Coleus

Coleus forskohlii

A perennial, coleus grows up to two feet tall, with an erect stem and tuber like roots. Leaves are colorful and large and have a camphor like scent.

Coleus is used in Indian folk medicine rather than within the Ayurvedic tradition, and is a traditional digestive remedy. It shot to fame in Western medical circles when one of its constituents, forskolin, was first isolated in the 1970s. Research by an Indian/ German company showed that forskolin was a powerful medicine for various conditions, including heart failure, glaucoma, and bronchial asthma.

Other names

• Coleus Forkolil

Parts used

Root, leaf.

Uses

Large colorful leaves make coleus a popular ornamental plant that is displayed both in the home and garden. Coleus is also cultivated in some parts of India for use in pickles and salads. In parts of Asia, species such as C. edulis and C. parvifloris provide edible tubers. Some people have attempted to use the leaves as a mild hallucinogen. In studies, coleus is often used to test such varied topics as the ability of plants to perceive stress and the effects of fluoride on them.

Coleus is part of traditional Indian folk medicine as a digestive remedy for flatulence, bloating, and abdominal discomfort and as an aid against vaginal and urinary infections. Coleus's principal constituent, the diterpene forskolin, first isolated in the 1970s, is a cardiotonic and an inhibitor of platelet aggregation. Forskolin is used for circulatory problems like heart failure and high blood pressure and for respiratory problems such as bronchial asthma. Coleus has also been shown to relieve pressure within the eye, a major symptom of glaucoma. Coleus  is the only source of forskolin.

Traditional uses - Coleus is a traditional herb in India for a wide range of digestive problems. Coleus is given to relieve gas, bloating, and abdominal discomfort.
Circulatory remedy - An important heart and circulatory tonic, coleus is used to treat congestive heart failure and poor coronary blood flow. Coleus also improves circulation of blood to the brain.
Respiratory problems - Its antispasmodic action makes coleus valuable for respiratory complaints, including asthma and bronchitis.
Glaucoma - Coleus is used topically in treatments to relieve glaucoma (excess pressure within the eye, which, if untreated, can result in loss of vision).
Potential use - Judging by the therapeutic effects of the constituent forskolin, coleus may be of use in combination with other herbs, such as hawthorn, in helping to reduce high blood pressure.
Coleus is also used to treat cardiomyopathy.

Habitat & cultivation

Coleus is indigenous to India. Coleus is also cultivated in the tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and eastern Africa. Coleus flourishes in well-drained soil in sun or partial shade.

Research

Forskolin - The active constituent forskolin was first isolated in the 1970s. It has important therapeutic benefits, which include lowering high blood pressure, relaxing smooth muscle, increasing the release of hormones from the thyroid gland, stimulating digestive secretions, and reducing pressure within the eye.
Whole herb - Research into coleus has focused on the action of forskolin in isolation, and the herb as a whole has not been researched.

Constituents

Coleus contain volatile oil, diterpenes (forskolin)

Back To Top