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Dietary supplement

Forskolin Extract Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Integrative Therapeutics

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

Forskolin Extract is a dietary supplement by Integrative Therapeutics 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 Extract by Integrative Therapeutics

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. Coleus is a plant whose root has been studied for various health purposes, including heart function and breathing.

The extract is the concentrated form of the plant material, which contains forsklin — the compound responsible for many of coleus's effects in your body. The capsule also contains inactive ingredients (cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, magnesium stearate, and silicon dioxide) that help hold the extract together and allow you to swallow it easily.

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 we hold doesn't establish that Forskolin Extract is reliably effective for any of the conditions it's marketed for — angina, asthma, cancer, congestive heart failure, atopic dermatitis (eczema), and dry eye all carry a rating of insufficient reliable evidence. That doesn't mean it doesn't work; it means the scientific data available to us isn't robust enough yet to make a confident claim about whether it does.

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 it does come with caveats. Gastrointestinal side effects are the most common — diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and constipation — with some trial data showing loose stools in a small proportion of participants and retrospective reports suggesting roughly a 10% rate of GI upset overall, mostly diarrhea.

The supplement may lower your blood pressure, so it's not well studied for long-term use and warrants professional guidance. The safety data advises against taking coleus during pregnancy or while breastfeeding — there isn't enough information to know it's safe in either situation.

If you're pregnant, planning pregnancy, or nursing, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before considering this product.

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 you take this product, check with your doctor or pharmacist if you're on nitrates or calcium channel blockers (both Major severity interactions), blood pressure medications, blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs like aspirin, warfarin specifically, or any medication cleared through your liver's CYP3A4 or CYP2C9 pathways (all Moderate severity).

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.

Forskolin Extract is a single-ingredient supplement with a long list of potential medication interactions, especially with heart and blood pressure drugs, blood thinners, and medications metabolized through certain liver pathways. The evidence doesn't yet support its effectiveness for the conditions listed.

If you take any prescription medication — particularly nitrates, calcium channel blockers, blood pressure meds, or blood thinners — discuss this product with your doctor or pharmacist before starting.

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 Sep 21, 2017.

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 Extract, straight from the product label.

Brand Integrative Therapeutics
Barcode (UPC) 871791002692
Net contents 60 Veg Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Sep 21, 2017
DSLD ID 77878
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegetarian, 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 Extract by Integrative Therapeutics, 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)
UPC/BARCODE
871791002692
IngredientAmount% DV
Coleus forskohlii root extract50 mg--

Other ingredients: Cellulose, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, 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.
Seals/Symbols

Non GMO Project Verified nongmoproject.org

Formulation

Non GMO

Contains no sugar, salt, yeast, wheat, gluten, corn, soy, dairy products, artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, or ingredients of animal origin.

Brand IP Statement(s)

2016 Integrative Therapeutics, LLC

General

LZ78576.B02 BLK857B

FDA Disclaimer Statement

This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Recommendation: Take 1 capsule twice daily with meals, or as recommended by your healthcare professional.

Precautions

If pregnant, nursing, or taking prescription drugs, consult your healthcare professional prior to use.

See for yourself

Forskolin Extract by Integrative Therapeutics label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Forskolin Extract by Integrative Therapeutics

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

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

Coleus forskohlii root extract

Interacts with
915 drugs
50 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, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Magnesium Stearate, Silicon Dioxide. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Forskolin Extract by Integrative Therapeutics Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Forskolin Extract?

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.

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915Drugs
29 Major 886 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Forskolin Extract 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 Extract, from the product label.

Integrative Therapeutics

See all Integrative Therapeutics products
Name
Integrative Therapeutics, LLC
City
Green Bay
State
WI
ZipCode
54311
Phone Number
800.931.1709
Web Address
integrativepro.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Forskolin Extract by Integrative Therapeutics: Common Questions

Does Forskolin Extract by Integrative Therapeutics interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Forskolin Extract 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 Extract 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 are the most common side effects if I take this?
The most common side effects from taking coleus by mouth are gastrointestinal — diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and constipation. Some trial participants experienced loose stools or increased bowel movements. If these bother you, it may be dose-related, so talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
The safety data advises against it. There isn't enough information to know whether coleus is safe during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. If you're in either situation, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before starting this supplement.
Does this actually work for heart health or asthma?
We don't have reliable evidence that it does. The product is marketed for several conditions — including angina, asthma, heart failure, and others — but the scientific data we hold rates all of them as having insufficient evidence to make a confident claim about whether it works.
How might this affect my blood pressure?
Coleus may lower blood pressure, which is why it interacts with blood pressure medications and carries a caution for long-term use. If you have low blood pressure or take a blood pressure drug, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking this.
What's in the capsule besides the active ingredient?
The capsule contains cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, magnesium stearate, and silicon dioxide — these are inactive ingredients that help keep the supplement stable and make it easy to swallow. They're not the active part.
Is this safe to use with my medications?
We've identified interactions with many medication categories — heart drugs, blood thinners, blood pressure meds, and others metabolized by your liver. Before you take it, use the medication search tool on this page to check your exact prescriptions, and talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

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

Not sure if Forskolin Extract is safe with your meds?

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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 Extract label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Forskolin Extract’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 Extract'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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