Coleus (forskolin)

Coleus forskohlii is native to India and has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries for the treatment of various health conditions, like respiratory disorders, heart disease, circulation conditions, abdominal colic, and cancers [4,8]. It is a perennial herb in a large genus of mints and is a rich source of terpenoids, flavonoids, and alkaloids [13]. In the mid-1970s, the plant's cardiovascular activity was investigated and it was discovered that diterpene forskolin directly activates adenylate cyclase (AC) – AC is known to relax many smooth muscles, it increases cellular cAMP (cyclic adenosine monophosphate), which is involved in processes such as glycogen and lipid metabolism [2,8]. Additionally, forskolin improves coronary blood flow and myocardial and left ventricular function and increases the blood flow in the cerebrum and kidneys [2].