The roots of coleus contain its most potent active ingredient, Forskolin, besides there are many other active ingredients in the plant roots and other aerial parts of this miracle plant.

Coleus is a member of the mint family native to India, Thailand, and Uganda. It has a long history of use in traditional medicine system Ayurveda, where it has been used to support lung, heart, and urinary health, among numerous other uses. Its fibrous and tuberous roots are also commonly made into pickles which are served in various relishes in Indian cuisines.

Unlike all herbs, coleus contains a multitude of active compounds. The plant contain the most potent active ingredient, Forskolin. It has been used extensively in experimental clinical research as a positive control to effectively increase the levels of the important cellular messenger compound cAMP (cyclic adenosine monophosphate).

Since Ayurveda sciences has practised since many generations its benefits in controlling the fat absorption and metabolising, Coleus is predominantly used within formulations to support fat burning and energy levels.

One of the most rigorous and promising studies concerning supplemental forskohlii was conducted by researchers at the University of Kansas a few years ago. They found that overweight and obese men lost more than 6 to 8 times more body fat, added on 35-40% more bone mass, and increased their bioavailable free testosterone by almost 30-35% more when they added 250 mg of a 10 percent of Forskolin containing to their otherwise unchanged daily lives, twice per day. In other words, 50 mg of total Forskolin per day—as compared to subjects who consumed a placebo—realized a significant improvement in both body composition and testosterone levels.

What’s interesting to note here is that Forskolin, so effective is its ability to directly and rapidly stimulate almost all known forms of the enzyme adenylyl cyclase, and therefore significantly promote the concentration of the messenger molecule cAMP. This powerful phenomenon of this compound activates numerous other enzymes within a range of cells and tissues, and is indirectly involved in far too many cellular functions.

In a similarly designed study to the Kansas study, researchers out of Baylor found that Forskolin reduced weight gain and hunger in obese women, but otherwise didn't reduce body fat.