Forskolin (Indian Coleus, Coleus Forskohlii)
                       
Botanical name: Coleus Forskohlii, Plectranthus barbatus

Common name: Indian Coloured Nettel, Forskolin

Family: Lamiaceae       

English name: Indian Coleus

Useful parts of the plant : leaves

The Indian Coleus (Coleus Forskohlii) belongs to the family of mint plants. The home of the Indian Coleus reaches from tropical Africa over the Arabian peninsula until the Indian and the Chinese provinces. Coleus forskohlii is known in the Indian native medicine (Traditional Indian Medicine) as a substance of circulation for reducing blood pressure, and against bonchial asthma, Glaucoma and heart failures. The plant has a laxative and diuretic effect, and is applied for abdominal pains and gastritis. Indian Coleus is effective on bad digestive disorders, which cause owing on account of a low acidity in stomach and a disorder in the pancreatic enzymes. It then increases digestion.

The active substance Forskolin which is content in the Indian Coleus belongs to the group of Terpenes. These are well spread out in the nature and in the plant itself as a component of ethereal oils. Terpenes consist of antimicrobial effects, this of course well known in all cultural circles.

Forskolin is actively involved in its own way in a lot of body functions. Out of many other things, it improves blood circulation and strengthens heart function. In the digestive system it activates the freeing procedure of hydrochloric acid in the stomach and can relieve from intestinal colic. For the immune system Forskolin activates the lymphocytes and macrophages, and generally supports the energy production in the cells.

It is also used in the therapy for Asthma, Psoriasis and likewise in sexual disorders, for example: in dysmenorrhoea (menstrual cramps) and masculine impotence. Forskolin can help in preventing flare up of cystitis. American researchers have observed that, it stops the bacteria responsible for infections, which are hiding inside the bladder cells. Through this the bacteria themselves deprive the effect of antibiotics. It is one of the basic causes why the infection in case of one third of the patients returns regularly. To establish themselves inside the urinary bladder the bacteria take advantage of the mechanism the bladder uses to stretch if necessary. Reacting to increasing amounts of urine small bags inside the bladder cell move towards the cell’s surface and merge with the cell membrane. This way the whole bladder expands. Once the bladder is emptied the small bags are drawn in and move inside the cell. The bacteria take advantage of that: They sit on the outside of the cells and enter together with those small bags. In this manner the microbes are transported inside the cell where antibiotics and other toxins cannot harm them and form where shortly after they may cause new infections.

Forskolin is also used against asthma, bronchitis and other chronic respiratory diseases as it prevents the tying up of the bronchi. It may have a bronchi widening effect. It promotes the regeneration of damaged nerves and possibly has an antidepressant effect.

Forskolin is used in case of calcification (Ateriosclerosis), weak blood circulation of arteries and for strengthening of heart. The German Journal Arzneimittel-Forschung (37, 364-367) reports that Forskolin demonstrably improves the contraction of the heart and henceforth its function, has a vascodilatory effect also on the brain. It inhibits the agglomeration of blood and reduces the level of blood sugar by increasing the insulin secretion.
Writing in the Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology (16/1) the authors report a systolic and diastolic blood pressure decrease if Forskolin is being taken. At the same time the lung-artery-pressure and the cardiac output per minute increase. Heart impact volume and impact volume index are improved by 70 per cent.
Both externally and internally Indian Coleus is also used to treat psoriasis. According to research made by the university in Kentucky, USA, Forskolin stimulates the creation of melanin why it may also find use as sunscreen or prophylactic against skin cancer.
During earlier studies the essence of the Indian Coleus could reduce the intra-ocular pressure with glaucoma patients.

Physiologically the energy improving effect of Forskolin is being explained with its capacity to stimulate the activity of adenate cyclase and raising the level of adenosin monophosphatase (cAMP). Plainly: Forskolin effects substances such as cAMP which activate enzymes that are necessary for cellular energy. This cycle may be interrupted with the aid of Forskolin. It causes the bacteria filled small bags to move bag to the cell surface. The bacteria can now be discharged with the urine.

Source: University of Kentucky (Dr. John D'Orazio of the UK Department of Pediatrics,the Markey Cancer Center and the Graduate Center for Toxicology)
McEwan DG, Brunton VG, Baillie GS, Leslie NR, Houslay MD, Frame MC. (June 2007) "Chemoresistant KM12C Colon Cancer Cells Are Addicted to Low Cyclic AMP Levels in a Phosphodiesterase 4-Regulated Compartment via Effects on Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase.", Cancer Research Volume 67, Issue 11.
Michael P. Godard, Brad A. Johnson, Scott R. Richmond (August 2005) "Body Composition and Hormonal Adaptations Associated with Forskolin Consumption in Overweight and Obese Men", Obesity Research Vol. 13 No. 8.
Aaron H. Bubolz, Hongwei Li, Qingping Wu, and Yanping Liu. Enhanced oxidative stress impairs cAMP-mediated dilation by reducing Kv channel function in small coronary arteries of diabetic rats.
Brian Bishop (Duke-Universität, Durham) et al.: Nature Medicine, Online-Vorabveröffentlichung, DOI: 10.1038/nm1572

BACK | TOP

© Your Ayurveda Health Team

Home | FAQ | Active herbs and substances | Indications | Quality and Bioavailability | Contact us | About us | Disclaimer