Abstract
Coleus forskohlii is a botanical that has been used since ancient times in Hindu and Ayurvedic traditional medicine. The root portion of the plant has been traditionally used for medicinal purposes and contains the active constituent, forskolin. Forskolin was named after the Finnish botanist, Forskal. Historically, it has been used to treat hypertension, congestive heart failure, eczema, colic, respiratory disorders, painful urination, insomnia, and convulsions. Clinical studies of the plant and the forskolin constituent support these traditional uses, but also indicate it may have therapeutic benefit in asthma, angina, psoriasis, and prevention of cancer metastases.