forskolin

Forskolin is a labdane diterpene produced by the plant Coleus forskohlii (also known as Plectranthus barbatus), native to India and Southeast Asia. It has been used for centuries in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for conditions such as heart disease and respiratory disorders[1][4][5]. Forskolin acts primarily by directly stimulating adenylate cyclase (AC), leading to increased intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels[2][4]. This elevation of cAMP mediates various physiological effects including smooth muscle relaxation (bronchodilation), vasodilation, positive inotropic effects on the heart, antiplatelet activity via inhibition of platelet aggregation[2][4], and reduction of intraocular pressure through decreased aqueous humor inflow in the eye[7]. Forskolin has been studied for potential uses in asthma (as a bronchodilator), glaucoma (to lower intraocular pressure), weight loss/obesity management (by affecting lipid metabolism and body composition)[1][3], idiopathic congestive cardiomyopathy/heart failure[1], hypertension[6], allergies/asthma[3], irritable bowel syndrome and other conditions. However, robust clinical evidence supporting its efficacy is limited or preliminary for most indications.

Brand names

colforsinmakandimaohouqiaoruihuapashanabhedi

Other names

coleus forskohlii extractIndian coleusmao hou qiao rui huaborforsincoleus barbatus