Coleus forskolii                                      Common name: Coleus

Family:

Part used: Root

Constituents:  Diterpenoids

Actions: Hypotensive, bronchodilating, inflammation modulating, positive inotropic, lipolysis stimulator, thyroid hormone release stimulator, mood elevator, platelet aggregation inhibitor

Pharmacology: An adenylate cyclase activator (stimulates the formation of ATP)

Medical uses: Hypertension, allergies, asthma, dilated cardiomyopathy, glaucoma, hypothyroidism, obesity

Pharmacy:

Contraindications: Caution with active peptic ulcer

Toxicity:   Overall very safe; GI stimulating, possibly vasodilating

Interactions: Theoretical concern it may potentiate warfarin and digoxin.