coleus

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum:  

Action: 

Forskolin, extracted from coleus forskohlii roots, activates adenylate cyclase enzyme, increasing cAMP levels in cells, leading to various physiological effects. 

Forskolin may dilate blood vessels, lowering blood pressure, and has positive effects on heart contractions. 

Spectrum: 

Coleus has been used in Ayurveda for digestive, skin, and respiratory issues. 

Modern research focuses on coleus forskohlii for heart health, weight management, and inflammation. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined  

Diarrhea  

GI syndrome  

CNS depression  

Perianal dermatitis  

Arrhythmias  

Tachycardia  

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning:  

Take caution in bleeding disorders. 

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution:  

Contraindications  

• Hypersensitivity  
• Bleeding disorders  
• Pregnancy  

Cautions  

• Kidney disease 
• Liver disease 
• Drug interactions 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy/Lactation 

Pregnancy consideration:   

No data is available regarding the administration of the drug during pregnancy.  

Breastfeeding warnings:   

No data is available regarding the excretion of drug in breast milk.  

Pregnancy category:  

Category A: well-controlled and satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester.  

Category B: There was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women.  

Category C: There was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.     

Category D: Adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.     

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.     

Category N: No data is available for the drug under this category.  

Pharmacology

Pharmacology 

Forskolin, derived from coleus root, is its main active compound, extensively studied for its pharmacological effects. 

Pharmacodynamics 

Forskolin activates adenylyl cyclase, boosting cAMP production, causing smooth muscle relaxation with therapeutic implications for conditions like asthma. 

Pharmacokinetics: 

Limited data available 

Adminstartion

Administration: 

Coleus supplements with forskolin extract come in capsules, tablets, or liquid forms for oral intake. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet  

Generic Name: coleus  

Pronounced: KOH-lee-us  

Why do we use coleus?  

Ayurveda uses herbs for respiratory, heart, and digestive problems. Forskolin from coleus forskohlii may help with weight, heart, and breathing. Be cautious and consult a healthcare professional for its use due to ongoing research on effectiveness and safety.