Forskolin - Ayurvedic Drug With a Lot of Potential
Coleonol or Forskolin is a chemical found in the roots of Coleus forskohlii, an Indian Coleus plant. It was first studied in 1974 by scientists from Central Drug Research Institute of India and Hoechst India in screening programs that examined medicinal plants mainly for cardiovascular activity. Apart from being used to raise cyclic AMP (cAMP) levels in study and research of cell philosophy, Forskolin has been used since ancient times to treat high blood pressure, heart disorders and angina and at times respiratory disorders like asthma. Coming back to cell research, Coleonol activates the enzyme adenylyl cyclase and increases intracellular levels of cAMP thereby re-sensitizing cell receptors.
A signal carrier is necessary for better responsiveness between cells to hormones and also other extracellular signals. cAMP is the signal carrier. Hormones' feedback control and cell communication in hypothalamus/pituitary gland axis is possible because of cAMP as it activates protein kinase A. In the field of healthcare, Forskolin, when taken by mouth can be used to treat allergies and other skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema. Other medical conditions treated are irritable bowel syndrome, obesity, menstrual problems, bladder infections, urinary tract infections, blood clots, insomnia, convulsions, sexual problems in men, and also advanced cases of cancer. Forskolin can also be applied intravenously during heart failure. Forskolin powder is said to be very effective for asthma.
Glaucoma has been treated with Forskolin drops. Extracts from Coleus forskohlii are being used by herbal product manufacturers too and being promoted to spread awareness about its use though conclusive, reliable scientific information upholding the medical benefits of Forskolin (when taken by mouth) are not currently available. A lot of research is currently being undertaken worldwide. Forskolin produces powerful heartbeat and widens blood vessels thereby lowering blood pressure. It works on the heart muscles and walls of blood vessels. It acts as a vasodilator. One can find the drug over the counter in liquid form or as pills. Dosages vary depending on the medical condition. Most commonly used dosages are - 125mg coleus forskohlii herbal extract offering 12.5mg of Forskolin and 50mg coleus forskohlii herbal extract offering 9mg of Forskolin. Research is limited to the dosages for different conditions.
0.2%-0.3% is typically the Forskolin content in coleus root. Thus, it can be seen that the Forskolin content in crude coleus products may not be sufficient for treating advanced medical conditions as they might not produce the desired pharmacological effect. Concentrated Forskolin as found in standardized products are best to use where various extract potencies of Coleus forskohlii like the 10% Forskolin, 18% Forskolin and 20% Forskolin are available. However, all the potencies have not yet been tested; so it's impossible to say which potency is best to use.