Coleus Forskohlii
is a plant whose medicinal properties has been recognized and widely used in
Hindu and Ayurvedic traditional medicine since the ancient times. The plant’s
root has been known to contain the active organic compound known as
Forskolin. Forskolin was named after the
Finnish botanist, Forskal. Historically,
it has been used to treat the following conditions:
1.
Hypertension
2.
Congestive
Heart Failure
3.
Eczema
4.
Colic
5.
Respiratory
Disorders
6.
Painful
Urination
7.
Insomnia
8.
Convulsions
There
have been clinical studies that support the effectivity of the plant as an
herbal treatment of the above mentioned conditions. The studies also indicate
possible therapeutic benefits of Forskolin for the treatment of asthma, angina,
psoriasis and prevention of cancer metastases.
The Plant
Coleus
forskohlii is a perennial plant belonging to the mint family or Lamiaceae. The
plant grows in the subtropical temperate climates of India, Nepal, Sri Lanka,
and Thailand. It grows to about 1-2 feet with leaves the shape of teardrops of
green with a purple center. A bunch of
stalked pale purple or blue flowers branches off a single stem. The plant has
golden brown roots, thick, fibrous, and radially spreading which are harvested
in the fall, when forskolin is at its most concentrated and the color is the
brightest.
Forskolin and its Benefits
The root
of the plant contains diterpene forskolin which is the primary source of
clinical interest in Coleus Forskohlii. The compound was discovered by western
scientists in 1974 and was then referred to as Coleonol. As other coleonols and
diterpenoids within the plant have since been identified, the term was revised
to forskolin. Virtually all of the
pharmacological uses coming from Coleus Forskolii are attributed to Forskolin while
all others contribute to the absorption of Forskolin.
Forskolin’s
primary mode of action is to increase cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and
cAMP mediated functions, via activation of the enzyme adenylate cyclase. In the cellular level, people with asthma,
cardiovascular disease, eczema, psoriasis, hypertension, angina and obesity
have decreased levels of cAMP.
Forskolin’s ability to increase or elevate cAMP levels shows beneficial
effects to alleviate the above conditions.
A small
clinical study involving six overweight women over a period of eight weeks has
shown an average weight loss of ten pounds with an eight percent reduction of
body fat. The women were given 250mg of
Coleus Forskohlii standardized to contain 10 per cent Forskolin twice daily.
Blood pressure appeared to be lowered and there was no adverse effect reported
indicating Coleus forskohlii might be safe and
effective for losing weight and body fat.
Clinical studies have also shown that Forskolin Supplements
has little to no side effects although it is strongly suggested that your
doctor’s advice should be sought prior to taking the supplements.
