Forskolin is a diterpene found in coleus. Multiple studies indicate it may improve cardiac health with an antihypotensive, blood thinning effect.
Links to Plants Containing Forskolin
RESEARCH
The listings of research below represents a compilation of scientific articles found on the topic, with a very brief overview description of each article/study. This compilation of research articles does not necessarily imply that there are adequate results to demonstrate safe and/or effective human use of any herb listed.
GENERAL
- Forskolin and its therapeutic actions were discussed. From: Ammon, H. P., & Müller, A. B. (1985). Forskolin: from an ayurvedic remedy to a modern agent. Planta medica, 51(06), 473-477.
ANTI-CANCER
- The study showed forskolin reducing cancer metastasis in lungs of mice. From: Agarwal, K. C., & Parks, R. E. (1983). Forskolin: a potential antimetastatic agent. International journal of cancer, 32(6), 801-804
CARDIAC HEALTH
- This was a review of the research showing forskolin to have a variety of cardiac health activities. From: De Souza, N. J., Dohadwalla, A. N., & Reden, Ü. (1983). Forskolin: a labdane diterpenoid with antihypertensive, positive inotropic, platelet aggregation inhibitory, and adenylate cyclase activating properties. Medicinal research reviews, 3(2), 201-219.
- Forskolin inhibited platelet aggregation. From: Siegl, A. M., Daly, J. W., & Smith, J. B. (1982). Inhibition of aggregation and stimulation of cyclic AMP generation in intact human platelets by the diterpene forskolin. Molecular pharmacology, 21(3), 680-687.
GLAUCOMA
- This drug review of forskolin as an antiglaucoma with research on its intraocular pressure changes in rabbits, monkeys, and humans. From: Wagh, V. D., Patil, P. N., Surana, S. J., & Wagh, K. V. (2012). Forskolin: upcoming antiglaucoma molecule. Journal of postgraduate medicine, 58(3), 199.
ANTI-ASTHMA
- In a blind study, forskolin was more effective than sodium cromoglycate in preventing asthma attacks. From: Gonzalez-Sanchez, R., Trujillo, X., Trujillo-Hernandez, B., Vásquez, C., Huerta, M., & Elizalde, A. (2006). Forskolin versus sodium cromoglycate for prevention of asthma attacks: a single-blinded clinical trial. Journal of international medical research, 34(2), 200-207.
By: Kathy Sadowski
Updated: 1/12/19
