Indian nettle (Forskolin) – dosage and effects

Indian nettle (Coleus forskohlii) is a perennial plant of subtropical origin with high health-promoting potential. It occurs naturally in certain regions of India, Nepal, Thailand and Burma and belongs to the same plant family as mint and sage. It has been studied extensively not only for its health properties, but also as one of the reagents used to carry out specific biochemical reactions in the laboratory.

1. Uses of Indian nettle
2. How does forskolin work – what can it help with?
3. Forskolin dosage

Uses of Indian nettle

This plant has a centuries-old tradition of use in Ayurvedic medicine, among other things. Health-promoting compounds have been found in both the leaves and roots of Indian nettle. A compound characteristic of this plant is forskolin, which was isolated in the 1970s and has since been the subject of numerous scientific experiments.

The plant has been used in traditional therapy to treat conditions related to the respiratory, cardiovascular and digestive systems, among others.

In modern science, it plays a role in modulating the activity of a compound involved in cell signalling, namely cyclic adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate (cAMP), including in research experiments conducted on isolated cells.

How does forskolin work – what can it help with?

Both the health-promoting potential and the laboratory properties of Indian nettle are based on the same mechanism of action.

Forskolin, found mainly in the roots of the plant, increases cAMP activity, thereby intensifying cell signalling in many areas of the body and participating in the functioning of characteristic enzymes and proteins, neurotransmitters and hormones. It also plays a role in the breakdown of fats and the regulation of the body's glucose metabolism. This activity is important in the prevention or treatment of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, asthma and glaucoma, among others. It also shows some potential in the fight against cancer.

Forskolin dosage

Due to its long tradition of use and valuable forskolin content, Indian nettle is often used in the form of dietary supplements. It is popular among people seeking to lose body fat, regulate hormone balance, as well as among people with asthma or cardiovascular disorders. The most common dosage is 2 or 3 doses per day containing a total of 300-500 mg of Indian nettle extract (60-100 mg of forskolin).