Coleus (forskolin): what it is and why people take it

Coleus forskohlii is a tropical plant used in traditional medicine. The part most supplements use is called forskolin — a compound that can affect cell signals in the body. People take it for things like weight management, asthma, heart health, and as a general supplement. Research is mixed, so know what the evidence actually says before you buy.

What Coleus is commonly used for

Here are the main reasons people try Coleus (forskolin):

- Weight and body composition: A small clinical study on overweight men found modest improvements in body composition after taking a forskolin supplement. That study was limited in size and scope, so it's not a sure thing for everyone.

- Respiratory issues: Forskolin can relax smooth muscle in airways, so it’s been tested for asthma. Results vary and it’s not a replacement for inhalers or prescribed meds.

- Heart and blood pressure: Forskolin may lower blood pressure in some people by widening blood vessels. That effect can be helpful — or risky if you already take BP meds.

- Eye pressure and glaucoma: Early research looked at topical or local effects. The evidence isn’t strong enough to recommend it instead of ophthalmic care.

Safety, interactions, and how to pick a supplement

Side effects are usually mild: upset stomach, low blood pressure, dizziness, and headache. More serious problems are rare but possible, especially if you mix forskolin with other meds.

Watch for interactions with:

- Blood pressure medicines (additive effect can cause low BP).
- Blood thinners or anticoagulants (may change bleeding risk).
- Diabetes meds (forskolin might affect blood sugar).
- Any prescription where changes in blood pressure or heart rate are risky.

Avoid Coleus if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding unless your doctor approves. For kids, stick to medical advice.

Picking a supplement: choose brands that list the forskolin percentage (often 10% is used), show full ingredient lists, and have third-party testing or GMP certification. Avoid vague "proprietary blends" that hide how much active ingredient you’re actually getting.

Typical supplements come as capsules or extracts. Dosing varies—many products offer 50–250 mg of extract per serving and often standardize to a percent of forskolin. Clinical studies tend to use standardized extracts, so look for that on the label. Still, talk to your doctor before starting, especially if you take other medicines.

Bottom line: Coleus (forskolin) shows promise in a few areas, but evidence is limited. If you want to try it, pick a reputable product and check with your healthcare provider about interactions and safety. For more supplement guides and reliable drug info, see our other articles on RxStore-365.