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Herbs & Plants

Plectranthus barbatus

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Botanical Name:Plectranthus barbatus
Family: Lamiaceae
Genus: Plectranthus
Species: P. barbatus
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Lamiales

Common Name:Coleus forskohlii and Indian Coleus,makandi

Habitat: Plectranthus barbatus is found in lower elevation of India, but now this pland grown around the world as an ornamental plant.

Description:
Plectranthus barbatus is a big, honking, perennial specimen plant, totally easy & fast, to about 5’ tall. Related to Coleus, it has large, soft, toothed leaves held on thick, upright, branching stems. From Fall to late Spring, it bears large (10”), upright spikes of rich, purple-blue, long lasting blooms. The flowers emerge from fascinating buds that look like condensed “Chinese Houses.”

Click to see the picture  :

Active constituents:
Tisanes made from Plectranthus barbatus contains rosmarinic acid and also flavonoid glucuronides and diterpenoids. The chemical constituents of Plectranthus barbatus showed interesting activities in vitro, such as antioxidant activity and acetylcholinesterase inhibition.

Forskolin, a chemical found in coleus, activates the enzyme adenylate cyclase. This enzyme is a turnkey compound that initiates a cascade of critical events within every cell of the body. Adenylate cyclase and the chemicals it activates comprise a “second messenger” system that is responsible for carrying out the complex and powerful effects of hormones in the body.

Stimulation of the second messenger system by forskolin leads to blood vessel dilation, inhibition of allergic reactions, and an increase in thyroid hormone secretion. Forskolin has other properties as well, including inhibition of the pro-inflammatory substance known as platelet-activating factor (PAF) and inhibition of the spread of cancer cells.

Studies in healthy humans, including at least one double-blind trial, have shown that direct application of an ophthalmic preparation of forskolin to the eyes lowers eye pressure, thus reducing the risk of glaucoma. Direct application of the whole herb to the eyes has not been studied and is not recommended.

Forskolin may help dilate blood vessels and improve the forcefulness with which the heart pumps blood. A preliminary trial found that forskolin-reduced blood pressure and improved heart function in people with cardiomyopathy. It is unknown if oral coleus extracts would have the same effect. A small double-blind trial found that inhaled forskolin could decrease lung spasms in asthmatics. It is unclear if oral ingestion of coleus extracts will provide similar benefits.

Medicinal Uses:
As recorded in ancient Sanskrit texts, coleus was used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat heart and lung diseases, intestinal spasms, insomnia, and convulsions. It is widely used as a domestic mild medicine in South America among both urban and rural developments, sometimes confused with the native plant with similar properties but different uses, boldo.

Disclaimer : The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplement, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider

Resources:
http://www.anniesannuals.com/plt_lst/lists/general/lst.gen.asp?prodid=1558
http://www.ask.com/wiki/Plectranthus_barbatus?o=3986&qsrc=999
http://ayurveda.indianetzone.com/1/ayurveda_herbs.htm

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Herbs & Plants

Pashanabhedi(Coleus forskohlii )

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Botanical Name : Plectranthus barbatus/Coleus forskohlii
Family: Lamiaceae
Genus: Plectranthus
Species: P. barbatus
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Lamiales

Synonym : Coleus forskohlii

Trade Name : Pashanabhedi
Other Names:Suganda , Makandi
Common names: pashanabhedi, makandi, colforsin, HL-362 , and mao hou qiao rui hua.

In Marathi the plant roots are known as mainmula and especially used for pickles. The pickle is supposed to help strengthen the heart muscles. In Kenya it is also referred to as Kikuyu toilet paper, as in rural areas its leaves are used as such.

Habitat:
The plant is native to subtropical and tropical regions of India and east Africa. A synonym is C. barbatus.Grows on the dry slopes on the indian plains and in the foothills of the himalayas.

Description:Coleus forskohlii is an aromatic perennial, with an erect stem and tuber like roots, reaching 60 cm. .Grows and cultivated throughout India.
Stem is square in shape and are usually extremely fragrant due to their large content of essential oil. The plant  is 1 to 2 feet tall having teardrop striking leaves, shimmering green framing a bright purple center; leaf color differs with the amount of shade. Flowers are of pale purple or blue color.

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Propagation : Forskolin, Coleous root

Parts Used
:  Leaves and Roots.

Chemistry:
Herbal teas made from Plectranthus barbatus contains rosmarinic acid and also flavonoid glucuronides and diterpenoids. The chemical constituents of Plectranthus barbatus showed interesting activities in vitro, such as antioxidant activity and acetylcholinesterase inhibition.

Forskolin is one of the most extensively studied constituents of P. barbatus.

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Medicinal Uses : Coleus has been used as a medical herb to treat heart and lung diseases, intestinal spasms, insomnia and convulsions. Forskolin may also assist in dilating blood vessels and improving the forcefulness with which the heart pumps blood.It may help to reduce blood pressure and improved heart function in people with cardiomyopathy. It is found effective in skin conditions as eczema and psoriasis. It can aid in weight loss due to its ability to breakdown stored fat.

The root is used for a myriad of medicinal purposes. According to the ancient Sanskrit texts, coleus has been used as a medical herb to treat heart and lung diseases, intestinal spasms, insomnia and convulsions. It also lowers blood pressure, antispasmodic, dilates the blood vessels.

It is found to be effective in skin conditions as eczema and psoriasis. Coleus is primarily indicated for cardiovascular diseases including hypertension, congestive heart failure and angina. It is also used for asthma, intestinal colic, uterine cramps as well as painful urination. Coleus can aid in digestive and malabsorption disorders through its ability to stimulate secretion of saliva, hydrochloric acid, pepsin, amalyase and pancreatic enzymes and increase nutrient absorption in the small intestine. It accelerates the breakdown of existing fat stores and promotes healthy cardiovascular function, lowers elevated blood pressure. Useful in treatment for eczema and other allergic condition. The oil finds useful applications in flavor and fragrance preparations as well as in aromatherapy.

Home remedy:
It is widely used as a home remedy in South America among both urban and rural developments, sometimes confused with the native plant with similar properties but different uses, boldo.

The Brazilian name is boldo brasileiro (Portuguese pronunciation: , as opposed to the Chilean true boldo), boldo-da-terra , boldo-de-jardim or tapete-de-Oxalá , and it is used to alleviate digestive problems, particularly liver-related ones, such as headaches caused by hangovers and other consumption of alcohol, as well as excessive fat content in food.

The traditional Brazilian use consists in finely macerating three big, healthy leaves inside a 200ml cup with an impermeable wand, such as the holding extremity of a fork or a spoon, adding water and drinking the bitter juice, but not the leaves. More water is immediately added, without further maceration, and drank 2 hours after. The process is repeated once more. Leaves should be taken from the plant after the sunrise and before the sunset.

Traditional/Ethnobotanical uses
This species and other related species were used in Ayurvedic medicine under the name pashanabhedi for heart and lung diseases, intestinal spasms, insomnia, and convulsions. It was studied for cardiovascular activity in 1974 by scientists from Hoechst India and the Central Drug Research Institute of India in screening programs that examined medicinal plants.

Cardiovascular effects
Forskolin has been shown to dilate the blood vessels, decreasing blood pressure, increasing the contractility of the heart, and inhibiting platelet aggregation in patients. Because of its multiple sites of action, it should be used with caution. Research reveals no clinical data regarding the use of forskolin for antithrombotic effects. Forskolin has shown positive effects in human heart tissues. More clinical studies are needed.

Asthma
Forskolin has been shown to relax contracted airways in humans. A small human study found that inhaled forskolin powder formulations were capable of causing bronchodilation in asthma patients. Further clinical study is necessary.

Contraindications
Avoid use in patients on anticoagulants, antihypertensives, and vasodilators because of additive effects. Avoid use with ulcers because of stimulation of gastric acid, and in diabetes due to stimulation of lipid release and gluconeogenesis.

Pregnancy/nursing
Information regarding safety and efficacy in pregnancy and lactation is lacking. Avoid use.

Interactions
May have additive effects with anticoagulants, antihypertensives, and vasodilators.

Side Effects
Avoid use with ulcers because of stimulation of gastric acid and in diabetes due to stimulation of lipid release and gluconeogenesis.

You may click to see:->for more knowledge in medicinal uses of forskolin :
Research Update:Coleus forskohlii,Forskolin :

Disclaimer:The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.

Resources:
http://www.drugs.com/npc/forskolin.html
http://apmab.ap.nic.in/products.php?&start=30
http://www.motherherbs.com/coleus-forskohlii.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plectranthus_barbatus

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