Comprehensive review of pharmacological activities of Coleus forskohlii

Abstract

Coleus forskohlii (syn. Plectranthus barbatus) is a medicinally important herb belonging to the Lamiaceae family and is widely used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for the management of cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, and inflammatory disorders. Due to its broad therapeutic applications and increasing industrial demand, the plant has attracted considerable scientific interest in recent years. The present review comprehensively summarizes the botanical characteristics, geographical distribution, cultivation practices, phytochemical constituents, and pharmacological activities of Coleus forskohlii, with special emphasis on forskolin, its principal 
bioactive diterpenoid. Relevant scientific literature related to traditional uses, agronomy, phytochemistry, and pharmacological investigations was critically analysed to evaluate the medicinal significance and research progress associated with the plant. The review highlights that Coleus forskohlii contains a diverse range of secondary metabolites, including diterpenoids, triterpenoids, glycosides, flavonoids, and alkaloids, which contribute to its wide spectrum of biological activities. Among these compounds, forskolin has gained particular importance because of its unique ability to activate adenylate cyclase and increase intracellular cyclic AMP levels, thereby influencing multiple physiological pathways. Experimental and clinical studies demonstrate that forskolin and its derivatives exhibit antiglaucoma, bronchodilatory, antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, antimetastatic, antidepressant, and cardiotonic properties. The review also discusses recent developments in cultivation methods, propagation techniques, biofertilizer application, and biological disease management approaches that enhance root yield and forskolin production. Furthermore, forskolin derivatives such as NKH477 and HIL568 have shown promising therapeutic potential in cardiovascular and ophthalmic applications. The collective findings presented in this review emphasize the growing pharmaceutical relevance and medicinal value of Coleus forskohlii and support the need for further advanced 
pharmacological and clinical investigations.