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Dietary supplement

Coleus Forskohlii 20:1 Concentrated Extract Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Samsara Herbs

Powder Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Major
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Major

Coleus Forskohlii 20:1 Concentrated Extract is a dietary supplement by Samsara Herbs with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for weight management, asthma and breathing, high blood pressure.Based on those ingredients, 915 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated major. The ingredients most likely to interact are Coleus forskohlii. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Coleus Forskohlii 20:1 Concentrated Extract by Samsara Herbs

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains one active ingredient: Coleus forskohlii, a plant extract concentrated to a 20:1 ratio — meaning 20 parts of the original plant material are reduced to 1 part of the final extract. The active compound of interest is forskolin, a naturally occurring substance in coleus that works on cell signaling pathways.

There are no inactive ingredients listed.

Does it work?

Not established
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Not established

The graded evidence we hold for these ingredients covers different conditions than the ones this product is marketed for, so there's no established rating for its stated use — see Coleus's own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: support skin lungs and heart health.
  • We looked for evidence on: Asthma, Atopic dermatitis (eczema), Congestive heart failure (CHF), Glaucoma, Hypertension, Psoriasis — and 2 related terms.
  • The closest evidence on file: Coleus is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Asthma (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Coleus is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Congestive heart failure (CHF), Atopic dermatitis (eczema), Glaucoma, Hypertension, and more.

The evidence on coleus forskohlii for the uses listed — angina, asthma, cancer, congestive heart failure, eczema, and dry eye — is insufficient to rate. That means the data we hold doesn't establish whether it works for these purposes.

If you're considering this for a specific condition, talk with your pharmacist or doctor about what clinical evidence actually exists and whether it's right for you.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Coleus

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Orally, coleus is generally well tolerated, though gastrointestinal side effects — chiefly dose-related diarrhea — are the most common. In one clinical trial, 1 in 15 patients taking coleus extract had increased bowel movements and loose stools; retrospective reports suggest about 10% of oral users experience some GI upset, mostly diarrhea.

Nausea, vomiting, and constipation occur less often. The safety notes flag that coleus may lower blood pressure and isn't well studied long-term, so professional guidance is important.

During pregnancy, the safety data advises against use — it's rated possibly unsafe. During breastfeeding, there isn't enough data to know either way; talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice.

Long-term safety remains unclear, so using this requires care and professional oversight.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Coleus

Meds to double-check

Major interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Major identified

At least one ingredient has a documented Major-severity interaction. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Coleus.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Major.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs.
  • For scale: 916 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before you take this, check your medications — especially if you're on nitrates or calcium channel blockers (Major severity risk), blood pressure medications, blood thinners, or warfarin. Coleus also affects how your liver handles many other drugs.

Use the checker on this page to search your exact prescriptions.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Major medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Coleus forskohlii is a single-ingredient extract that may be worth a closer look if you're interested in its traditional uses, but the evidence doesn't yet establish it works for the common conditions listed. More importantly, it interacts significantly with heart medications, blood pressure drugs, and blood thinners — so if you take any prescription medication, check it against your list before starting.

Talk with your pharmacist before adding this.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Sep 24, 2021.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Coleus Forskohlii 20:1 Concentrated Extract, straight from the product label.

Brand Samsara Herbs
Barcode (UPC) X000ZIVCAZ
Net contents 2 Oz(s); 57 Gram(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Sep 24, 2021
DSLD ID 255408
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Powder
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years)
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Coleus Forskohlii 20:1 Concentrated Extract by Samsara Herbs, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Scoop(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Scoop(s)
Servings per container
24
UPC/BARCODE
X000ZIVCAZ
IngredientAmount% DV
Coleus forskohlii2375 mg--

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Formulation

Full Spectrum

Full Spectrum herbal extracts are made by concentrating the herb into an extract form, while maintaining all of its original compounds. The ideal choice for those wanting a more potent version of a complete herbal powder.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Seals/Symbols

GMP Good Manufacturing Practice

3rd party USA tested USA tested

General Statements

About Us At Samsara Herbs, we believe that all positive change in the world must first begin with positive change from within. We invite you to tap into your own infinite power through the use of our potent herbal extracts! We seek out only quality herbs from our trusted sources from around the world for use in our herbal extracts. Samsara Herbs, dedicated to empowering your life force!

Formula

Description Historically, Coleus Forskohlii has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to support skin, lungs and heart health. The plant's main ingredient, Forskolin, has gained popularity in recent years because of its reputation for supporting healthy weight. Our water soluble herbal extracts are best mixed in juice or a smoothie, although mixing in water is perfectly fine if you can tolerate the taste.

Storage

Storage Cool dry place, out of direct sunlight.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: Take 1 scoop 1-3 times per day or as recommended by your health care professional.

Precautions

Caution: If you have a medical condition, are pregnant or taking medications, consult your health care professional before using this product.

Keep out of reach of children.

See for yourself

Coleus Forskohlii 20:1 Concentrated Extract by Samsara Herbs label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Coleus Forskohlii 20:1 Concentrated Extract by Samsara Herbs

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Scoop(s) Dosage formPowder Servings per container24 Amounts shown are per serving.

Coleus forskohlii

Interacts with
915 drugs
2375 mg per serving

Coleus is a plant from the mint family whose root contains a compound called forskolin, often marketed for weight loss, asthma, and heart health. Whil...

Coleus forskohlii monograph & interactions
Interaction report

Coleus Forskohlii 20:1 Concentrated Extract by Samsara Herbs Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Coleus Forskohlii 20:1 Concentrated Extract?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
915Drugs
29 Major 886 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Coleus Forskohlii 20:1 Concentrated Extract with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Coleus forskohlii7 drug types · 915 drugs

Calcium Channel Blockers

Theoretically, combining coleus with calcium channel blockers might increase the coronary vasodilatory effects.
Forskolin, a constituent of coleus, and calcium channel blockers both cause coronary vasodilatory effects.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Nitrates

Theoretically, combining coleus with nitrates might increase the coronary vasodilatory effects.
Forskolin, a constituent of coleus, and nitrates both cause coronary vasodilatory effects.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use of coleus and anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
In vitro and animal research shows that forskolin, a constituent of coleus, can inhibit platelet aggregation and adhesion.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, combining coleus with antihypertensive drugs might cause additive blood pressure lowering effects and increase the risk of hypotension.
Animal research shows that forskolin, a constituent of coleus, may lower blood pressure.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2C9 (Cyp2C9) Substrates

Theoretically, taking coleus may affect drugs metabolized by CYP2C9 and increase the risk of adverse effects or reduce the effectiveness.
Research on the effect of coleus on CYP2C9 is conflicting. Some animal research shows that coleus extract can induce CYP2C9, while in vitro research shows that coleus can inhibit CYP2C9. Until more is known, advise patients that taking coleus might increase or decrease levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C9.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

Theoretically, taking coleus might decrease serum levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
In vitro research shows that coleus can activate the nuclear receptor, pregnane X receptor (PXR), which results in increased expression of CYP3A4. Although the clinical significance of this is not known, use caution when considering concomitant use of coleus and other drugs affected by these enzymes.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Theoretically, taking coleus may affect the metabolism of warfarin and increase the risk of adverse effects or reduce the effectiveness.
Some animal research shows that coleus extract can induce cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9), an enzyme that metabolizes warfarin. However, other in vitro research shows that coleus can inhibit CYP2C9. Theoretically, taking coleus with drugs metabolized by CYP2C9 might affect drug levels and the risk of adverse effects. Until more is known, advise patients that taking coleus might increase or decrease levels of warfarin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Coleus Forskohlii 20:1 Concentrated Extract, from the product label.

Samsara Herbs

See all Samsara Herbs products
Name
Samsara Herbs Inc. by Aspen Copacking
Street Address
810 North 2800 West
City
Lindon
State
Utah
ZipCode
84042
Phone Number
1-844-972-6727
Web Address
www.SamaraHerbs.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Coleus Forskohlii 20:1 Concentrated Extract by Samsara Herbs: Common Questions

Does Coleus Forskohlii 20:1 Concentrated Extract by Samsara Herbs interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Coleus Forskohlii 20:1 Concentrated Extract has a known interaction with 915 medications, including 29 rated major. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Coleus Forskohlii 20:1 Concentrated Extract contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
What's in this product?
One active ingredient: coleus forskohlii extract, concentrated 20:1. The main active compound is forskolin, which affects cell signaling in the body. No inactive fillers are listed.
Does it actually work for heart problems or asthma?
The evidence isn't established yet. For angina, asthma, congestive heart failure, and the other uses listed, we don't have reliable data to say whether it works. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you what research does exist.
What side effects might I have?
The most common are GI — loose stools and diarrhea, especially at higher doses. Nausea, vomiting, and constipation are less frequent. Most people taking it don't report serious side effects, but long-term safety isn't well studied.
Is it safe to take while pregnant or breastfeeding?
During pregnancy, the data advises against it — it's rated possibly unsafe. While breastfeeding, there isn't enough safety data to know either way. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about your situation.
Can I take this with my blood pressure or heart medications?
Possibly not without caution. Coleus interacts significantly with blood pressure drugs, nitrates, and calcium channel blockers, among others. Check your exact medications using the interaction tool on this page before starting, and confirm with your pharmacist.
Does it thin the blood?
Not directly, but coleus may increase the effects of blood thinners like warfarin, raising your bleeding risk. If you take any blood thinner, run it through the interaction checker first.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if Coleus Forskohlii 20:1 Concentrated Extract is safe with your meds?

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Coleus Forskohlii 20:1 Concentrated Extract label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Coleus Forskohlii 20:1 Concentrated Extract’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Coleus Forskohlii 20:1 Concentrated Extract's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 16 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Coleus 16 references
  1. Baumann G, Felix S, Sattelberger U, Klein G. Cardiovascular effects of forskolin (HL-362) in patients with idiopathic congestiv cardiomyopathy. A comparative study with dobutamine and sodium nitroprusside. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol 1990;16:93-100.
  2. Kramer W, Thormann J, Kindler M, Schlepper M. Effects of forskolin on left ventricular function in dilated cardiomyopathy. Arzneimittelforschung 1987;37:364-7.
  3. Bauer K, Dietersdorfer F, Kaspar S, et al. Pharmacodynamic effects of inhaled dry powder formulations of fenoterol and colforsin in asthma. Clin Pharmacol Ther 1993;53:76-83. PubMed
  4. Christenson JT, Thulesius O, Nazzal MM. The effect of forskolin on blood flow, platelet metabolism, aggregation and ATP release. Vasa 1995;24:56-61.
  5. Agarwal KC, Zielinski BA, Maitra RS. Significance of plasma adenosine in the antiplatelet activity of forskolin: potentiation by dipyridamole and dilazep. Thromb Haemost 1989;61:106-10. DOI
  6. Agarwal KC, Parks RE. Forskolin: a potential antimetastatic agent. Int J Cancer 1983;32:801-4. PubMed
  7. Almeida, F. C. and Lemonica, I. P. The toxic effects of Coleus barbatus B. on the different periods of pregnancy in rats. J Ethnopharmacol 2000;73(1-2):53-60. PubMed
  8. Ding, X. and Staudinger, J. L. Induction of drug metabolism by forskolin: the role of the pregnane X receptor and the protein kinase a signal transduction pathway. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2005;312(2):849-856. PubMed
  9. Staudinger, J. L., Ding, X., and Lichti, K. Pregnane X receptor and natural products: beyond drug-drug interactions. Expert.Opin Drug Metab Toxicol 2006;2(6):847-857. PubMed
  10. van Hecke, E., Hindryckx, P., Geuns, J. M., and Devriese, E. Airborne contact dermatitis from coleus in a housewife. Contact Dermatitis 1991;25(2):128-129. PubMed
  11. Schlepper, M., Thormann, J., and Mitrovic, V. Cardiovascular effects of forskolin and phosphodiesterase-III inhibitors. Basic Res Cardiol 1989;84 Suppl 1:197-212. PubMed
  12. Dooms-Goossens, A., Borghijs, A., Degreef, H., Devriese, E. G., and Geuns, J. M. Airborne contact dermatitis to Coleus. Contact Dermatitis 1987;17(2):109-110. PubMed
  13. Lindner, E., Dohadwalla, A. N., and Bhattacharya, B. K. Positive inotropic and blood pressure lowering activity of a diterpene derivative isolated from Coleus forskohli: Forskolin. Arzneimittelforschung 1978;28(2):284-289.
  14. Loftus HL, Astell KJ, Mathai ML, et al. Coleus forskohlii Extract Supplementation in Conjunction with a Hypocaloric Diet Reduces the Risk Factors of Metabolic Syndrome in Overweight and Obese Subjects: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Nutrients. 2015;7(11): PubMed
  15. Yokotani K, Chiba T, Sato Y, et al. Hepatic cytochrome P450 mediates interaction between warfarin and Coleus forskohlii extract in vivo and in vitro. J Pharm Pharmacol. 2012;64(12):1793-801.
  16. Nishijima C, Chiba T, Sato Y, Umegaki K. Nationwide Online Survey Enables the Reevaluation of the Safety of Coleus forskohlii Extract Intake Based on the Adverse Event Frequencies. Nutrients. 2019;11(4). pii: E866. PubMed

See these in context on the Coleus monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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