Coleus forskohlii extract is obtained from the roots of Plectranthus barbatus (syn. Coleus forskohlii), a tropical perennial plant native to India. The key bioactive compound is forskolin, a labdane diterpene that directly activates adenylyl cyclase, increasing intracellular cyclic AMP (cAMP) levels.
Elevated cAMP promotes lipolysis, vasodilation, and bronchodilation. Forskolin is the only known natural compound that directly activates this enzyme. Commercially, the extract is widely used in weight loss supplements, cardiovascular health products, and respiratory support formulations.
