Overview

Coleus (Plectranthus barbatus) is a plant in the mint family. It grows in tropical regions of Asia and is used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine.

Coleus root and stem contain a chemical called forskolin. Forskolin has effects that might widen blood vessels and lower blood pressure.

People use coleus for chest pain, asthma, eczema, heart failure, high blood pressure, obesity, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Don't confuse coleus with Perilla. These are not the same.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Possibly Effective for

  • A heart condition called idiopathic congestive cardiomyopathy. Some research shows that giving coleus intravenously (by IV) may improve the function of the heart in people with congestive cardiomyopathy.
  • Asthma. Some research shows that inhaling a single dose of coleus can improve symptoms of asthma.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Coleus extract is possibly safe when used in doses of 500 mg or less daily for up to 3 months. But it is possibly unsafe when used in larger doses. Larger doses might cause side effects including diarrhea, constipation, and vomiting.

When inhaled: Coleus is possibly safe when used as a single dose of forskolin powder. Side effects might include throat irritation, cough, tremor, and restlessness.

When applied into the eye: Coleus is possibly safe when used in eye drops. Side effects might include stinging eyes.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Coleus extract is possibly safe when used in doses of 500 mg or less daily for up to 3 months. But it is possibly unsafe when used in larger doses. Larger doses might cause side effects including diarrhea, constipation, and vomiting.

When inhaled: Coleus is possibly safe when used as a single dose of forskolin powder. Side effects might include throat irritation, cough, tremor, and restlessness.

When applied into the eye: Coleus is possibly safe when used in eye drops. Side effects might include stinging eyes.


Pregnancy: Coleus is possibly unsafe when taken by mouth during pregnancy. Coleus might slow or stop the growth of the fetus. Avoid use.

Breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if coleus is safe to use when breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Bleeding disorders: Coleus contains a chemical called forskolin, which might increase the risk of bleeding in some people.

Heart disease: Coleus contains a chemical called forskolin, which might lower blood pressure. Coleus might interfere with treatments for heart conditions and could make these conditions worse.

Low blood pressure: Coleus contains a chemical called forskolin, which might lower blood pressure. If your blood pressure is already low, taking coleus might make it drop too much.

Surgery: Coleus contains a chemical called forskolin, which might increase bleeding during and after surgery. Stop using coleus at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Interactions ?

    Major Interaction

    Do not take this combination

  • Medications for high blood pressure (Calcium channel blockers) interacts with COLEUS

    Coleus might decrease blood pressure. Calcium channel blockers are a type of medicine used to decrease blood pressure. Taking coleus with calcium channel blockers might cause your blood pressure to go too low.

  • Medications that increase blood flow to the heart (Nitrates) interacts with COLEUS

    Coleus increases blood flow. Taking coleus with medications that increase blood flow to the heart might increase the chance of dizziness and lightheadedness. Don't use coleus if you are taking medications that increase blood flow to the heart.

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with COLEUS

    Coleus might slow blood clotting. Taking coleus along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.

  • Medications for high blood pressure (Antihypertensive drugs) interacts with COLEUS

    Coleus might lower blood pressure. Taking coleus along with medications that lower blood pressure might cause blood pressure to go too low. Monitor your blood pressure closely.

  • Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) substrates) interacts with COLEUS

    Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Coleus might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

  • Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrates) interacts with COLEUS

    Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Coleus might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

  • Warfarin (Coumadin) interacts with COLEUS

    Coleus might change how your body breaks down warfarin. Be watchful of this combination and talk to your health provider.

Dosing

There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of coleus might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.
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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is licensed from Therapeutic Research Center, LLC. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
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