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Dietary supplement

Forskolin 125 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Herbal Secrets

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

Forskolin 125 mg is a dietary supplement by Herbal Secrets 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 Extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Forskolin 125 mg by Herbal Secrets

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 root extract, supplying 125 mg of forskolin per capsule. Coleus has been used traditionally to support various body systems.

The capsule also includes inactive ingredients — cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, and silicon dioxide — 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: Heart and lung conditions traditional support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Asthma, Hypertension, Angina, Congestive heart failure (CHF), Dilated cardiomyopathy.
  • The closest evidence on file: Coleus is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Angina (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Coleus is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Asthma, Congestive heart failure (CHF), Hypertension, Dilated cardiomyopathy.

The evidence we hold on coleus forskohlii for its traditional uses — angina, asthma, cancer, congestive heart failure, atopic dermatitis (eczema), and dry eye — shows insufficient reliable evidence to rate how well it works for any of these. That doesn't mean it doesn't work; it means more rigorous research is needed before we can say.

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. The most common side effects are gastrointestinal: some people report constipation, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting.

In one clinical trial, about one in fifteen patients experienced increased bowel movements or loose stools, and retrospective reports suggest around a 10% rate of gastrointestinal side effects overall, mostly diarrhea. The safety data advises against use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding — there isn't enough information to know it's safe at those times.

Additionally, coleus may lower blood pressure and is not well studied for long-term use, so if you're considering it, talk it over with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized guidance.

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, double-check with your pharmacist or doctor if you use nitrates or calcium channel blockers (heart medications) — these carry Major-level interaction risks. Also confirm use if you take blood pressure medications, blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs, warfarin, or any drugs metabolized by liver enzymes CYP2C9 or CYP3A4.

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.

Forskolin 125 mg may appeal to someone looking for traditional herbal support, but it carries real medication interactions — especially with heart drugs, blood pressure medications, and blood thinners. If you take any prescription medications, check them against this product's interactions before you start.

Talk with your own doctor or pharmacist to see if it's right for your situation.

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 Jan 23, 2023.

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 Forskolin 125 mg, straight from the product label.

Brand Herbal Secrets
Barcode (UPC) 819209020708
Net contents 120 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jan 23, 2023
DSLD ID 282827
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Sugar 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 Forskolin 125 mg by Herbal Secrets, 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:
2 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
60
UPC/BARCODE
819209020708
IngredientAmount% DV
Coleus forskohlii Root Extract125 mg--

Other ingredients: Cellulose, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Magnesium Stearate, Silicon Dioxide

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.
Formula

Coleus Forskohlii is an herb grown in Nepal, Thailand and India. A member of the mint family, it has traditionally been used in Asian medicine for skin, lung and heart conditions. Forskolin works on muscles in the heart and in the walls of the blood vessels to support normal heart rate and relaxation of the arteries for better blood circulation. In addition, Forskolin is known to support healthy weight management as it may stimulate lipolysis (breaking down of fats) in fat cells, promote healthy metabolism and appetite suppression.

Forskolin 125 mg per serving

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: As a dietary supplement, adults take two (2) capsules daily. For best results take 20-30 minutes before meals with water or as directed by a health care professional.

Precautions

Caution: Do not exceed recommended dose.

Pregnant or nursing women, children under the age of 18, and individuals with a known medical condition, including heart disease and blood pressure disorders, should consult a physician before using this or any dietary supplement.

Pregnant or nursing women, children under the age of 18, and individuals with a known medical condition, including heart disease and blood pressure disorders, should consult a physician before using this or any dietary supplement.

Keep out of reach of children.

Do not use if safety seal is damaged or missing.

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.

Formulation

100% natural

Supports healthy weight management Supports cardiovascular health\ Supports healthy metabolism & appetite suppression Promotes the breakdown of fats

Contains No: Preservatives, artificial colors, flavors or sweeteners, sugar, milk, lactose, soy, gluten, wheat, yeast, fish or sodium.

Seals/Symbols

Made in the USA

GMP Good Manufacturing Practice Quality Product

FDA Statement of Identity

Natural Dietary Supplement

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

See for yourself

Forskolin 125 mg by Herbal Secrets label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Forskolin 125 mg by Herbal Secrets

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

Serving size2 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container60 Amounts shown are per serving.

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

Other (inactive) ingredients: Cellulose, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Magnesium Stearate, Silicon Dioxide. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Forskolin 125 mg by Herbal Secrets Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Forskolin 125 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

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Forskolin 125 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 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
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Forskolin 125 mg, from the product label.

Herbal Secrets

See all Herbal Secrets products
Name
Herbal Secrets
Street Address
629 Grove Street
City
Jersey City
State
NJ
ZipCode
07310
Web Address
amazingnutrition.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Forskolin 125 mg by Herbal Secrets: Common Questions

Does Forskolin 125 mg by Herbal Secrets interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Forskolin 125 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?
Forskolin 125 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.
What is forskolin, and what does it do?
Forskolin is an active compound from the coleus forskohlii plant. Traditionally it's been used to support heart health, breathing, and other body systems, but the evidence we hold shows insufficient data to say how well it actually works for these purposes.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
No — the safety data advises against use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. There isn't enough information about safety at those times. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or nursing.
What are the most common side effects?
The most common side effects are gastrointestinal: diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and constipation. In one trial, about one in fifteen people reported increased bowel movements or loose stools. Gastrointestinal effects occur in roughly 10% of people taking oral coleus, with diarrhea being the main complaint.
Is coleus safe for long-term use?
Coleus isn't well studied for long-term use. It may also lower blood pressure. Because of both factors, use with care and under professional guidance — discuss long-term use with your doctor or pharmacist first.
Does this product have any fillers or other inactive ingredients?
Yes, it includes cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, and silicon dioxide as inactive ingredients to help hold the capsule together.

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

Not sure if Forskolin 125 mg 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.

Forskolin 125 mg label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Forskolin 125 mg’s Ingredients

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

Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Forskolin 125 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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