04/13/2020 / By Evangelyn Rodriguez
Coleus forskohlii, also known by the names forskohlii or Indian coleus, is a medicinal plant that’s native to India. Since ancient times, this tropical perennial plant — like other members of the genus Coleus — has been used in traditional medicine to treat various disorders, such as those that affect the cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal and central nervous systems.
In a recent study published in The Journal of Phytopharmacology, researchers at Osmania University in India screened leaf extracts from C. forskohlii to determine their phytochemical content. They found that Indian coleus extracts are rich in bioactive compounds that possess a variety of medicinal properties. The researchers believe that these phytochemicals can be developed into novel drugs that can be used for the treatment of serious health conditions.
Indian coleus is a tropical perennial plant that is extensively cultivated in the southern and western parts of India. Even in China, it is widely used as a natural remedy for common digestive issues.
According to studies, Indian coleus can 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, besides plant carbohydrates and lipids, Indian coleus is rich in the following compounds, which are all associated with a variety of medicinal properties:
Based on these findings, the researchers concluded that Indian coleus is an excellent source of phytochemicals that can be developed into novel medicines for various ailments.
Indian coleus is traditionally used as a natural medicine for heart disorders, such as chest pain and hypertension, and respiratory disorders like asthma. Forskolin, an active compound isolated from the roots of Indian coleus, is also credited with enhancing lipolysis or the degradation of fat. This activity of forskolin promotes weight loss and the reduction of body fat without any loss of muscle mass.
Here are some conditions for which Indian coleus is used as treatment:
Indian coleus is a potent herb with a wide range of medicinal applications. However, it can interact with other medications, such as anti-hypertensive drugs and anticoagulants. To avoid unwanted side effects due to these interactions, consult with a natural health practitioner before using this herb for treatment.
Sources include:
PhytoPharmaJournal.com [PDF]
Tagged Under: Coleus forskohlii, digestion, flavonoids, glycosides, herbal medicine, Herbs, Indian coleus, natural cures, natural medicine, phytonutrients, plant medicine, remedies, research, skin infections, tannins, triterpenoids
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