This attractive, perennial member of the mint (Lamiaceae) family originated in the lower elevations of India. It is now grown around the world as an ornamental plant. The root is used medicinally.
Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.
For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.
Used for | Amount | Why |
---|---|---|
Glaucoma | Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner | [2 stars] Studies have shown that intraocular pressure may be lowered by directly applying a sterile fluid extract of forskolin, a constituent of the Ayurvedic herb Coleus forskohlii. |
Obesity | 250 mg of standardized extract twice daily | [2 stars] Clinical trials suggest coleus may help regulate body weight and improve metabolic health.
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Asthma | 50 to 100 mg of an extract standardized to 18% forskolin, taken two to three times per day | [1 star] One trial found that a constituent of coleus, called forskolin, when inhaled, could decrease lung spasms in asthmatics. |
Cardiomyopathy | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Coleus contains forskolin, a substance that may help dilate blood vessels and improve the forcefulness with which the heart pumps blood. |
Congestive Heart Failure | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Coleus contains forskolin, a substance that may help dilate blood vessels and improve the forcefulness with which the heart pumps blood. |
Hypertension | 100 to 300 mg per day of Coleus extract with 10–20% forskohlin | [1 star] A small amount of preliminary evidence suggests Coleus forskohlii and its active ingredient forskohlin may have blood pressure-lowering effects. |
Psoriasis | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Some herbalists use the herb coleus in treating people with psoriasis. |
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The information presented by TraceGains is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2025.