Major interaction on record — check this product against your medications before combining. Based on 1 of 2 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Forskohlii Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Nature's Way

Forskohlii label
See full label image
Capsule Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Major
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 16, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Forskohlii 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

Forskohlii is a dietary supplement by Nature's Way with 2 active ingredients. 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 extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

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Check Your Meds Against Forskohlii by Nature's Way

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Forskohlii by Nature's Way — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Forskohlii by Nature's Way

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 30, 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 2 of its 2 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

Forskohlii by Nature's Way contains 2 active ingredients, both forms of coleus forskohlii root extract: plain coleus forskohlii root extract and ForsLean (a branded coleus extract). The active compound in coleus is forskolin, which research suggests may affect blood pressure and blood vessel function.

The capsule also contains inactive ingredients — cellulose, a plant-derived capsule shell, magnesium stearate, and silica — which are fillers and binders that help hold the supplement together.

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: healthy body composition and fat utilization.
  • We looked for evidence on: Obesity, Weight management, Body fat reduction.
  • The closest evidence on file: Coleus is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Obesity (Natural Medicines).

The evidence for coleus forskohlii's effectiveness isn't established in our data. The product is marketed for several conditions — angina, asthma, cancer, congestive heart failure, eczema, and dry eye — but all carry a rating of insufficient reliable evidence to rate.

That means the studies we have aren't strong enough yet to confirm whether it actually works for any of these uses. Talk with your doctor about whether this supplement makes sense for what you're considering it for.

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, but you should know the concerns. The most common side effects are gastrointestinal — diarrhea, constipation, nausea, and vomiting — with diarrhea being dose-related; about 1 in 15 trial participants reported loose stools or increased bowel movements.

The safety data advises against use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding because there isn't enough information to know it's safe. Because coleus can lower blood pressure and isn't well studied long-term, use it only with professional guidance and close monitoring.

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 doctor or pharmacist if you take nitrates or calcium channel blockers (heart and blood pressure medications) — these carry the most serious interaction risk. Also double-check if you're on blood pressure medications, blood thinners (anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs), warfarin, or any medications broken down by your liver through the CYP2C9 or CYP3A4 pathways, as coleus may change how these work.

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.

Forskohlii by Nature's Way is a coleus product with potential effects on blood pressure and heart function, which is why it carries serious interactions with heart and blood pressure medications and blood thinners. If you take any of those drugs — or any prescription at all — run them through the search tool on this page before starting.

Talk it over with your doctor or pharmacist first, especially if you have heart or blood pressure concerns or are pregnant or breastfeeding.

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

Assessment coverage: 2 of 2 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jan 25, 2020.

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 Forskohlii, straight from the product label.

Brand Nature's Way
Barcode (UPC) 033674100066
Net contents 60 Vegan Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jan 25, 2020
DSLD ID 212853
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegan, Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, Dairy Free
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 Forskohlii by Nature's Way, 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 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
UPC/BARCODE
033674100066
IngredientAmount% DV
Coleus forskohlii root extract125 mg--
ForsLean (Coleus forskohlii) root extract125 mg--

Other ingredients: Cellulose, plant-derived Capsule, Magnesium Stearate, 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

Healthy body composition

Gluten free. No salt, yeast-derived ingredients, wheat, corn, soy, dairy products, or artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.

Vegan

Formula

Forskohlii is a plant in the mint family. The plant is native to southern Asia, in places like India, Nepal, and Thailand and has been traditionally used as an Ayurvedic herb.

Nature's Way uses a specially designed extract called ForsLean that guarantees 20% forskolin and may support healthy body composition through improved fat utilization.

125 mg per serving of ForsLean

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.

General Statements

Nature’s Way Since 1969 Premium blend

Bottles made From 97% post-consumer recycled plastic

Seals/Symbols

Certified Authentic TRU-ID

Quality Global Sourcing Bottled & Tested In the USA

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Recommendation: Take 1 capsule twice daily. For best results take before meals.

Precautions

If you are pregnant, nursing, or taking any medications, consult a healthcare professional before use.

Keep out of reach of children.

Safety sealed with printed inner seal. Do not use if seal is broken or missing.

Brand IP Statement(s)

ForsLean is a registered trademark of Sabinsa Corporation (U.S. Patent #5,804,596) 2019 Nature’s Way Brands, LLC

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

See for yourself

Forskohlii by Nature's Way label

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

Forskohlii 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 Forskohlii by Nature's Way

These are the 2 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

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

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Coleus forskohlii root extract

Interacts with
915 drugs
125 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 root extract monograph & interactions

ForsLean (Coleus forskohlii) root extract

Interacts with
915 drugs
125 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...

ForsLean (Coleus forskohlii) root extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Cellulose, Plant-derived Capsule, Magnesium Stearate, Silica. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Forskohlii by Nature's Way Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Forskohlii?

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 extract 915

Individual Drug Interactions

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

1 of the 2 ingredients in Forskohlii interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Coleus forskohlii root extract

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Forskohlii 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 root extract7 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 extract full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

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

Nature's Way

See all Nature's Way products
Name
Nature's Way Brands, LLC
City
Green Bay
State
WI
ZipCode
54311
Phone Number
1-800-962-8873
Web Address
naturesway.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Forskohlii by Nature's Way: Common Questions

Does Forskohlii by Nature's Way interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Forskohlii 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?
Forskohlii contains 2 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is 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?
The safety data advises against it during pregnancy, and there's not enough information to know it's safe while breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before considering this supplement if you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or nursing.
What are the most common side effects?
When taken by mouth, the most common side effects are digestive — diarrhea, constipation, nausea, and vomiting. Diarrhea appears to be dose-related; in one trial, about 1 in 15 people reported loose stools or more frequent bowel movements.
Does it actually work for the conditions it's marketed for?
Our data doesn't have reliable evidence yet that it works for angina, asthma, cancer, heart failure, eczema, or dry eye. If you're considering it for one of these, ask your doctor whether the research supports it or whether other options might be better.
What is ForsLean?
ForsLean is a branded form of coleus forskohlii root extract — it's the same plant, just processed and marketed under a specific name. This product contains both regular coleus extract and ForsLean.
Can I take this long-term?
Coleus isn't well studied for long-term use, so the guidance is to use it with care and professional guidance. Check in with your doctor or pharmacist about how long it's safe for you to take.
Why does this product interact with so many medications?
Coleus affects how your liver processes certain drugs and how your blood vessels and blood pressure respond — two very common roles for medications. That's why it can interact with heart drugs, blood pressure drugs, blood thinners, and many others that rely on those same pathways.

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

Not sure if Forskohlii 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.

Forskohlii label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Forskohlii’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

Forskohlii'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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