Forskolin (coleus forskohlii, colforsin, makandi, maohouqiaoruihua, pashanabhedi)
Classes: Cardiovascular, Herbals; Oncology, Herbals; Pulmonary, Herbals
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