COLEUS FORSKHOLII: PHYTOCHEMICAL AND PHARMACOLOGICAL PROFILE

Coleus forskohlii is an herb historically used in Ayurvedic medicine. Nowadays Coleus forskohlii is used as a fat burning supplement in various formulations and available in the Indian market. Forskolin the main constituent of this plant is used to treat allergies, skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, painful menstrual periods, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), urinary tract infection (UTI), bladder infections, advanced cancer, blood clots, sexual problem in men, insomnia, and convulsions. Healthcare providers sometimes give forskolin intravenously (by IV) for heart failure. Some people breathe in (inhale) forskolin powder for asthma. Forskolin drops are used in the eyes to treat glaucoma. Because of its wide use, this plant some time been adulterated with its species and other varieties. The standardisation parameters are important for this plant in every herbal formulation. With the developments in modern instrumental methods it is high time for the herbal drug manufacturers to come out with the standard level of this drug to be included in the formulation. An extensive study of phytochemical constituents reported from Coleus forskohlii and pharmacological activities carried out are enlisted in this article.