Coleus Extract

Coleus Extract vegetarian capsules, provided by Douglas Laboraotories, contain 250 mg of Coleus forskohlii leaf extract, standardized to a minimum of 10% forskolin.

Forskolin has cardiac inotropic properties in that it appears to help strengthen heart muscle contractability. Forskolin promotes vasodilation, thereby decreasing peripheral vascular resistance. Compounds in coleus including, but not limited to, forskolin, provide further benefit to the cardiovascular system by inhibiting platelet aggregating factor. Forskolin has also been shown to promote bronchodilation, in part by helping to relax airway smooth muscles and by inhibiting histamine and leukotriene release.

Other research studies suggest forskolin may stimulate lipolysis by increasing adipose cell cAMP levels. Forskolin may also stimulate the release of thyroid hormone and potentiate glucose-mediated insulin release. Therefore, Coleus may be used for these functions:

• Cardiovascular Health
• Digestive/G.I. Support
• Weight Management
• Thyroid Support

Serving Size: 1 Vegetarian Capsule
Servings Per Container: 60

Amount per Serving:

• Coleus forskohlii Extract Root 250 mg
  (standardized to 10% forskohlin)

Inactive Ingredients: Cellulose and vegetable stearate.

Recommended Dosage:
As a dietary supplement, take one capsule daily or as directed by physician.

This product contains NO yeast, gluten, soy protein, dairy/milk, corn, sodium, sugar, starch, artificial coloring, flavoring, or preservatives.

Keep out of reach of children.

Caution is advised when taking coleus supplements, as numerous adverse effects are possible. Coleus supplements may decrease blood pressure and should not be taken along with hypotensive (blood pressure lowering) medications or those with hypotension (low blood pressure). Forskolin may stimulate thyroid hormone production, so coleus should not be used in individuals taking medications for thyroid conditions or individuals with thyroid disorders. Coleus should not be used if pregnant or breastfeeding, unless otherwise directed by a doctor.

Coleus forskohli and these medication contraindications:
ANTICOAGULANT/ANTIPLATELET DRUGS:
Theoretically, concomitant use of forskolin and anticoagulant or antiplatelet agents might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding. There is some evidence forskolin can inhibit platelet aggregation and adhesion. Some anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs include abciximab (ReoPro), anagrelide (Agrylin), antithrombin III (Thrombate III), ardeparin (Normiflo), cilostazol (Pletal), clopidogrel (Plavix), dalteparin (Fragmin), danaparoid (Orgaran), dicumarol, dipyridamole (Persantine), enoxaparin (Lovenox), eptifibatide (Integrilin), heparin, lepirudin (Refludan), tirofiban (Aggrastat), and warfarin (Coumadin).

CALCIUM CHANNEL BLOCKERS:
Using forskolin with calcium channel blockers such as verapamil (Calan, Covera-HS, Verelan), nifedipine (Procardia), and diltiazem (Cardizem, Dilacor, Tiazac) might cause additive coronary vasodilatory effects.

NITRATES:
Using forskolin with nitrates such as nitroglycerin (Nitro-Bid, Nitro-Dur, Nitrostat) and isosorbide (Imdur, Isordil, Sorbitrate) might cause additive coronary vasodilatory effects.

SURGERY: Forskolin has antiplatelet effects. Forskolin might cause excessive bleeding if used perioperatively. Discontinue forskolin at least 2 weeks before elective surgical procedures.

Coleus forskohili - Multiple, small, randomized controlled trials and a case series suggest that a compound found in coleus (Coleus forskohlii), called forskolin, improves glaucoma. Forskolin has reduced intraocular pressure (IOP) in low-quality laboratory studies and studies in humans. Studies use an intraocular (into the eye) suspension of forskolin, not available as a dietary supplement in the United States. Studies are needed with standardized extracts of coleus to establish safety and efficacy of coleus supplements in glaucoma.

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