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Dietary supplement

Coleus Forskohlii 500 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Swanson Superior Herbs

Coleus Forskohlii 500 mg label
See full label image
Capsule Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Major
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 30, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Coleus Forskohlii 500 mg against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.

Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Major

Coleus Forskohlii 500 mg is a dietary supplement by Swanson Superior 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.

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Check Your Meds Against Coleus Forskohlii 500 mg by Swanson Superior Herbs

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Coleus Forskohlii 500 mg by Swanson Superior Herbs — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Coleus Forskohlii 500 mg by Swanson Superior 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

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Jul 12, 2026

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 500 mg, a plant extract. The capsule also holds several inactive ingredients — hypromellose, rice flour, microcrystalline cellulose, L-leucine, and silica — which help form and fill the capsule but don't contribute to the supplement's effects.

Does it work?

Couldn't assess
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 assessable

This is a single-ingredient Coleus product and its label doesn't state a use — see Coleus's own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • We looked at the product name, claims, and label statements and couldn't find a stated purpose to grade.

The evidence we hold doesn't establish whether coleus works for any of the conditions listed on this product — angina, asthma, cancer, congestive heart failure, atopic dermatitis (eczema), and dry eye all show insufficient reliable evidence to rate. That doesn't mean coleus is ineffective; it means the data we have isn't robust enough to say either way.

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.

Coleus is generally well tolerated when taken by mouth, though some people report gastrointestinal side effects — a small number of trial participants experienced constipation, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting, and one small study noted loose stools in about one in fifteen users. Because coleus may lower blood pressure and hasn't been well studied long-term, use it only with professional guidance.

There isn't enough safety data to recommend coleus during pregnancy or while breastfeeding — talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you're in either situation.

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 taking this product, have your pharmacist review any nitrates or calcium channel blockers you're on (Major risk of excessive blood vessel opening), as well as blood pressure medications, blood thinners, antiplatelet drugs, or warfarin (Moderate to Major risks of bleeding or medication interactions). Also flag any drugs your liver processes through CYP2C9 or CYP3A4 pathways, since coleus may affect their levels.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no assessable stated purpose. Major medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Coleus forskohlii is a single-ingredient supplement for people exploring its potential in heart and respiratory health — but the evidence backing it isn't established in our data. The bigger concern is medication interactions: if you take heart medications, blood pressure drugs, blood thinners, or warfarin, this product needs a pharmacist's green light.

Check your medications here before you start.

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, 2019.

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 500 mg, straight from the product label.

Brand Swanson Superior Herbs
Barcode (UPC) 087614142500
Net contents 30 Veggie Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Sep 24, 2019
DSLD ID 206690
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other
Intended target group(s) Vegetarian, 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 500 mg by Swanson Superior 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 Veggie Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Veggie Capsule(s)
UPC/BARCODE
087614142500
IngredientAmount% DV
Coleus forskohlii500 mg--

Other ingredients: Hypromellose, Rice Flour, Microcrystalline Cellulose, L-Leucine, Silica

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

Vegetarian Formula

Seals/Symbols

Vegetarian Formula

Guaranteed Purity & Potency

FDA Statement of Identity

Standardized Herbal Supplement

Formula

10% Forskolin

Precautions

Do not use if seal is broken.

Keep out of reach of children.

Warning: Do not take this product if you are pregnant or nursing, or if you have or have had low blood pressure, a blood coagulation disorder, or gastric ulcers. Do not take this product if you are taking prescription medications, especially blood pressure, blood-thinning, or antiasthmatic medications.

Discontinue use two weeks prior to surgery.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: As a dietary supplement, take one veggie capsule per day with water.

General Statements

To reorder, call toll free 1-800-437-4148 or visit our website at www.swansonvitamins.com

Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.

See for yourself

Coleus Forskohlii 500 mg by Swanson Superior Herbs label

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

Coleus Forskohlii 500 mg label

Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.

View the full label (PDF)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in Coleus Forskohlii 500 mg by Swanson Superior Herbs

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

Serving size1 Veggie Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Amounts shown are per serving.

Coleus forskohlii

Interacts with
915 drugs
500 mg per serving Form: Forskolin

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

Other (inactive) ingredients: Hypromellose, Rice Flour, Microcrystalline Cellulose, L-Leucine, Silica. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Coleus Forskohlii 500 mg by Swanson Superior Herbs Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Coleus Forskohlii 500 mg?

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

Coleus forskohlii 915

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Coleus Forskohlii 500 mg interact with 915 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

1 of the 1 ingredient in Coleus Forskohlii 500 mg interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Coleus forskohlii

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Coleus Forskohlii 500 mg 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
Coleus forskohlii full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Coleus Forskohlii 500 mg, from the product label.

Swanson Superior Herbs

See all Swanson Superior Herbs products
Name
Swanson Health Products
City
Fargo
State
ND
ZipCode
58104
Phone Number
1-800-437-4148
Web Address
www.swansonvitamins.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Coleus Forskohlii 500 mg by Swanson Superior Herbs: Common Questions

Does Coleus Forskohlii 500 mg by Swanson Superior Herbs interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Coleus Forskohlii 500 mg 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 500 mg 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.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
No — there isn't enough safety data. The facts advise against use during pregnancy and lactation. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about safer options for your situation.
What side effects should I watch for?
The most common ones are gastrointestinal: diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and constipation. Loose stools in particular were noted in a small trial. If you experience persistent or severe symptoms, stop taking it and let your pharmacist know.
Does this lower blood pressure?
Animal research suggests coleus may lower blood pressure, which is why it carries a caution. If you're already on blood pressure medication, combining them could drop your pressure too far — another reason to check with your pharmacist first.
Is there evidence it works for asthma or heart problems?
The data we have on coleus for asthma, angina, congestive heart failure, and other listed conditions shows insufficient evidence to say whether it works. That's not proof it doesn't; we just don't have robust enough research to confirm it yet.
What's the inactive ingredient list?
The capsule is made of hypromellose and filled with rice flour, microcrystalline cellulose, L-leucine, and silica. These are excipients — they don't provide the supplement's effects, just help form the capsule.

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

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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 500 mg label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Coleus Forskohlii 500 mg’s Ingredients

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

Herb & supplement monograph

Coleus

Interacts with 915 drugs

Coleus is a plant from the mint family whose root contains a compound called forskolin, often marketed for weight loss, asthma, and heart health. While early lab and small human studies are...

Read the full Coleus monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Coleus Forskohlii 500 mg'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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