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| 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. Uses As recorded in ancient Sanskrit texts, coleus was used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat heart and lung diseases, intestinal spasms, insomnia and convulsions. Active Ingredients Forskolin, a chemical found in coleus, activates the enzyme adenylate cyclase. [J Cyclic Nucleotide Res 1981;7: pp.201-24 (review)] This enzyme is a turnkey compound that initiates a cascade of critical events within every cell of the body. Adenylate cyclase and the chemicals it activates comprise a “second messenger” system that is responsible for carrying out the complex and powerful effects of hormones in the body. [Int J Cancer 1983;32: pp.801-4]. While some doctors expert in herbal medicine recommend 50-100mg two to three times per day of standardized coleus extract, these amounts are extrapolations and have yet to be confirmed by direct clinical research. Most studies have used injected forskolin, so it is unclear if oral ingestion of coleus extracts will provide similar benefits in the amounts recommended above. Until ophthalmic preparations of coleus or forskolin are available, people with glaucoma should consult with a skilled healthcare practitioner to obtain a sterile fluid extract for use in the eyes. Reactions Few adverse effects of coleus have been reported. Direct application to the eyes may cause transitory tearing, burning, and itching. The safety of coleus in pregnancy and breast-feeding is unknown. Certain medications may interact with coleus: Albuterol - Supportive interaction Aspirin - Adverse interaction Epinephrine - Supportive interaction Salmeterol - Supportive interaction. |
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