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Botanical name: Coleus Forskohlii – Labiatate
Alternate name: Pashana bhedi |
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| Introduction |
Coleus plant a naturally occurring tuber crop, are durable and easy to grow. They are best known for their bright colours, and variety of foliage forms.
Although they are technically a “tender perennial” (even the slightest frost will cause them to die), they are most often considered to be an annual plant by growers and seed producers. |
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| Cultivation |
A member of the mint family, Coleus forskohlii grows wild on the mountain slopes of Nepal, India and Thailand.
Mostly cultivated in Tamil Nadu, Gujarat. Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka..
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| Application |
In traditional Asian systems of medicine, Coleus is usef ror a variety of purposes, including treating skin rashes, asthma, bronchitis, insomnia, epilepsy and angina.
Coleus Forskohlii extract is an ayurvedic herb. It has been identified as the primary chemical of interest in the plant. Forskolin activates an enzyme cells known as adenylate cyclase. This enzyme increases the level of cyclic AMP which is the most important cell regulating compound in the body.
An increased level of cyclic AMP improves circulation, decreases histamine releases and allergic compounds, improves the contraction of heat muscle, relaxes arteries which promotes normal blood pressure, increases insulin secretion which in turn supports normal sugar levels in the blood, promotes relaxation of bronchial muscles promoting normal breathing and lastly supports improved fat breakdown. |
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Forskolin has been found to stabilize the cells that release histamine and other inflammatory compounds. Studies have also found that forskolin relaxes smooth muscle tissue. For this reason, Coleus forskohlii has been suggested as a treatment for asthma, menstrual cramps or sysmenorrhea, angina, irritable bowel syndrome (spastic colon), crampy bladder plain (as in bladder infections), and hyper tension (high blood pressure).
Coleus forskohlii has also been proposed as a treatment for psoriasis, because that disease appears to be at least partly related to low levels of cyclic AMP in skin cells. The roots are also used in treatment of worms. The root parts is claimed to allay burning in festering boils. When mixed with mustard oil, the root is applied to eczema and skin infections. The plant is also used for veterinary purposes. |
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