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Dietary supplement

Forskolin Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Nutrition Essentials

Forskolin label
See full label image
Capsule Category: Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Most serious interaction: Major
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 23, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Forskolin 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

Forskolin is a dietary supplement by Nutrition Essentials 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.

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Check Your Meds Against Forskolin by Nutrition Essentials

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Forskolin by Nutrition Essentials — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Forskolin by Nutrition Essentials

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 11, 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 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

Nutrition Essentials Forskolin is a single-ingredient supplement. It contains 1 active ingredient: forskolin, a compound extracted from coleus (a plant used traditionally in herbal medicine).

The capsule itself is made from gelatin, with magnesium stearate and calcium carbonate as inactive ingredients.

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: metabolic support and cellular function.
  • We looked for evidence on: Obesity, weight management, fat metabolism, body composition.
  • The closest evidence on file: Coleus is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Obesity (Natural Medicines).

We hold effectiveness data for forskolin for six conditions—angina, asthma, cancer, congestive heart failure, atopic dermatitis (eczema), and dry eye—but the evidence for all of them is insufficient to rate. That means the research we have on file isn't strong or complete enough to say whether it works for any of these uses.

If you're considering this for a specific health concern, talk with your pharmacist or doctor about what the broader evidence shows.

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 digestive: a small number of people report constipation, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting, with diarrhea being the most frequent.

One trial reported loose stools in 1 of 15 participants; other reports suggest roughly a 10% rate of mild gastrointestinal upset overall. The safety data advises against use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

Forskolin may also lower blood pressure and hasn't been well studied long-term, so it needs careful use and professional 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.

Check with your pharmacist or doctor before taking this if you use nitrates or calcium channel blockers for your heart (Major interactions); antihypertensive drugs for blood pressure; blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs like warfarin or aspirin (Moderate interactions); or any medications processed by your liver's CYP2C9 or CYP3A4 enzymes. Forskolin can amplify heart and blood pressure effects and may interfere with how your body breaks down drugs.

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're looking into it for heart or respiratory health, but the evidence on file isn't strong enough to confirm it works. More importantly, it interacts with heart medications, blood pressure drugs, and blood thinners—so talk with your pharmacist or doctor before you start, especially if you take any prescription medications.

Pregnant women and those breastfeeding should avoid it.

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 Mar 24, 2016.

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 Nutrition Essentials
Barcode (UPC) 039517865659
Net contents 30 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Mar 24, 2016
DSLD ID 57967
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 Nutrition Essentials, 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)
Servings per container
30
UPC/BARCODE
039517865659
IngredientAmount% DV
Forskolin125 mg--

Other ingredients: Gelatin, Magnesium Stearate, Calcium Carbonate

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 Usage: As a dietary supplement, take 1 (one) capsule once daily.

Precautions

Caution: Pregnant or lactating women, anyone taking medications or other dietary supplements, and those with a known medical condition, including heart disease and blood pressure disorders, should consult a physician before using any supplement product.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not use if safety seal is damaged or missing.

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

Coleus Forskohlii Root Extract

General Statements

-Metabolic support formula -Promotes cellular function -Promotes breakdown of stored fats

Seals/Symbols

GMP

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

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

See for yourself

Forskolin by Nutrition Essentials label

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

Forskolin 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 Forskolin by Nutrition Essentials

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

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container30 Amounts shown are per serving.

Forskolin

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...

Forskolin monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Gelatin, Magnesium Stearate, Calcium Carbonate. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Forskolin by Nutrition Essentials 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

Individual Drug Interactions

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

1 of the 1 ingredient in Forskolin interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Forskolin

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
Forskolin full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

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

Nutrition Essentials

See all Nutrition Essentials products
Name
Boost Marketing Group LLC
Street Address
PO Box 998
City
Ada
State
MI
ZipCode
49301
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Forskolin by Nutrition Essentials: Common Questions

Does Forskolin by Nutrition Essentials 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.
Can I take Forskolin if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. The safety data advises against use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding because there isn't enough safety information. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new supplement if you're pregnant or nursing.
What side effects might I experience from Forskolin?
The most common are digestive: diarrhea, constipation, nausea, or vomiting. Diarrhea is the most frequent, reported in a small number of users. Most people tolerate it well overall, but side effects can be dose-related.
Does Forskolin actually work for heart or lung problems?
The evidence we hold on file is insufficient to rate it for any of the conditions we have data on—including angina, asthma, and heart failure. That means we don't have strong enough research to say whether it works. Ask your pharmacist or doctor what the full research picture shows.
Is it safe to take Forskolin long-term?
It hasn't been well studied for long-term use, so use with care and professional guidance. Because it may lower blood pressure, regular monitoring with your doctor is a good idea if you're taking it regularly.
What is forskolin and where does it come from?
Forskolin is an active compound extracted from coleus, a plant with a history in traditional herbal medicine. It's the one and only active ingredient in this product.

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

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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 label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Forskolin’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

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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