Coleus is a plant from the mint family. It grows in tropical regions of Asia such as Nepal, India, and Thailand. The root is used as medicine. Coleus root contains a chemical called forskolin. Herbal product manufacturers often produce coleus extracts that contain high levels of forskolin. These preparations are being promoted for the same conditions for which forskolin has been traditionally used.
Coleus or forskolin are used for high blood pressure, chest pain (angina), asthma, dry eye, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support any of these uses.
Forskolin works on muscles in the heart and in the walls of the blood vessels. It produces a more powerful heartbeat and widening of the blood vessels, which lowers blood pressure.
Effective for
- A heart condition called idiopathic congestive cardiomyopathy. Some research shows that giving coleus intravenously (by IV) may improve the function of the heart in people with congestive cardiomyopathy.
- Asthma. Some research shows that inhaling a single dose of coleus can improve symptoms of asthma.
Insufficient Evidence for
- Allergies.
- Blood clots.
- Cancer.
- Chest pain (angina).
- Insomnia.
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
- Period pains.
- Seizures.
- Skin.
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs) and bladder infections.
- Other conditions.
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