Flower power

Not your garden-variety herb

Q: I occasionally have indigestion, and I heard that coleus extract may help. Can you provide some information?

JVW: You are referring to Coleus forskohlii, a plant that is different from any other variety of coleus. This plant, a member of the mint family, has a long history of use in Ayurvedic medicine. The root of the plant contains the highest levels of its active ingredient, forskolin, which is a potent activator of the enzyme adenylate cyclase. This enzyme increases the amount of a valuable cell messenger, cyclic AMP (cAMP), considered to be one of the most important cell-regulating compounds.

Coleus acts on upper gastrointestinal function by stimulating the release of pancreatic enzymes, which aid digestion. This helps explain the traditional use of the root as a condiment. Combining it with ginger can help digestion even more.

Coleus also has many other uses. It has shown value in the treatment of hypertension, mild congestive heart failure, asthma, and glaucoma.

It is important if you are thinking about using coleus extract that you choose one that indicates on the label how much of the active ingredient forskolin it contains. An extract without forskolin will not be of much use.

You should not use Coleus forskohlii if you have low blood pressure or peptic ulcers. As with any new herbal therapy, consult with a physician skilled in natural medicine before beginning treatment.

****************************************************

What is...indigestion?

Indigestion is a catch-all term used by many people to mean different things. It can cover heartburn, nausea, gas, and/or abdominal discomfort or pain, which can be gnawing, burning, or a feeling of fullness.

Yours in good health,
Amanda Ross
Editorial Director
Nutrition & Healing

Sources:
"Mechanisms of action and antiproliferative properties of brassica oleracea juice in human breast cancer cell lines," Journal of Nutrition 2005; 135: 1,503-1,509