Coleus FAQs

SOME COMMON QUESTION REGARDING THE USE OF COLEUS FORSKOLII EXTRACT TO BE USED AS SUPPLEMENTS FOR VARIOUS HEALTH ISSUES :

1. What is the general % of forskolin in Coleus extract ?

Coleus extracts standardized to 10 to 18% forskolin in general. Standardized coleus extract, these amounts are extrapolations and have yet to be confirmed by direct clinical research.12 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.

Are there any side effects or interactions? Few adverse effects of coleus have been reported. It should be avoided in people with ulcers, because it may increase stomach acid levels. Direct application to the eyes may cause transitory tearing, burning, and itching. The safety of coleus in pregnancy and breast-feeding is unknown.

Are there any drug interactions ? Certain medications may interact with coleus. Refer to the drug interactions safety check for a list of those medications.

2. Interactions With Drugs :

In theory, coleus may increase the risk of bleeding when used with anticoagulants (blood thinners) or antiplatelet drugs. Examples include warfarin (Coumadin), heparin and clopidogrel (Plavix). Some pain relievers may also increase the risk of bleeding if used with coleus. Examples include aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) and naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve, Anaprox). Drugs that may enhance the antiplatelet effect of forskolin include dipyridamole and dilazep.

One species of coleus, C. aromaticus (extract), has been shown to protect against cancer chemotherapy drug (cyclophosphamide and mitomycin-C) cell damage in mice. Lower doses were proven more effective than higher doses for this purpose.

Coleus may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised if you are taking prescription drugs that may lower blood sugar levels. Patients taking oral drugs for diabetes or using insulin should be monitored closely by their health care provider while using coleus. Dosing adjustments may be necessary.

In theory, coleus may have an additive effect if taken with drugs used to treat asthma (bronchodilators), high blood pressure or glaucoma or if taken with drugs that increase heart rate or heart function, such as digoxin (Lanoxin). Coleus may also have additive effects if taken with antihistamines, thyroid agents and antidepressants. Dosing adjustments may be necessary.

The water extract of C. barbatus Benth (another coleus species) has been shown to reduce gastric secretion, protecting against gastric ulcers induced by stress. It did not, however, protect against the prescription drug indomethacin-induced ulcers. Caution should be used in patients taking medications that are dependent on pH and gastric action for breakdown and activation, such as some newer cephalosporin antibiotics, itraconazole, ketoconazole and warfarin.

3. Interactions With Herbs And Dietary Supplements :

In theory, coleus may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with other products that are believed to increase the risk of bleeding. Examples include Ginkgo biloba and garlic (Allium sativum). Coleus may lower blood sugar levels. People using other herbs or supplements that may alter blood sugar levels, such as bitter melon (Momordica charantia), should be monitored closely by their health care provider while using coleus. Dosing adjustments may be necessary.

In theory, coleus may have an additive effect if taken with herbs and supplements that act as bronchodilators, lower blood pressure and affect heart rate and heart function, such as hawthorn (Crataegus laevigata). Coleus may also have additive effects if taken with herbs and supplements that act as antidepressants, such as St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) or herbs and supplements that have an affect on thyroid function, such as bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosus). Dosing adjustments may be necessary.

4. Potential Dangers :

Allergies

Individuals with allergies to Coleus forskohlii should avoid coleus products. There are reports of skin rash [airborne] contact dermatitis) with exposure to some species of coleus, such as Coleus blumei and Coleus scutellarioides.

5. Side Effects :

At recommended doses, coleus is generally regarded as safe, with few reports of side effects. There have been reports of skin rash, a milky film over the eyes (when used as an eyedrop), increased heart rate and flushing. Coleus may lower blood pressure. Individuals with low blood pressure and those taking prescription drugs for high blood pressure should check with their health care provider before taking coleus.

In animal studies, coleus has caused sedation. In theory, coleus may increase the risk of bleeding. You may need to stop taking coleus before some surgeries and dental procedures; discuss this with your health care provider. Coleus should not be used by people with active bleeding, such as peptic ulcer or intracranial bleeding. Coleus may stimulate the thyroid and should be used cautiously by people with thyroid disorders.

The water extract of Coleus barbatus Benth, another species of coleus, produes mild stimulation of the central nervous system, increases intestinal movement in rats, as well as decreases gastric pH. Studies in humans are lacking.

Caution should be used in patients with acid reflux or other gastric acid problems. Forskolin has been found to stimulate acid formation.

Pregnancy And Breast-Feeding

Coleus is not recommended during pregnancy and breast-feeding. There is some evidence in animals that coleus may delay fetal development and affect implantation of the embryo in the uterus. Coleus may increase the risk of miscarriage during pregnancy.