Forskohlii root (Coleus forskohlii)
Synopsis
Forskohlii root comes from Coleus forskohlii, a tropical perennial plant in the mint family (Lamiaceae) native to India, Nepal, and Thailand. The root contains a unique active compound called forskolin, a diterpene known for its ability to activate adenylate cyclase, an enzyme involved in regulating cellular levels of cyclic AMP (cAMP). This action influences a wide range of physiological processes, including metabolism, hormone secretion, blood flow, and inflammation.
In modern herbal and integrative medicine, forskohlii root extract is often used for weight management, fat metabolism, thyroid support, and cardiovascular health. By increasing cAMP levels, forskolin can promote lipolysis (fat breakdown), enhance thyroid hormone function, and relax smooth muscle tissue, which may help reduce blood pressure and improve airway function in respiratory conditions like asthma.
Forskolin has also been studied for its role in glaucoma, as it may reduce intraocular pressure, and in heart health, where it acts as a vasodilator and positive inotrope (increasing the force of heart contractions). Supplements typically contain standardized extracts with 10–20% forskolin content and are used in capsule or tablet form.
Historical Use
Forskohlii has a long-standing history in Ayurvedic medicine, where it was traditionally known as Makandi or Mayani. Ayurvedic practitioners used the root for conditions involving the heart, lungs, and urinary system, often prescribing it for hypertension, asthma, and congestive heart failure. It was also considered beneficial for digestive fire (agni) and metabolism, helping to balance the Kapha and Vata doshas.
In traditional usage, the dried root was ground into powder or boiled in decoctions, sometimes combined with other herbs to enhance respiratory or cardiovascular effects. Its role as a “hot” herb helped stimulate circulation and reduce water retention.
Although forskolin as an isolated compound wasn’t identified until the 1970s, its source plant had been used for centuries in India for a wide range of ailments. With the rise of modern phytochemistry and pharmacology, forskohlii gained attention in the West for its cAMP-modulating effects, leading to its incorporation into natural fat-burning and thyroid-support supplements.
Today, forskohlii root represents a fusion of ancient Ayurvedic wisdom and modern scientific exploration, with ongoing research into its effects on metabolic health, cardiovascular function, and cellular signaling pathways. It is often marketed in combination with other botanicals targeting weight loss, hormonal balance, and respiratory support.
Body Systems
Thyroid Gland (Science)
Circulatory System (Science)
Glandular System (Science)
Mitochondria (Science)