Coleus forskohlii
Plectranthus barbatus
Herbs & Roots. Ayurveda.
Also called Forskolin, Indian coleus, Gandira
May lower blood pressureA mint-family plant whose root gives forskolin, a compound studied for weight loss and breathing problems.
Did you know? Forskolin is named after Peter Forsskål, an 18th century botanist, and it raises a messenger chemical called cAMP inside cells.
What it may help, and how strong the proof is
- Weight. A few small trials in overweight people found modest fat loss over several weeks. Larger, longer trials are lacking.Early proof
- Breathing & asthma. Forskolin relaxes airway muscle in lab studies. Human asthma proof is very limited.Traditional proof
- Eyes & vision. Forskolin lowered eye pressure in early studies. There is no proof it helps people with glaucoma.Traditional proof
Parts of the body
Traditional use
Some Ayurvedic writers name it Gandira and use the root for heart, breathing and digestive complaints. Most of this use is old tradition, not proof.
How it is classified
- Herbal actions
- Heart tonic, Antispasmodic, Hypotensive. Energy: warming.
- Ayurveda
- Calms Vata and Kapha. Taste (rasa): bitter, pungent. Energy (virya): heating. After digestion (vipaka): pungent. Hridya (heart tonic).
How people take it
Most people use standardized extracts with a set amount of forskolin, usually taken once or twice a day. Powdered root and tinctures are also sold, but no safe dose is set.
Capsule, powder and tincture.
Where to get it
The plant grows in India, Thailand and other warm regions, and the root is dried for powders and extracts. Choose brands that list the forskolin percentage and test for heavy metals.
Be careful
Common side effects are headache, dizziness, upset stomach and a fast heartbeat. It can lower blood pressure, so people who faint easily should be careful. Its safety in pregnancy is not known, so avoid it.
Avoid if: pregnancy; breastfeeding; low blood pressure; bleeding disorders; before surgery.
Mixing with other things
- Use cautionBlood pressure medicine (lisinopril, amlodipine, losartan)
May lower blood pressure further when taken with blood pressure medicines.
- Use cautionBlood thinners (warfarin, Eliquis, Xarelto, Plavix, daily aspirin)
Forskolin may keep platelets from clumping, which can add to bleeding risk with blood thinners.
Adds up with others that may slow blood clotting: , , , , , , , , , , , , , and 40 more.
Adds up with others that may lower blood pressure: , , , , , , , , , , , , , and 12 more.
The honest take
Most research is lab or animal work, and the human studies are few, small and short. The weight loss claims are ahead of the proof. Supplement strength varies widely, so the label may not match the bottle.