Forskolin (coleus forskohlii, colforsin, makandi, maohouqiaoruihua, pashanabhedi): Dosing and Uses

Suggested dosing of Coleus forskohlii, colforsin (forskolin)

Oral

100-300 mg/day PO of extract containing 10-20% forskolin

Inhalation

Asthma: 10 mg of forskolin powder; use a Spinhaler inhalator

Suggested uses of Coleus forskohlii, colforsin (forskolin)

Cancer, obesity, glaucoma, allergies & asthma; heart failure, intestinal spasms, dysmenorrhea, IBS, UTI, hypertension, angina, insomnia, & convulsions

Efficacy

Small clinical studies indicate obesity reduction potential as well as asthma prevention

Coleus forskohlii, colforsin (forskolin) adverse (side) effects

Hypotension (with beta-blockers, vasodilators, calcium channel blockers), tachycardia, bleeding

Warnings

Contraindications

Concurrent anticoagulants, antihypertensives, vasodilators

Ulcers

Diabetes

Pregnancy, breastfeeding

Cautions

Risk of bleeding

Pregnancy and lactation

Pregnancy category: avoid use

Lactation: avoid use

Pregnancy categories

A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.

B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.

C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.

D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.

X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.

NA: Information not available.

Pharmacology of Coleus forskohlii, colforsin (forskolin)

Metabolism: N/A

Excretion: N/A

Mechanism of action

Promotes activation of adenylate cyclase & incr intracellular cAMP resulting in beta-adrenergic effects:

• positive inotrope
• vasodilator
• inhibits Plt aggregation