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Coleus Forskohlii

Coleus Forskohlii

Aid Overall Health / Increase Energy / Lose Weight

You may not know how to pronounce coleus forskohlii, but if you are reading this article then you definitely want to know what it is and what it does. Coleus is a tropical plant in the mint and lavender families, which means it is classified as an herb. This perennial plant originates from the Himalayans and Northern India, but is grown throughout Southeast Asia.

Coleus has fleshy leaves and purple flowers making it highly desired as an ornamental plant. The plants are extremely aromatic with a scent similar to camphor. Unlike most plants in the mint family, it is the root of the coleus plant that is used for medicinal applications and supplements.

The root of the coleus plant contains a chemical called forskolin. This is extracted to make topical creams to treat conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Forskolin has been used in eye drop applications for glaucoma as well.

The extract is also used to make the supplement coleus forskohlii. When taken orally, coleus forskohlii has been used to treat allergies, asthma, and menstrual cramps according to the NYU Langone Medical Center. Studies have also shown it may also be useful for weight loss.

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Summary

Coleus Forskohlii for Weight Loss Studies have shown that coleus forskohlii stimulates the breakdown of stored fat and promotes increases in lean muscle mass. It works similar to ephedrine to release enzymes to break fat down and burn it off. The major difference between coleus forskoh... more

Coleus Forskohlii for Weight Loss

Studies have shown that coleus forskohlii stimulates the breakdown of stored fat and promotes increases in lean muscle mass. It works similar to ephedrine to release enzymes to break fat down and burn it off.

The major difference between coleus forskohlii and ephedrine is that it does not affect the adrenergic receptors. The adrenergic receptors are responsible for the raise in blood pressure and anxiety related side effects. Coleus forskohlii also boosts thyroid production which supports the metabolism and increases metabolic rate to help with weight loss.

Study participants also reported feeling more energetic and having a decrease in appetite. Researchers believe more studies are needed on the use of coleus forskohlii for weight loss.

Preliminary studies were encouraging but were shown to be more effective in men than women. The study on women showed that those using coleus forskohlii only experienced a slight weight loss compared to the control group which gained weight. The study on men showed that subjects using coleus forskohlii had significant fat loss compared to the control group.

Other Conditions Which May be Treated With Coleus Forskohlii

Coleus forskohlii has been found to relieve asthma symptoms when inhaled. It increases cyclic AMP which relaxes the muscles surrounding the bronchial tubes.  Coleus forskohlii also controls the release of histamines and decreases inflammation when ingested; this helps to relieve asthma as well as allergic reactions.   

Eye drops containing coleus forskohlii are being used to help alleviate the pressure caused by glaucoma. The effects have been shown to reach optimal level 2 hours after being applied but remained effective for at least 5 hours. Because these drops are being applied to your eye you should only use them if you have consulted with a doctor.

Topical treatments containing coleus forskohlii have been used to treat both eczema and psoriasis because of its anti-inflammatory properties. Coleus forskohlii is also believed to be effective on psoriasis because of its link to cyclic AMP production.

Coleus forskohlii has been shown to have some antimicrobial properties and has been used to treat several strains of bacteria that are known to be the underlying causes of some acne.

Coleus forskohlii has been shown to relax the smooth muscles of the body. This is useful when treating aliments such as menstrual cramps, IBS, and the pain associated with bladder infections. Coleus forskolii relieves symptoms associated with angina and high blood pressure.

Coleus Forskohlii Dosage and Side Effects

The most common dosage is 50mg 2-3 times a day of a supplement containing 18% forskolin. For inhaled dosing, consult your doctor first.

Oil extracts of coleus forskohlii should always be mixed into lotion or cream and never applied directly to skin. The ratio should be approximately 1 fluid ounce to 64 ounces of lotion or cream.

Coleus forskohlii side effects can include headache, low blood pressure, and irregular heartbeat. When inhaled, coleus forskohlii may cause cough, shakiness, and agitation. It may also aggravate ulcers.

Coleus forskohlii might increase glucose and thyroid levels. People with diabetes or thyroid disorders should consult a doctor before using this supplement.

According to Web MD, coleus forskohlii can have serious interactions with medications for high blood pressure. If you are taking medications such as beta blockers, clonidine, or hydralazine you should not take this supplement as it can cause blood pressure to drop to dangerously low levels.

You should also use caution when taking blood thinners as coleus forskohlii may also slow clotting increasing your chances for bleeding or bruising. You should discontinue use at least 2 weeks prior to any surgery. 

Interested in trying a product containing coleus forskohlii? Try the supplement finder now!

Other

  • Side Effects
  • Other Names
  • Uses
Agitation
Contraindicated For Certain Drugs Or Medication
Contraindicated For Certain Medical Conditions
Cough
Headaches
Irregular Heartbeat
Low Blood Pressure
Shakiness
Aggravated Ulcers
Coleus Plant
Acne
Allergies
Angina
Anti-inflammatory
Appetite Suppression
Asthma
Bladder Infection
Eczema
Energy
Glaucoma
High Blood Pressure
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Menstral Cramps
Psoriasis
Weight Loss