What are Coleus forskohlii’s main drawbacks?

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    Last Updated: May 16, 2025

    The main drawbacks of Coleus forskohlii include potential gastrointestinal side effects (particularly diarrhea) and (ii) its ability to lower blood pressure, increase stomach acid, and inhibit platelet aggregation, which may make it unsuitable for certain individuals.

    Although supplementation with Coleus forskohlii extract or forskolin is generally considered to be safe and well tolerated at recommended doses, it has been associated with side effects relating mainly to gastrointestinal disturbances (primarily diarrhea).[1][2]

    Because supplementation with Coleus forskohlii extract or forskolin has been noted to reduce blood pressure, increase stomach acid levels, and inhibit platelet aggregation, its use may be contraindicated for some individuals.[3]