Coleus forskohlii is an ancient Ayurvedic plant and member of
the mint and lavender family, which grows in the mountains of
Asia. It is now grown around the world as an ornamental plant
and the root is used medicinally. As recorded in ancient
Sanskrit texts, coleus was used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat
heart and lung diseases, intestinal spasms, insomnia, and
convulsions. Recent research has shown that the active
ingredient in coleus is forskolin, which plays a major role in a
variety of important cellular functions, including inhibiting
histamine release, relaxing muscles, increasing thyroid
function, and increasing fat-burning activity. Forskolin, a
chemical found in coleus, activates the enzyme adenylate
cyclase. This enzyme is a turnkey compound that initiates a
cascade of critical events within every cell of the body.
Adenylate cyclase and the chemicals it activates comprise a
"second messenger" system that is responsible for carrying out
the complex and powerful effects of hormones in the body. Stimul