03, 2008
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