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Dietary supplement

Forskolin Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Huntington Labs

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

Forskolin is a dietary supplement by Huntington Labs 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 by Huntington Labs

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: Forskolin, a compound from the coleus plant. Forskolin has been studied for a range of conditions, though the evidence remains limited.

The capsule itself also holds inactive ingredients — vegetable cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, and silicon dioxide — which are standard fillers and binders.

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: boost metabolism and assist weight loss.
  • We looked for evidence on: Obesity, Hypertension, body composition, metabolic rate.
  • The closest evidence on file: Coleus is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Hypertension (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Coleus is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Obesity.

The evidence we hold for forskolin doesn't establish reliable effectiveness for the uses listed. Angina, asthma, cancer, congestive heart failure, eczema, and dry eye all show insufficient reliable evidence to rate.

That doesn't mean it doesn't work — it means the research so far hasn't been robust enough to make a confident claim either way. If you're considering this for a specific condition, talk with your doctor about what the current evidence actually shows and whether it makes sense for you.

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, coleus (the source of forskolin) is generally well tolerated, though it can cause gastrointestinal side effects. The most common are constipation, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting — diarrhea in particular shows up in clinical reports at around 10% for oral use.

A small number of trial participants experienced loose stools or increased bowel movements. Because the long-term safety profile isn't well studied, use with care and under professional guidance, especially if you plan to take it regularly.

For pregnancy and breastfeeding: the safety data advises against using this product during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. There isn't enough information to know whether it's safe in these situations, so talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized guidance if you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or nursing.

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're on nitrates or calcium channel blockers (Major concern), blood pressure medications, blood thinners like warfarin or aspirin, or drugs processed by CYP2C9 or CYP3A4 enzymes. No interactions are documented in our data for the inactive ingredients.

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 might be worth a conversation with your pharmacist if you're curious about it for general wellness, but it's not established as effective for the conditions listed. The real concern is drug interactions — especially if you take heart medications, blood pressure drugs, or blood thinners.

Check your full medication list on this page before you start, and loop in your doctor or pharmacist first.

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 Feb 25, 2019.

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 Huntington Labs
Barcode (UPC) X000OV0SDF
Net contents 60 Veggie Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Feb 25, 2019
DSLD ID 188804
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
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 Forskolin by Huntington Labs, 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 Veg Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Veg Capsule(s)
Servings per container
60
UPC/BARCODE
X000OV0SDF
IngredientAmount% DV
Forskolin250 mg--

Other ingredients: Vegetable 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.
General Statements

All natural

Helps boost metabolism Assists weight loss Inhibits high blood pressure

Formula

Coleus forskohlii with standardized 20%

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Seals/Symbols

Made in the USA

GMP Good Manufacturing Practice

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: For best results, take one (1) capsule twice daily 20-30 minutes before a meal with a glass of water or as directed by your healthcare professional.

Precautions

Caution: Do not exceed recommended dose.

Pregnant or nursing mothers, children under the age of 18, and individuals with a known medical condition should consult a physician before using this or any dietary supplement.

Warning: Keep out of reach of children.

Do not use if safety seal is damaged or missing.

Brand IP Statement(s)

Pregnant or nursing mothers, children under the age of 18, and individuals with a known medical condition should consult a physician before using this or any dietary supplement.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

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

See for yourself

Forskolin by Huntington Labs label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Forskolin by Huntington Labs

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

Serving size1 Veg Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container60 Amounts shown are per serving.

Forskolin

Interacts with
915 drugs
250 mg per serving Form: Coleus forskohlii root extract, 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...

Forskolin monograph & interactions

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

Interaction report

Forskolin by Huntington Labs 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

Forskolin 915

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.

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, from the product label.

Huntington Labs

See all Huntington Labs products
Name
Huntington Labs
Street Address
1811 Silverside Rd.
City
Wilmington
State
DE
ZipCode
19810
Phone Number
1 (702) 224-2130
Web Address
www.huntingtonlabs.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Forskolin by Huntington Labs: Common Questions

Does Forskolin by Huntington Labs 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 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 where does it come from?
Forskolin is an active compound found in the coleus plant. It's been studied for various health uses, though reliable evidence is still limited for most of them.
What side effects might I experience when taking this?
Most common are gastrointestinal ones — diarrhea, constipation, nausea, and vomiting. Diarrhea is the most frequently reported, affecting roughly 10% of people using oral coleus. A small number of trial participants had loose stools or increased bowel movements.
Is Forskolin safe to use long-term?
Long-term safety hasn't been well studied. Use with care and professional guidance if you plan to take it regularly. It may lower blood pressure, so that's another reason to loop in your doctor.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. The safety data advises against use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. If you're pregnant, planning pregnancy, or nursing, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before starting.
Does Forskolin work for asthma or heart failure?
The evidence we have doesn't establish that it's effective for either condition. For asthma, heart failure, or the other uses listed, the research hasn't been reliable enough yet to make that claim.

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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