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

Forskolin Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Herbal Nutrition

Capsule Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Major
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Major

Forskolin is a dietary supplement by Herbal Nutrition 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.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Forskolin by Herbal 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 2 of its 2 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains 2 active ingredients. Coleus forskohlii root extract is the main one — it's a plant derivative that contains a compound called forskolin, which some research suggests may affect blood pressure and heart function.

The second ingredient is forskolin on its own, though we don't have interaction data filed for it separately.

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: weight loss by activating fat burning and appetite suppression.
  • We looked for evidence on: Obesity, Body composition, Weight management, Metabolic rate.
  • The closest evidence on file: Coleus is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Obesity (Natural Medicines).

The evidence we hold doesn't establish that coleus or forskolin work for any of the conditions listed — angina, asthma, cancer, congestive heart failure, atopic dermatitis (eczema), and dry eye all carry a rating of insufficient reliable evidence. That means the studies so far either don't exist, aren't strong enough, or don't point clearly in one direction.

If you're considering this for a specific health goal, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about what the current science supports.

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 the most common side effects are gastrointestinal: constipation, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. A small number of trial participants reported loose stools, and retrospective reports suggest roughly a 10% rate of GI upset overall, with diarrhea making up most of those cases.

The product may also lower blood pressure, and long-term safety hasn't been well studied — so use it with care and under professional guidance. Safety data during pregnancy and breastfeeding are insufficient; the safety notes advise against use in both situations.

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 take nitrates or calcium channel blockers (Major severity), any blood pressure medications, blood thinners, warfarin, or any other drug your liver processes through CYP2C9 or CYP3A4 enzymes (all Moderate severity). These interactions could change how well your medications work or raise your risk of side effects.

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 may be worth considering if you've discussed it with your doctor and have no heart conditions, blood pressure medications, or blood thinners on board. If you take nitrates, calcium channel blockers, blood pressure drugs, blood thinners, warfarin, or medications metabolized by your liver's main enzyme systems, talk with your pharmacist before starting — the interactions are significant.

Avoid during pregnancy and 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 Aug 22, 2024.

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, straight from the product label.

Brand Herbal Nutrition
Barcode (UPC) 701748581072
Net contents 90 Veggie Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Aug 22, 2024
DSLD ID 317376
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten 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 by Herbal 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:
1 Capsule(s), 2 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s), 2 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
45
UPC/BARCODE
701748581072
IngredientAmount% DV
Coleus forskohlii Root Extract120 mg, 250 mg--
Forskolin25 mg, 50 mg--

Other ingredients: Vegetable Capsule, 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.
General Statements

Servings Per Container 90,45

Formula

Pure Forskolin Extract aids in weight loss by activating mechanisms in the body that help burn fat and suppress appetite. It also provides a variety of cardiovascular and other health benefits. It has been used safely by athletes and dieters as part of a complete diet and exercise program.

Pure Forskolin Extract 50mg Active Forskolin

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: For dieting, we offer two recommendations based on individual weight loss goals. When initially beginning, we recommend starting with the standard diet dosage and moving up to maximum diet dosage only if needed to obtain your weight loss goals. Standard diet dose: Take one capsule twice daily 20-30 minutes before a meal with an 8oz glass of water, or as directed by your physician. Maximum diet dosage: Take two capsules twice daily 20-30 minutes before a meal with an 8oz glass of water, or as directed by your physician.

Precautions

Warning: Not intended for use by persons under the age of 18.

If you have any medical condition or are taking any medication, consult a medical professional prior to use.

To report any adverse effect, call 1-800-332-1088

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to treat, diagnose, cure, or prevent any disease.

Formulation

All Natural Ingredients Standardized to 20% Recommended weight loss formula Supports healthy metabolism Helps suppress appetite Cardiovascular health Natural Weight Loss Supplement

No gluten, milk derivatives or artificial colors or flavors

Non GMO

FDA Statement of Identity

Natural Weight Loss Supplement Dietary Supplement

Seals/Symbols

GMP Certified Made in USA

See for yourself

Forskolin by Herbal Nutrition label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Forskolin by Herbal Nutrition

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

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container45 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
120 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

Forskolin

Interacts with
915 drugs
25 mg per serving

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: Vegetable Capsule, Cellulose. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Forskolin by Herbal Nutrition Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Forskolin?

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 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, from the product label.

Herbal Nutrition

See all Herbal Nutrition products
Name
Herbal Nutrition, L.L.C.
City
Alpharetta
State
GA
Phone Number
1-800-497-4709
Web Address
www.herbalnutritionhealth.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Forskolin by Herbal Nutrition: Common Questions

Does Forskolin by Herbal Nutrition interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Forskolin 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 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.
What are the most common side effects of coleus?
When taken by mouth, the most common ones are diarrhea, constipation, nausea, and vomiting. Diarrhea appears most often. A small number of trial participants had loose stools, and about 10% of people report some stomach upset overall.
Can I take this product while pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. There isn't enough safety data to know either way, and the safety notes advise against it in both pregnancy and breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized guidance.
Does this product work for asthma or heart conditions?
We don't have evidence in our data showing it does. The evidence for coleus and asthma, angina, heart failure, and the other conditions listed is insufficient — the studies either aren't there, aren't strong enough, or are unclear. Ask your doctor what treatment options have proven benefit.
Will this lower my blood pressure?
Possibly — animal research suggests forskolin, the active compound in coleus, may lower blood pressure. Since this product isn't well studied long-term and that effect isn't fully understood in humans, use it with care and professional guidance if you have blood pressure concerns.
What are the inactive ingredients?
The capsule itself is made from vegetable material, and cellulose is used as an inactive ingredient (a binder/filler). Those are the only inactive ingredients listed.

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

Not sure if Forskolin 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 label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Forskolin'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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