Coleus or makandi originates from India and is related to the mint family of plants. A plant traditionally used in Ayuvedic medicine for heart, lung and digestive disorders. The root of this plant is used in herbal medicine.
Medicinal Properties of Coleus
Coleus root contains a chemical called forskolin, which is the key active constituent. Forskolin is able to activate enzymes in the body that control many hormones. These hormones suppress allergic reactions, dilate blood vessels, stimulate digestion and stomach acid production, reduce inflammation and stimulate the secretion of thyroid hormones.
Coleus Herbal Remedies
| The active compound in Coleus, forskolin has been used in research as an isolated compound to help with cardiovascular disorders such as High blood pressure, heart failure and cardiomyopathy. The same constituent has been used to treat asthma, and as a topical application to reduce intraocular pressure in patients with glaucoma. None of these uses have been confirmed using whole herbal preparations of Coleus.
| Coleus as a herb has been used in weight management because of its ability to make the thyroid gland more active and stimulate the metabolism. It is often found in combination with other herbs that are thought to help with weight management eg Cayenne, citrus aurantium, Guarana, Ginger
| Coleus is found in supplements as a standardised extract yielding between 10-18% forskolin. It is normally found in tablet or capsule form along with other ingredients targeted at weight management such as thermogenic products.
Side Effects of Coleus
| Coleus is generally free of side effects, although due to an increased production of gastric acid, it should be avoided by people with stomach and duodenal ulcers.
| It is not known whether Coleus is safe during pregnancy or lactation, so is best avoided.
| The use of whole herb Coleus as topical application for the eyes is not recommended. Forskolin preparations meant for ophthalmic use should only be administered with supervision from a qualified eye specialist.
| People using aspirin medication to thin the blood, should consult a doctor before using Coleus, as it may increase the action of the drug.
| Avoid Coleus if already on beta-blockers or hydralazene (for blood pressure).
| When this article was written there were no other well-known negative drug interactions with the herb Coleus.
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