Coleus forskohlii

    Written by:
    Antonis Damianou

    Fact-checked

    by:

    Nick Milazzo
    Last Updated: April 9, 2024

    Coleus forskohlii is an Ayurvedic herb. Extremely limited research suggests that forskolin, the plant’s main bioactive compound, may reduce intraocular pressure and asthma symptoms, increase testosterone and bone mineral density, and improve metabolic health and body composition.

    28 references on this page
    161 participants in 8 trials

    Overview

    Dosage information

    Only a handful of clinical trials have looked at the effects of Coleus forskohlii in humans. Most of these trials have administered 250 mg of Coleus forskohlii extract standardized to contain 10% forskolin twice per day, for a total daily dose of 500 mg of Coleus forskohlii extract, equivalent to 50 mg of forskolin.

    Because supplementation with Coleus forskohlii extract or forskolin has been noted to reduce blood pressure, increase stomach acid levels, and inhibit platelet aggregation, it should be used with caution by people with hypotension (low blood pressure) or who are taking antihypertensive (blood-pressure-lowering) drugs, people with blood clotting disorders or who are taking blood thinning medication, and people with stomach ulcers.[1]

    Frequently asked questions

    Update History

    Examine Database References

    1. Asthma Symptoms - Kaik G, Witte PUProtective effect of forskolin in acetylcholine provocation in healthy probands. Comparison of 2 doses with fenoterol and placeboWien Med Wochenschr.(1986 Dec 31)
    2. Weight - Henderson S, Magu B, Rasmussen C, Lancaster S, Kerksick C, Smith P, Melton C, Cowan P, Greenwood M, Earnest C, Almada A, Milnor P, Magrans T, Bowden R, Ounpraseuth S, Thomas A, Kreider RBEffects of coleus forskohlii supplementation on body composition and hematological profiles in mildly overweight womenJ Int Soc Sports Nutr.(2005 Dec 9)
    3. Weight - Hayley L Loftus, Katie J Astell, Michael L Mathai, Xiao Q SuColeus forskohlii Extract Supplementation in Conjunction with a Hypocaloric Diet Reduces the Risk Factors of Metabolic Syndrome in Overweight and Obese Subjects: A Randomized Controlled TrialNutrients.(2015 Nov 17)
    4. Intraocular Pressure - Meyer BH, Stulting AA, Müller FO, Luus HG, Badian MThe effects of forskolin eye drops on intra-ocular pressureS Afr Med J.(1987 May 2)
    5. Intraocular Pressure - Badian M, Dabrowski J, Grigoleit HG, Lieb W, Lindner E, Rupp WEffect of forskolin eyedrops on intraocular pressure in healthy malesKlin Monbl Augenheilkd.(1984 Dec)
    6. Muscle Mass - Godard MP, Johnson BA, Richmond SRBody composition and hormonal adaptations associated with forskolin consumption in overweight and obese menObes Res.(2005 Aug)
    7. Asthma Symptoms - R González-Sánchez, X Trujillo, B Trujillo-Hernández, C Vásquez, M Huerta, A ElizaldeForskolin versus sodium cromoglycate for prevention of asthma attacks: a single-blinded clinical trialJ Int Med Res.(Mar-Apr 2006)
    8. Weight - F L Greenway, G A BrayRegional fat loss from the thigh in obese women after adrenergic modulationClin Ther.(1987)