The application of eye drops containing 0.3–1% of forskolin (the main bioactive compound in Coleus forskohlii) may cause small reductions in intraocular pressure, suggesting potential therapeutic effects of forskolin in eye disorders involving ocular hypertension, such as glaucoma.[1][2] Although trials administering forskolin orally in participants with glaucoma have also noted reductions in intraocular pressure, the findings were confounded by simultaneous supplementation with rutin and vitamins B1 and B2.[3][4]
Limited preliminary clinical research suggests that supplementation with Coleus forskohlii extract or forskolin may reduce the number of asthma attacks in children,[5] protect against methacholine-induced airway restriction in healthy adults,[6] increase testosterone levels and bone mineral density (BMD) in men with overweight/obesity,[7] and reduce blood pressure and improve body composition and/or metabolic health in older adults and in adults with overweight/obesity.[8][7][9] However, much more evidence is needed in these research areas before firm conclusions can be drawn.
Findings from some in vitro and animal studies suggest that Coleus forskohlii may have anticancer,[10][11][12] antifibrotic,[13] thyroid-stimulating,[14] and anti-inflammatory[15] properties. However, human trials exploring these potential effects are lacking.