Health Benefits
    Facebook Twitter Instagram
    Monday, May 19
    Facebook Twitter Pinterest
    Health Benefits
    • Home
    • Dental Health
    • Mental Health
    • Weight Loss
    • Health Wiki
    • Nutrition
    • Healthy Recipe
    Health Benefits
    Home»Herbs and Spices»Health benefits of Coleus Forskohlii
    Herbs and Spices

    Health benefits of Coleus Forskohlii

    By SylviaJune 15, 2020Updated:June 18, 2020No Comments11 Mins Read
    Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email

    Plectranthus barbatus, also known by the synonym Coleus forskohlii is a tropical perennial plant related to the typical coleus species. It is composed of about 150 species under the Mint family of plants (Lamiaceae) and is closely related to spearmint, peppermint, basil, thyme, oregano and salvia. It produces forskolin, an extract useful for pharmaceutical preparations and research in cell biology. The plant is native to Pakistan, India, Nepal and Ceylon south through Arabia, Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Somalia, East African, South Tropical Africa and naturalized into southern Africa. It was popular as an ornamental plant in the 19th century and today is cultivated on a large scale in Gujarat, India, for use in pickles — approximately 980 tons (1,000 tons) are harvested yearly. Coleus, Flame Nettle, Painted Nettle, Painted Leaf, Poor Man’s Croton, Ahijado, Dafronaya, Malaina, Mayana, Indian Coleus, Kaffir Potatoe, Abyssinian Coleus, Marundhu Koorkan, False Boldo and Kikuyu Toilet Paper are some of the well-known names of the plant.

    Genus name comes from the Greek words plectron meaning spur and anthos meaning flower in reference to the spur-shaped flowers of some members of the genus. Specific epithet means resembling the genus Scutellaria which comes from the Latin word scutella meaning a small dish or saucer in reference to the shape of the persistent calyx after the flowers fade. Coleus is used in Indian folk medicine rather than within the Ayurvedic tradition, and is a traditional digestive remedy. Research by an Indian/German company revealed that forskolin was a powerful medicine for various conditions, including heart failure, glaucoma, and bronchial asthma. Leaves have valuable medicinal properties and are also used in pickling.

    Coleus Forskohlii Facts

    Coleus forskohlii Quick Facts
    Name: Coleus forskohlii
    Scientific Name: Plectranthus barbatus
    Origin Pakistan, India, Nepal and Ceylon south through Arabia, Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Somalia, East African, South Tropical Africa
    Colors Shiny, dark brown
    Shapes Dry, one-seeded, globose, slightly flattened laterally nutlets that are 1.4 x 1.4 mm, included in persistent calyx
    Taste Pungent
    Health benefits Circulatory remedy, Respiratory problems, Cures Glaucoma,Anti-Hypertensive Benefit, Beneficial for Hypo-thyrodism, Promote weight-loss, Asthma and Allergic Reactions, Boosting Sexual Libido, Treatment of Psoriasis, Relief from Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Boosting Metabolism
    Name Coleus forskohlii
    Scientific Name Plectranthus barbatus
    Native Pakistan, India, Nepal and Ceylon south through Arabia, Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Somalia, East African, South Tropical Africa and naturalized into southern Africa
    Common Names Coleus, Flame Nettle, Painted Nettle, Painted Leaf, Poor Man’s Croton, Ahijado, Dafronaya, Malaina, Mayana, Indian Coleus, Kaffir Potatoe, Abyssinian Coleus, Marundhu Koorkan, False Boldo, Kikuyu Toilet Paper
    Name in Other Languages Arabic: Bayidat fwrskwl  (بيدة فورسكول)
    Catalan: Coleus forskholii
    English: Coleus forskohlii, forskohlii
    French:  Coléus à forskoline, Coléus de l’Inde
    Gujarati: Garmar (ગરમર)
    Hindi:  Makandi, Patharchur (पत्थरचूर), Pashan bhedi (पाषाणभेदी )
    Japanese: Koreusu foresukori (コレウスフォレスコリ)
    Kannada: Makandi  beru, Mangani  beru
    Malayalam: Panikoorka,Makanthi
    Marathi: Karmelo, Mainmul (माईनमूळ), Garmar (गरमर), Mayin (माईण Or माईन)
    Nepali: Gandhe jhar (गन्धे झार)
    Others: Blue Spur Flower,Marundhu Koorkan,Abyssinian Coleus,Gormar,False Boldo,Indian Coleus, Gandhe Jhar
    Portuguese: Boldo de folhas pequenas, Falso-boldo,
    sete-dores, Boldo-de-jardim
    Sanskrit: Pashanabhedi (पाषाणभेदी), Balakah (बालकः), Gandira (गण्डीरः)
    Tamil:  Karpooravalli, Pashanbheda, Patharchur, Maruntu kūrkkaṉ (மருந்து கூர்க்கன்)
    Telegu: Pāṣāṇa bhēdi (పాషాణ భేది)
    Plant Growth Habit Erect, branched, densely hairy, annual or perennial herb
    Growing Climates Open dry slopes, dry stony hills, barren  hills, grasslands, dry deciduous forests and chir pine forest
    Soil Flourishes in well-drained soil in sun or partial shade
    Plant Size 45 – 60 cm tall
    Root Tuberous,  fasciculated,  20 cm long and 0.5 to 2.5 cm in diameter, conical fusiform, straight,  orange-red  within  and  strongly  aromatic
    Stem Erect or ascending, unbranched or with few branches, 20-30 (-60) cm, quadrangular, somewhat sturdy, with long multicellular glandular hairs and short glandular hairs,
    Leaf Ovate to oblong, blunt, rounded-toothed, short-stalked, 5-8 cm long. They are arranged in opposite pairs perpendicular to each other, along a 1-3 ft tall stem.
    Flowering season August-October
    Flower Up to 2 cm long, tube bent abruptly downward, longer than the sepal cup. Flowers are 2-lipped, the upper lip short, turned back, 3-lobed, the lower much longer, boat-shaped, pointed. Sepal cup is hairy, bell-shaped, with lanceshaped, prickly-tipped sepals
    Fruit Shape & Size Dry, one-seeded, globose, slightly flattened laterally nutlets that are 1.4 x 1.4mm, included in persistent calyx
    Fruit Color Shiny, dark brown
    Propagation Stem cuttings or root division
    Plant Parts Used Root, Leaves
    Taste Pungent
    Health Benefits
    • Circulatory remedy
    • Respiratory problems
    • Cures Glaucoma
    • Anti-Hypertensive Benefit
    • Beneficial for Hypo-thyrodism
    • Promote weight-loss
    • Asthma and Allergic Reactions
    • Boosting Sexual Libido
    • Treatment of Psoriasis
    • Relief from Irritable Bowel Syndrome
    • Boosting Metabolism
    Other Facts
    • In India it is grown for its edible roots and in parts of Africa as a substitute for toilet paper.
    • The leaves and tubers have quite different odors.

    Plant Description

    Coleus forskohlii is an erect, branched, densely hairy, annual or perennial herb that normally grows about 45 – 60 cm tall. The plant is found growing in open dry slopes, dry stony hills, barren hills, grasslands, dry deciduous forests and chir pine forest. It flourishes in well-drained soil in sun or partial shade. Roots are typically golden brown, thick, fibrous and radially spreading.  Roots are tuberous, fasciculated, 20 cm long and 0.5 to 2.5 cm in diameter, conical fusiform, straight, orange-red within and strongly aromatic. Stems are erect or ascending, unbranched or with few branches, 20-30 (-60) cm, quadrangular, somewhat sturdy, with long multicellular glandular hairs and short glandular hairs, and with or without red oil globules.

    Six other species of Coleus have been explored but only C. forskohlii consists of forskolin. Indian borage (C. amboinicus) is used traditionally within Ayurvedic and Unam Tibb herbal medicine to help reduce inflammation and is prescribed for bronchitis and asthma.

    Leaves

    Leaves are ovate to oblong, blunt, rounded-toothed and short-stalked. They are arranged in opposite pairs perpendicular to each other, along a 1-3 ft. tall stem. They are 7.5 to 12.5 cm in length and 3 to 5 cm in width, usually pubescent, narrowed into petioles. The plant is strongly aromatic and the leaves have distinctive camphor like scent. Both root and leaves are harvested in autumn.

    Flowers

    Inflorescence is raceme, 15 – 30 cm long.  Flowers are stout, up to 2 to 2.5 cm in size, tube bent abruptly downward, longer than the sepal cup. Flowers are 2-lipped, the upper lip is short, broadly ovate, turned back, 3-lobed, the lower much longer, boat-shaped, pointed. Sepal cup is hairy, bell-shaped, with lance shaped, prickly-tipped sepals. Bracts are broadly ovate, pointed, overlapping in bud, soon falling. The ovary is four parted and stigma is two lobed and the flower is cross-pollinated by wind or insects. Flowering normally takes place from August till October.

    Fruits

    Fertile flowers are followed by dry, one-seeded, globose, slightly flattened laterally nut lets that are 1.4 mm long and 1.4 mm wide, included in persistent calyx. They are shiny, dark brown colored.

    Coleus forskohlii Image Gallery
    Closer-view-of-Flowers-of-Coleus-forskohlii Closer-view-of-Flowers-of-Coleus-forskohlii
    Coleus-forskohlii-capsules Coleus-forskohlii-capsules
    Coleus-forskohlii-Plant Coleus-forskohlii-Plant
    Coleus-forskohlii-Plant-growing-wild Coleus-forskohlii-Plant-growing-wild
    Flowering-buds-of-Coleus-forskohlii Flowering-buds-of-Coleus-forskohlii
    Flower-of-Coleus-forskohlii Flower-of-Coleus-forskohlii
    Hairy-Stem-of-Coleus-forskohlii Hairy-Stem-of-Coleus-forskohlii
    Leaves-of-Coleus-forskohlii Leaves-of-Coleus-forskohlii
    Plant-illustration-of-Coleus-forskohlii Plant-illustration-of-Coleus-forskohlii
    Root-Extract-of-Coleus-forskohlii Root-Extract-of-Coleus-forskohlii
    Roots-of-Coleus-forskohlii Roots-of-Coleus-forskohlii
    Sketch-of-Coleus-forskohlii Sketch-of-Coleus-forskohlii

    Health benefits of Coleus Forskohlii

    Listed below are some of the well-known health benefits of using Coleus forskohlii

    1. Circulatory remedy

    An important heart and circulatory tonic, coleus is used to treat congestive heart failure and poor coronary blood flow. It also improves circulation of blood to the brain.

    2. Respiratory problems

    Its antispasmodic action makes coleus valuable for respiratory complaints, including asthma and bronchitis.

    3. Cures Glaucoma

    Glaucoma is characterized by elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). It is a condition in which the pressure in the eye is too high, due to an imbalance between the formation of aqueous humor in the eye and its absorption in or drainage out of the eye. Eventually, as the pressure builds up, the blood vessels nourishing the optic nerve are constricted, resulting in irreversible damage to the nerve and impaired vision culminating in blindness, if left untreated.  Several animal and human research have demonstrated the ability of forskolin to lower IOP, possibly via cAMP activation and a reduction in aqueous flow.

    4. Anti-Hypertensive Benefit

    Recent research confirmed that coleus consists of a powerful compound called forskolin that may have muscle relaxant properties and can dilate blood vessels thus has a capability to lower blood pressure (anti-hypertensive property). With dilated blood vessels the heart works less to pump blood throughout the body. Coleus can provide health benefit for patients suffering from cardiomyopathy.

    5. Beneficial for Hypo-thyrodism

    Forskolin found in coleus has been found to regulate various enzymes and hormones in human body. It may be used to control and cure thyroid gland malfunctioning, particularly when the gland is under functioning (hypothyroidism).

    6. Promote weight-loss

    Active chemical found in Coleus herb is forskolin has been found to promote weight loss in patients who are considered obese. Research has shown that forskolin in coleus can boost the production of enzyme called adenylate cyclase and as a result likewise boost another enzyme called cAMP. This dropping reaction of enzymes forces the fat cells to burn and release their stored energy.

    7. Asthma and Allergic Reactions

    By stabilizing body cells responsible for the release of histamines, which trigger allergies, and relaxing smooth tissues of the muscle, Coleus Forskohlii is important in the treatment of allergic respiratory conditions such as asthma.

    8. Boosting Sexual Libido

    Coleus Forskohlii is among the various nutritional supplements recommended for boosting the male hormone testosterone, responsible for sexual vigor. Additionally, by strengthening the heartbeat while lowering blood pressure, sexual performance has been shown to improve using extracts from the herb.

    9. Treatment of Psoriasis

    Psoriasis is a skin condition characterized by dry, rough, dead skin on the scalp, knees, groin or lower back. The exact cause is not exactly known but scientists suspect a weak immune system could be among the causes. Because of its ability to boost the body’s immune system, Coleus Forskohlii is among the various remedies prescribed for the skin condition.

    10. Relief from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

    It is a disorder of the intestines with symptoms such as irregular bowel movements, abdominal pains, cramps and bloating. Coleus Forskohlii offer relief against this condition by acting on the inflammation of the intestines which aids in the process of digestion thus providing relief against IBS.

    11. Boosting Metabolism

    It is closely related to providing relief against IBS, Coleus Forskohlii aids in the digestive process by boosting the production of stomach acids thus aiding in digestion thus improving our metabolism.

    Traditional uses and benefits of Coleus Forskohlii

    • In Ayurvedic medicine Coleus species have been used to treat heart disease, convulsions, spasmodic pain and painful urination.
    • It is used as a probable drug for hypertension, congestive heart failure, eczema, colic, respiratory disorders and insomnia.
    • It may have therapeutic benefit in asthma, angina, psoriasis, and prevention of cancer metastases.
    • Coleus is mainly used to treat dysentery and digestive disorders in India.
    • Leaf is used as an expectorant, emmenogogue and diuretic in Egypt and Africa.
    • In Brazil,  it  is  used  as  a  stomach  aid  and  in treating intestinal disorders.
    • forskohlii has been  used  for  treating  heart  diseases,  abdominal colic,  respiratory  disorder,  insomnia,  convulsions, asthma,  bronchitis,  intestinal  disorders,  burning sensation,  constipation,  epilepsy  and  angina in traditional Ayurvedic system of Medicine.
    • Roots are also used in treatment of worms and to alleviate burning in festering boils.
    • When mixed with mustard oil, the root extract is applied to treat eczema and skin infections.
    • Plant is also used for veterinary purposes.
    • Forskolin is also used in the preparation of medicines preventing hair graying and restoring grey hair to its normal color.
    • This incredible herb has also proved to be effective for treating skin conditions, improving fertility, controlling diabetes and supporting brain health.
    • It helps decrease the body’s stress response, influences fat storage, improves insulin resistance, and reduces inflammation supporting weight loss and weight maintenance.
    • It is a traditional herb in India for a wide range of digestive problems. It is given to relieve gas, bloating, and abdominal discomfort.

    Ayurvedic Health benefits of Coleus Forskohlii

    • Obesity: Make leaves decoction. Take 50 mg twice in a day.
    • Hypothyroidism: Steep some Coleus leaves into the lukewarm water. Boil it for one hour to prepare Coleus tea. Strain this infusion and drink it. OR Pluck some Coleus leaves, rinse them well. Just chew it.
    • Heart Enlarged: Make a decoction of Coleus leaves and have it 2 times in a day.

    Culinary Uses

    • Essential oil has potential uses in food flavoring industry and can be used as an antimicrobial agent.
    • In Marathi the plant roots are known as MainMula and especially used for pickles.
    • It is used as a condiment in India and the tubers are prepared as pickle and eaten.

    Precautions

    • Avoid use during pregnancy and breast feeding.
    • Ulcer, low blood pressure patients should avoid using it.
    • There are some reported irritation and sensation of stinging at the point application.
    • Coleus may aggravate stomach ulcer.
    • When taking blood thinners including warfarin and heparin, coleus are to be taken with caution and with close medical supervision.
    • Caution should be taken when under medication for high blood pressure. Blood pressure may go down too low and may cause hypotension symptoms such as dizziness, nausea and light headedness.

    References:

    https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=832863#null

    http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a547

    https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=COBA10

    https://npgsweb.ars-grin.gov/gringlobal/taxonomydetail.aspx?id=28829

    https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/110389

    http://www.theplantlist.org/tpl1.1/record/kew-157914

    https://www.flowersofindia.net/catalog/slides/Indian%20Coleus.html

    https://www.smgrowers.com/products/plants/plantdisplay.asp?plant_id=3922

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plectranthus_barbatus

    https://indiabiodiversity.org/species/show/230788

    78%
    78%
    Awesome

    Comments

    comments

    C Herbs and Spices
    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Previous ArticleTMJ Pain and the Overbite Problem can be Corrected Together without Surgery or Braces
    Next Article Top 5 Reasons You Might Need A Medical License Defense Lawyer

    Related Posts

    Uses of Monkey Pitcher plant

    April 16, 2024

    Traditional uses and benefits of Wild Marigold

    March 21, 2024

    Traditional uses and benefits of Drooping fig

    March 12, 2024

    Comments are closed.

    Coleus forskohlii Scientific Classification

    Scientific Name: Plectranthus barbatus

    Rank Scientific Name & (Common Name)
    Kingdom Plantae (Plants)
    Subkingdom Tracheobionta (Vascular plants)
    Infrakingdom Streptophyta  (land plants)
    Super Division Spermatophyta (Seed plants)
    Division Magnoliophyta (Flowering plants)
    Sub Division Spermatophytina  (spermatophytes, seed plants, phanérogames)
    Class Magnoliopsida (Dicotyledons)
    Sub Class Asteridae
    Super Order Asteranae
    Order Lamiales
    Family Lamiaceae ⁄ Labiatae (Mint family)
    Genus Coleus Lour. (coleus)
    Species Coleus barbatus (Andrews) Benth. (coleus)
    Synonyms
    • Coleus adolfi-friderici Perkins
    • Coleus barbatus (Andrews) Benth. ex G.Don
    • Coleus coerulescens Gürke        
    • Coleus forsskaolii var. adoensis Briq
    • Coleus penzigii Dammann ex Baker
    • Coleus speciosus Baker f
    • Coleus vestitus Baker
    • Ocimum asperum Roth
    • Orthosiphon asperus (Roth) Benth. ex Sweet
    • Plectranthus asper (Roth) Spreng
    • Plectranthus barbatus var. barbatus
    • Plectranthus coerulescens (Gürke) R.H.Willemse
    • Plectranthus comosus Sims
    • Plectranthus pseudobarbatus J.K.Morton
    Categories
    • Beverages (78)
    • Dairy (28)
    • Dental Health (15)
    • Equipment (5)
    • Essential OIls (196)
    • Facts (2,853)
    • Foods (251)
    • Fruits (478)
    • Giveaway (1)
    • Grains and Cereals (32)
    • Health & Beauty (652)
    • Herbs and Spices (1,247)
    • Medicines (9)
    • Mental Health (19)
    • Nutritional value (27)
    • Nuts and seeds (69)
    • Oils (81)
    • Pets (4)
    • Poultry & Seafoods (67)
    • Pulses and Beans (16)
    • Reviews (25)
    • supplement (2)
    • Vegetables (302)
    • Weight Loss (22)

    How Gen Z Is Redefining Self-Care in 2025

    What is “Cold Shower” Does It Actually Boost Immunity?

    Science-backed health benefits of Apple Seeds

    This Morning Routine is Going Viral for Boosting Energy Naturally

    Why “Digital Detox Weekends” Are Saving Millennials’ Mental Health

    Science-backed health benefits of Amsoi Seeds

    ABOUT
    Home
    About us
    Contact us
    Privacy Policy
    Terms & conditions
    Disclaimer
    Direct Communication
    e-mail: [email protected]
    Gmail: [email protected]
    Useful
    Health Wiki
    Nutrition
    Houston Dentist
    Facebook Twitter Pinterest
    © 2025 www.healthbenefitstimes.com All rights reserved.

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

    ×

    Log In

    Forgot Password?

    Not registered yet? Create an Account