Examining the biological compounds in Coleus forskohlii leaf extract

In this study, researchers at Osmania University in India screened leaf extracts from Coleus forskohlii, also known as Indian coleus, for their phytochemical content. Their findings were published in The Journal of Phytopharmacology.

• Indian coleus is a tropical perennial plant that is extensively cultivated in the southern and western parts of India.
• In China and India, it is widely used as a traditional digestive remedy.
• Indian coleus or forskohlii is said to help lower blood pressure by dilating the blood vessels.
• It is also considered a traditional cure for cutaneous infections, such as scabies, guinea worm, eczema and herpes-related skin problems.
• To identify the medicinal compounds present in Indian coleus, the researchers used various solvents, such as water, methanol, chloroform, ethyl acetate and acetone, to obtain Indian coleus leaf extracts.
• They found that the plant is rich in carbohydrates, glycosides, tannins, flavonoids, triterpenoids and lipids, all of which are associated with a variety of medicinal properties.

Based on their findings, the researchers concluded that Indian coleus is an excellent source of phytochemicals, which can be developed into novel medicines for various ailments.

Read the full study at this link.

Journal Reference:

Dasari P, Baburao N, Chekuri S, Rani AR. EVALUATION OF PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING OF COLEUS FORSKOHLII L. LEAF EXTRACT. The Journal of Phytopharmacology. 2018; 7(5):437-439.