Since ancient times, extracts of the coleus plant have been used as a natural remedy to treat heart conditions like high blood pressure and angina. Its use is also pronounced in calming an asthma attack. The miracle herb is also known to settle allergies, dilute blood clots, solve sexual problems in men, and cure painful menstrual periods in women. To conclude, coleus plant benefits are innumerable. But the results of new scientific studies are showing that the coleus plant benefits may extend beyond the already documented. The wonder herb is now a new weight loss supplement!
What is Coleus Forskohlii?
Coleus Forskohlii is a plant native to the Indian subcontinent. The plant is known to have great medicinal value and is actively used as a natural remedy against respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and nervous system disorders. Forskolin, isolated from the roots of Coleus Forskohlii, is the freshly touted wonder drug that can help cut body fat, thus, can be trusted as the perfect weight loss supplement.
What are the Documented Coleus Plant Benefits?
Since time immemorial, the coleus plant benefits have been well known. The benefits and subsequent use have passed on through ages as a natural remedy for major health conditions. These include:
Glaucoma – Sterile fluid extract of forskolin is known to reduce intraocular pressure, thus proving helpful in treating Glaucoma.
Asthma – Forskolin, when inhaled, decreases lung spasms, thus helping to calm the root cause of asthma.
Cardiomyopathy – Forskolin helps dilate blood vessels and enhances the heart’s blood pumping capacity.
Hypertension – Forskolin helps dilate blood vessels, thereby reducing blood pressure and thus proving to be a potent Hypertension treatment.
Psoriasis – Forskolin extract, whether ingested or applied, helps cure psoriasis.
Erectile Dysfunction – Injecting Coleus plant extract at the base of the penis along with other drugs helps improve Erectile Dysfunction in men.
It is important to note that the use of Forskolin to treat medical conditions is only a natural remedy. The information cannot replace medical advice. Therefore, it is important to seek advice from a medical practitioner.
How Does Coleus Forskohlii Work in Weight Loss?
Recent studies have unfolded the magical Coleus Forskohlii benefits. Now, Forskolin is seen as a potent natural remedy for weight loss. Not surprisingly, numerous commercial weight loss supplements available in the market have Coleus Forskohlii (Forskolin) as its main ingredient.
Forskolin, a diterpene, works directly on adenylate cyclase, an enzyme that helps activate Cyclic AMP (Adenosine Monophosphate) in the cell. The enhanced action of Cyclic AMP further accelerates the breakdown of fats stored in the cells. Forskolin also regulates diet-induced thermogenesis, enhances the basal metabolic rate, and increases the body’s fat utilisation.
Forskolin intake also frees fatty acids from the adipose tissue. Once free, these fatty acids can be burned as fuel to generate energy within the body. Research suggests that a high concentration of Forskolin raises Cyclic AMP accumulation. These raised levels stimulate lipolysis which increases fat degradation. What makes Forskolin the new weight loss wonder drug is the fact that the body burns accumulated fat without losing on the all-important muscle mass.
Scientific Study on Forskolin
30 overweight and obese men took part in a double-blind study. Participants were administered 250 milligrams (mg) of forskolin two times a day for 12 weeks. The Coleus extract was standardised to 10% forskolin. After 12 weeks, participants had lost more body fat compared to participants taking a placebo. The study subjects on active forskolin also had a greater increase in testosterone levels.
Recommended Dose of Coleus Forskohlii
Experts in herbal medicine recommend a dose of 50–100 mg of Coleus extracts standardised to 10% to 18% forskolin two to three times per day.
However, there are some special precautions and warnings associated with taking Coleus forskohlii. They are:
- Coleus Forskohlii should not be consumed during pregnancy. Scientific research shows that the consumption of Coleus Forskohlii by pregnant women hinders the growth of the foetus.
- As concrete and reliable data are not available on the safety of taking Coleus Forskohlii extract during breastfeeding, it should be preferably avoided.
- Forskolin obtained from the roots of Coleus Forskohlii is often used to dilate blood; however, this may pose an increased risk of bleeding in some people.
- Forskolin is often used in hypertension treatment as it helps lower blood pressure. However, certain scientific studies have shown that the Coleus Forskohlii might interfere with other drugs to make the conditions worse.
- As Forskolin extract helps lower blood pressure, people with chronic low blood pressure must avoid it as it can drop to risky levels.
- Forskolin has blood-thinning properties; therefore it must not be taken during and after surgery. Ideally, Forskolin supplements must be stopped at least 2 weeks before a planned surgery.
Side-Effects of Taking Coleus Forskohlii
But like every other thing, Coleus Forskohlii benefits also have a flip side. Although the Coleus Forskohlii plant extract is considered to be possibly safe for most adults, this natural remedy has its set of side-effects.
The Coleus Forskohlii extract can be ingested, taken intravenously (by IV), inhaled, or applied topically. However, there can be some side-effects documented with each method.
When taken through an IV shot, coleus causes flushing, increases heart rate, and lowers blood pressure. When inhaled, coleus causes throat irritation and cough with increased incidence of tremor, and restlessness. When used as eye drops, coleus causes a stinging sensation.
Therefore, it is recommended to use Coleus Forskohlii supplements only with prior medical advice.
Is the Coleus Forskohlii Plant Edible?
Although the Coleus Forskohlii plant is an herb belonging to the mint family, it is not edible. In fact, it is found to be mildly poisonous. Also, the effects of Forskohlii, isolated from the roots of the Coleus Forskohlii plant, have been studied as an extract and therefore consumption of the whole herb is not recommended.
Conclusion
Coleus plant benefits are innumerable. In addition to the documented benefits, it is recommended as a potent weight loss supplement. While forskolin extract raises the fat burning capabilities, it fails to give the required results if a nutritious diet clubbed with regular exercise is not included in the daily routine. At the end of the day, reducing calorie intake and increasing calories burned is paramount for weight loss to happen.
But having said this, the mechanism through which the Coleus Forskohlii extract induces weight loss is what makes it the new weight loss wonder drug. Careful consumption of the recommended daily dose will help the body burn the accumulated fat without having to go low on the muscle mass. So, it is therefore advised to consult a medical practitioner before you consider Coleus Forskohlii extract as your weight loss supplement.
