Coleus (Forskohlii)
Plectranthus barbatus
Other names: Coleus (Forskohlii)
Edible plantPhoto credit: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz
Safety information
Safety information
Toxicity: Use with care.
Contraindications: Do not use for heart/circulatory problems or glaucoma without professional advice.
Interactions: Likely with cardiovascular/BP medication (forskolin is vasoactive) — professional advice.
Evidence level
Supported by laboratory or animal studies; not yet confirmed in humans.
Preparations
leaf infusion · leaves
Part used: leaves
Traditional use: general use; leaves eaten in pickles(Folk and historical sources have not been validated by clinical research.)
root decoction · root
Part used: root
Traditional use: digestive complaints (gas, bloating); heart/circulatory tonic; respiratory (asthma, bronchitis); glaucoma
Proposed mechanism: forskolin active for heart failure, glaucoma, bronchial asthma
Dosage note (descriptive only): professional advice for heart/circulatory/glaucoma use
Associated conditions
Edibility
Edible parts: leaves traditionally eaten in pickles in India
Nutritional notes
Minor.
Healing traditions
Sources (1)
- Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine (book, p.83) — Andrew Chevallier, English, 2016