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Dietary supplement

Coleus Forskohlii Root Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Gaia Herbs

Coleus Forskohlii Root label
See full label image
Liquid Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Major
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 23, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Coleus Forskohlii Root 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 Root is a dietary supplement by Gaia 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 root. 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 Root by Gaia Herbs

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

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Coleus Forskohlii Root by Gaia 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

Low disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Low

Most active ingredients don't disclose an individual amount — you can't tell how much of each you're getting.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 0 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • “EXTRACT” is listed as a grouped ingredient — the label doesn't break down how much of each component you get.

This product contains one active ingredient: a Coleus Forskohlii root extract. Coleus is a plant whose root is used in herbal medicine, and the extract concentrates its active compounds — most notably a substance called forskolin, which research suggests may affect heart function, blood pressure, and how your body processes certain medications.

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 doesn't yet support coleus for the conditions listed in the product data — angina, asthma, cancer, congestive heart failure, eczema, and dry eye all have insufficient reliable evidence to rate. That doesn't mean the supplement doesn't work; it means we don't have solid clinical data backing these uses yet.

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.

Taken by mouth, coleus is generally well tolerated, but gastrointestinal side effects happen often enough to watch for. A small number of trial participants reported diarrhea, constipation, nausea, or vomiting, and some retrospective reports put gastrointestinal complaints at around 10% of users (mostly diarrhea).

The safety data advises against use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding because there isn't enough information to know it's safe. Coleus may also lower your blood pressure, so use it only under professional guidance and not for long periods without check-ins.

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, check with your pharmacist if you take nitrates, calcium channel blockers, blood pressure medications, blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs, warfarin specifically, or any drug your liver breaks down through the CYP2C9 or CYP3A4 pathways. The interactions with these drugs are Major or Moderate in severity.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFormula with limited ingredient disclosure with no assessable stated purpose. Major medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Coleus Forskohlii can be worth a try if you're exploring herbal support for heart or airway function, but it's not a first choice until you've checked it against your medications — especially heart drugs, blood thinners, and blood pressure pills. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid it.

Talk to your pharmacist before starting.

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 Jun 25, 2012.

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 Root, straight from the product label.

Brand Gaia Herbs
Barcode (UPC) 751063375900
Net contents 1 fl. Oz.; 30 mL
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jun 25, 2012
DSLD ID 10219
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Liquid
Dietary claims / uses All Other
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 Root by Gaia 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 mL
Maximum serving Sizes:
1.33 mL
Servings per container
30
UPC/BARCODE
751063375900
IngredientAmount% DV
EXTRACT0 NP--
Coleus Forskohlii root0 NP--

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.
Precautions

Safety sealed for your protection.

Not to be used during pregnancy or lactation.

If you have a medical condition or take pharmaceutical drugs, please consult with your doctor before use.

Keep away from children.

General Statements

Liquid Herbal Extract

500 mg/ml herb equivalency

BEST BY

FDA Statement of Identity

DIETARY SUPPLEMENT

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Use only as directed on label.

Suggested Use Take 30-40 drops of extract in a small amount of water 3 times daily between meals. Shake well before using.

General

[03] 1383-0611

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

See for yourself

Coleus Forskohlii Root by Gaia Herbs label

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

Coleus Forskohlii Root 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 Root by Gaia Herbs

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

Serving size1 mL Dosage formLiquid Servings per container30 Amounts shown are per serving.

EXTRACT

0 NP per serving
Interaction report

Coleus Forskohlii Root by Gaia Herbs Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Coleus Forskohlii Root?

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 root 915

Individual Drug Interactions

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

1 of the 1 ingredient in Coleus Forskohlii Root interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Coleus Forskohlii root

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Coleus Forskohlii Root 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 Forskohlii root7 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 root full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

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

Gaia Herbs

See all Gaia Herbs products
Name
GAIA HERBS, INC.
Street Address
101 Gaia Herbs Dr.
City
Brevard
State
NC
ZipCode
28712
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Coleus Forskohlii Root by Gaia Herbs: Common Questions

Does Coleus Forskohlii Root by Gaia Herbs interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Coleus Forskohlii Root 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 Root 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 does coleus actually do in the body?
Coleus contains a compound called forskolin that appears to affect heart function and blood vessel function — it widens blood vessels and may lower blood pressure. That's why it's been studied for heart and breathing conditions, though we don't yet have solid evidence it works for them.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. The safety data advises against using coleus during pregnancy or while breastfeeding — there isn't enough information to know it's safe for you or your baby. Talk to your doctor if you're considering it.
What side effects might I notice?
The most common ones are gastrointestinal: diarrhea, constipation, nausea, or vomiting. A small number of people in trials reported these, and some older reports suggest around 10% of users experience stomach issues. Coleus can also lower your blood pressure.
Is there solid evidence coleus works for asthma or heart problems?
Not yet. The evidence for coleus in asthma, angina, heart failure, and the other conditions this product mentions is too limited to rate right now. More research is needed.
Why is this product a liquid instead of a capsule?
The product facts on file don't explain the form choice, but liquid extracts allow you to dose flexibly and can be absorbed quickly. Your pharmacist or the label can tell you more about dosing.
Will coleus work with my blood pressure or heart medication?
Maybe not safely — coleus widens blood vessels and can lower blood pressure, which could cause dangerous drops if you're already on medications for that. You must check your specific drugs with your pharmacist before starting coleus.

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 Root label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Coleus Forskohlii Root’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 Root'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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