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Coleus barbatus (C.forskohlii)(Lamiaceae) and the potential new drug forskolin (Coleonol)

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Abstract

Coleus barbatus (C. forskohlii) is used medicinally in Africa, Arabia, and Brazil. The root tubers of the plant are prepared and eaten as a condiment in India. Other Indian Coleus spp. are used in traditional Ayurvedic healing. Chemical studies of alcoholic extracts of the tubers of C. barbatus led to isolation of the labdane diterpene forskolin (coleonol), which has become an important research tool in studying the roles of the enzyme adenylate cyclase and cyclic-AMP in cellular physiology. The compound may eventually become a useful drug in treating hypertension, glaucoma, asthma, and certain cancers. This article summarizes the investigations ofC. barbatus.

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  1. L. J. ValdÉs

    Present address: School of Pharmacy, Northeast Louisiana University, 71209, LA, Monroe

Authors and Affiliations

  1. College of Pharmacy, The University of Michigan, 48109, MI, Ann Arbor

    L. J. ValdÉs

  2. Medical School, The University of Michigan, 48109, MI, Ann Arbor

    S. G. Mislankar & A. G. Paul

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ValdÉs, L.J., Mislankar, S.G. & Paul, A.G. Coleus barbatus (C.forskohlii)(Lamiaceae) and the potential new drug forskolin (Coleonol). Econ Bot 41, 474–483 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02908139

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