Major interaction on record — check this product against your medications before combining. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Forskolin 500 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by aSquared Nutrition

Capsule Category: Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Most serious interaction: Major
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Major

Forskolin 500 mg is a dietary supplement by aSquared Nutrition 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 Forskolin. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Forskolin 500 mg by aSquared Nutrition

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.

Forskolin 500 mg contains one active ingredient: forskolin, a compound extracted from the plant Coleus. Forskolin has been studied for its potential effects on heart function, blood pressure, airway opening, and skin conditions, though the evidence remains limited.

The product also contains two inactive ingredients — methylcellulose and microcrystalline cellulose — which are fillers and binders that hold the capsule together.

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 for forskolin isn't established in our data. The facts note insufficient reliable evidence to rate its use for angina, asthma, cancer, congestive heart failure, eczema, and dry eye — the conditions it's been studied for.

That means the research to date hasn't been strong or complete enough to say whether it works.

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.

When taken by mouth, forskolin is generally well tolerated, though gastrointestinal side effects are the most common. Diarrhea appears in a small number of users and can be dose-related; one clinical trial reported loose stools in 1 of 15 participants, and retrospective reports suggest roughly 10% of oral users experience some gastrointestinal upset — mostly diarrhea, with less frequent nausea, vomiting, or constipation.

Because forskolin may lower blood pressure, use it with care and professional guidance, especially for long-term use. The safety data advises against use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding — there isn't enough information to know it's safe.

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 if you use nitrates or calcium channel blockers (Major severity), or blood pressure medications, blood thinners, warfarin, or drugs that depend on liver processing through CYP2C9 or CYP3A4 (Moderate severity). The liver-enzyme interaction is broad, so your exact medications matter.

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.

Consider this product only if you're interested in trying forskolin for one of its proposed uses and have discussed it with your doctor or pharmacist first. If you take heart medications, blood pressure drugs, blood thinners, or warfarin, you'll need to check your medications carefully before starting.

Talk to your pharmacist — the interaction picture is complex.

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 Aug 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 500 mg, straight from the product label.

Brand aSquared Nutrition
Barcode (UPC) X0016YMUYJ
Net contents 180 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Aug 23, 2023
DSLD ID 295332
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Women (not pregnant or lactating)
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 500 mg by aSquared Nutrition, 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 Vegetable Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Vegetable Capsule(s)
Servings per container
90
UPC/BARCODE
X0016YMUYJ
IngredientAmount% DV
Forskolin500 mg--

Other ingredients: Methylcellulose, Microcrystalline Cellulose

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.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested use: as a dietary supplement, take two (2) veggie capsules daily. For best results take 20-30 minutes before a meal with water or as directed by your physician.

Precautions

Caution: do not exceed the recommended dose.

Not intended for pregnant or nursing mothers.

Not intended for children under 18 years of age.

If you are taking any medications, have a known medical condition, or are planning a medical procedure, consult your doctor before use.

Discontinue use and consult your doctor if any adverse reactions occur.

Keep out of reach of children.

Do not use if safety seal is damaged or missing.

Seals/Symbols

Sourced from a GMP Certified Facility Good Manufacturing Practice Quality Assured

USA Formulated

General Statements

Please recycle.

90 day supply

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

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.

Formula

Made with natural ingredients

Ultra strength formula Third-party tested formula

Forskolin Is derived from the roots of Coleus Forskohlii plant, a member of the mint family. Forskolin is believed to help support weight management and normal energy levels.

Formulation

Supports weight management Supports energy levels

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

See for yourself

Forskolin 500 mg by aSquared Nutrition label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Forskolin 500 mg by aSquared Nutrition

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

Serving size2 Vegetable Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container90 Amounts shown are per serving.

Forskolin

Interacts with
915 drugs
500 mg per serving Form: Coleus forskohlii Root Complex

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...

Forskolin monograph & interactions

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

Interaction report

Forskolin 500 mg by aSquared Nutrition Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Forskolin 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

Forskolin 915

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Forskolin 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.

Forskolin7 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 500 mg, from the product label.

aSquared Nutrition

See all aSquared Nutrition products
Name
aSquared Brands LLC
Street Address
382 NE 191st Street, #98406
City
Miami
State
FL
ZipCode
33179
Phone Number
Office: 1-800-557-4120
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Forskolin 500 mg by aSquared Nutrition: Common Questions

Does Forskolin 500 mg by aSquared Nutrition interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Forskolin 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?
Forskolin 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 Forskolin 500 mg if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. The safety data advises against use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding because there isn't enough information to know it's safe. Talk with your doctor about your options.
What side effects might I experience?
The most common side effects are gastrointestinal — diarrhea (which can be dose-related), nausea, vomiting, or constipation. Loose stools were reported in a small number of trial participants. Because forskolin may lower blood pressure, you might also experience dizziness or lightheadedness, which is why professional guidance is recommended.
Does forskolin actually work for heart problems or asthma?
The evidence isn't strong enough to say. Our data shows insufficient reliable evidence to rate it for angina, asthma, congestive heart failure, or the other conditions it's been studied for. That doesn't mean it doesn't work — it means more research is needed.
Is this product safe for long-term use?
Forskolin isn't well studied for long-term use, so the facts recommend using it with care and professional guidance if you choose to continue beyond the short term. Talk with your pharmacist or doctor about how long is appropriate for you.
Why does this product interact with so many medications?
Forskolin affects how your liver processes drugs and may also relax blood vessels around the heart — two mechanisms that can change how many different medications work. That's why a thorough medication check is important before you start.

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

Not sure if Forskolin 500 mg is safe with your meds?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

Ask a pharmacist

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 500 mg label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Forskolin 500 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 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

Keep exploring