Review

 Abstract

Coleus forskohlii is an important indigenous medicinal plant in India.  It has been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for curing various disorders and this is the only source of the diterpenoid forskolin.  Forskolin is used for the treatment of eczema, asthma, psoriasis, cardiovascular disorders and hypertension, where decreased intracellular cAMP level is believed to be a major factor in the development of the disease process. A comprehensive account of the morphology, distribution, medicinal uses, phytochemistry, pharmacological activities, analytical methods, cultivation aspects and biotechnological approaches for forskolin production reported are included in view of the many recent findings of importance on this plant.

Key words: Coleus forskohlii, forskolin, review.