Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Coleus forskohlii root, commonly known for its active compound forskolin, has been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. In Ayurvedic texts, it is described as a remedy for a variety of ailments, including heart conditions, where it is said to support the heart (“hridya”) and promote cardiovascular health. The traditional use is primarily based on the belief that forskohlii helps to strengthen the heart and improve circulation. Historical formulations sometimes included it for symptoms that might correspond to heart weakness, such as fatigue, edema, or palpitations.

From a modern scientific perspective, forskolin is known to activate adenylate cyclase, increasing levels of cyclic AMP (cAMP) in cells. This mechanism can cause vasodilation and has a positive inotropic effect (increasing the force of heart contractions) in laboratory studies and animal models. However, robust clinical trials in humans for heart failure or “heart weakness” are lacking. The existing scientific evidence is limited and does not provide strong support for its use as a primary or adjunctive therapy for heart conditions. Thus, while its use is justified by tradition and there is a plausible pharmacological basis, the overall evidence is weak, and its application should be approached with caution, particularly in patients with underlying cardiovascular disease.

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