Forskolin Sources, Mechanisms of Action and Health Effects

Forskolin is a labdane diterpene, isolated from plant Coleus forskohlii (Lamiaceae), which has been used in traditional Indian medicine, Ayurveda. Forskolin increases the production of cyclic adenosine monophosphatase (cAMP) by activating adenylate cyclase. Forskolin has many pharmacological effects and some of them are independent of cAMP. Coleus forskohlii root, which contains forskolin has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for cardiovascular disorders and gastrointestinal disorders. Recently, forskolin has been used as anti-obesity and anti-glaucoma agents. This book discusses the sources, mechanisms of action and health effects of forskolin.