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Botanical name: Coleus Forskohlii – Labiatate
Alternate name: Pashana bhedi |
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Introduction |
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Coleus plant a naturally
occurring tuber crop, are durable and easy to grow. They are
best known for their bright colours, and variety of foliage
forms. Although they are technically a “tender perennial”
(even the slightest frost will cause them to die), they are
most often considered to be an annual plant by growers and
seed producers. |
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Cultivation |
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A member of the mint family,
Coleus forskohlii grows wild on the mountain slopes of
Nepal, India and Thailand.
Mostly cultivated in Tamil Nadu, Gujarat. Andhra Pradesh and
Karnataka..
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Application |
In traditional Asian systems
of medicine, Coleus is usef ror a variety of purposes,
including treating skin rashes, asthma, bronchitis,
insomnia, epilepsy and angina.
Coleus Forskohlii extract is an ayurvedic herb. It has been
identified as the primary chemical of interest in the plant.
Forskolin activates an enzyme cells known as adenylate
cyclase. This enzyme increases the level of cyclic AMP which
is the most important cell regulating compound in the body.
An increased level of cyclic AMP improves circulation,
decreases histamine releases and allergic compounds,
improves the contraction of heat muscle, relaxes arteries
which promotes normal blood pressure, increases insulin
secretion which in turn supports normal sugar levels in the
blood, promotes relaxation of bronchial muscles promoting
normal breathing and lastly supports improved fat breakdown. |
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Forskolin has been found to stabilize the cells that release
histamine and other inflammatory compounds. Studies have
also found that forskolin relaxes smooth muscle tissue. For
this reason, Coleus forskohlii has been suggested as a
treatment for asthma, menstrual cramps or sysmenorrhea,
angina, irritable bowel syndrome (spastic colon), crampy
bladder plain (as in bladder infections), and hyper tension
(high blood pressure). |
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Coleus forskohlii has also been proposed as a treatment for
psoriasis, because that disease appears to be at least
partly related to low levels of cyclic AMP in skin cells.
The roots are also used in treatment of worms. The root
parts is claimed to allay burning in festering boils. When
mixed with mustard oil, the root is applied to eczema and
skin infections. The plant is also used for veterinary
purposes. |
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