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Coleus
© Martin Wall
Related Topics
Common names:
MakandiBotanical names:
Coleus forskohliiParts Used & Where Grown
This attractive, perennial member of the mint (Lamiaceae) family originated in the lower elevations of India. It is now grown around the world as an ornamental plant. The root is used medicinally.
What Are "Star" Ratings?
Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.
Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.
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This supplement has been used in connection with the following health conditions:
| Used for | Amount | Why |
|---|---|---|
Glaucoma | Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner | Studies have shown that intraocular pressure may be lowered by directly applying a sterile fluid extract of forskolin, a constituent of the Ayurvedic herb Coleus forskohlii. |
| ||
| Used for | Amount | Why |
|---|---|---|
Asthma | 50 to 100 mg of an extract standardized to 18% forskolin, taken two to three times per day | One trial found that a constituent of coleus, called forskolin, when inhaled, could decrease lung spasms in asthmatics. |
| ||
| Used for | Amount | Why |
|---|---|---|
Cardiomyopathy | Refer to label instructions | Coleus contains forskolin, a substance that may help dilate blood vessels and improve the forcefulness with which the heart pumps blood. |
| ||
| Used for | Amount | Why |
|---|---|---|
Congestive Heart Failure | Refer to label instructions | Coleus contains forskolin, a substance that may help dilate blood vessels and improve the forcefulness with which the heart pumps blood. |
| ||
| Used for | Amount | Why |
|---|---|---|
Hypertension | Refer to label instructions | Forskolin, the active ingredient in Coleus forskohlii, has lowered blood pressure in a trial with people suffering from cardiomyopathy. |
| ||
| Used for | Amount | Why |
|---|---|---|
Obesity | Refer to label instructions | Coleus has been recommended by practitioners of herbal medicine for weight loss. |
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| Used for | Amount | Why |
|---|---|---|
Psoriasis | Refer to label instructions | Some herbalists use the herb coleus in treating people with psoriasis. |
| ||
Traditional Use (May Not Be Supported by Scientific Studies)
As recorded in ancient Sanskrit texts, coleus was used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat heart and lung diseases, intestinal spasms, insomnia, and convulsions.
Also indexed as:
- coleus,
- Coleus forskohlii,
- makandi
About this treatment
Common names:
MakandiBotanical names:
Coleus forskohliiHow It Works
Forskolin, a chemical found in coleus, activates the enzyme adenylate cyclase. This enzyme is a turnkey compound that initiates a cascade of critical events within every cell of the body. Adenylate cyclase and the chemicals it activates comprise a “second messenger” system that is responsible for carrying out the complex and powerful effects of hormones in the body. Stimulation of the second messenger system by forskolin leads to blood vessel dilation, inhibition of allergic reactions, and an increase in thyroid hormone secretion. Forskolin has other properties as well, including inhibition of the pro-inflammatory substance known as platelet-activating factor (PAF) and inhibition of the spread of cancer cells.
Studies in healthy humans, including at least one double-blind trial, have shown that direct application of an ophthalmic preparation of forskolin to the eyes lowers eye pressure, thus reducing the risk of glaucoma. Direct application of the whole herb to the eyes has not been studied and is not recommended.
Forskolin may help dilate blood vessels and improve the forcefulness with which the heart pumps blood. A preliminary trial found that forskolin reduced blood pressure and improved heart function in people with cardiomyopathy. It is unknown if oral coleus extracts would have the same effect. A small double-blind trial found that inhaled forskolin could decrease lung spasms in asthmatics. It is unclear if oral ingestion of coleus extracts will provide similar benefits.
How to Use It
Coleus extracts standardized to 10 to 18% forskolin are available. While some doctors expert in herbal medicine recommend 50–100 mg two to three times per day of standardized coleus extract, these amounts are extrapolations and have yet to be confirmed by direct clinical research. Most studies have used injected forskolin, so it is unclear if oral ingestion of coleus extracts will provide similar benefits in the amounts recommended above. Until ophthalmic preparations of coleus or forskolin are available, people with glaucoma should consult with a skilled healthcare practitioner to obtain a sterile fluid extract for use in the eyes.
Last Review: 05-11-2011
Copyright © 2011 Aisle7. All rights reserved. www.Aisle7.net
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The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires June 2011.
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