Coleus Extract

Coleus forskohlii Briq is a perennial, branched, aromatic herb, belonging to the botanical family of Lamiaceae (Labiatae). It is called Gandhamulika in Sanskrit, Pashanbhed in Hindi, Markandiberu in Kannada and Marunthu koorkankizhanku in Tamil.

The roots are fasciculate, thick, succulent, and contain the unique chemical forskolin. There are about 300 species of Coleus. But it is only the species Coleus forskohlii that contains the diterpene, forskolin. In India, the roots are traditionally used in the preparation of pickles. Coleus forskohlii contains many chemical compounds that are diterpenes in nature. The most investigated compound is forskolin. Coleus Forskohlii Herb Extract is derived from the roots of the Coleus Forskohlii plant.

Coleus is used in Indian folk medicines and is a traditional digestive remedy. The breakdown of fat for fuel (lipolysis) is actually regulated by cAMP. Forskolin has been shown to not only enhance lipolysis but it may also inhibit fat storage from occurring. Another way that forskolin may allow for fat loss to occur is by stimulating thyroid hormone production and release. Thyroid hormone controls metabolism and can enhance metabolic rate, which may translate into more fat loss.

One of the overlooked benefits of forskolin includes its stimulation of digestive enzymes, which can allow individuals to digest and assimilate their food better. It has been shown to increase nutrient absorption in the small intestine. The roots are extracted with different solvents, the extract is purified and isolated in various concentrations.