Sanskrit name: Gandira
Botanical name: Coleus forskohlii Briq. (Plectranthus barbatus)
Family name: Lamiaceae
Identification No.: SDACH/HG/256
Vernacular names:
Hindi – Mainpati, Patharchur
English – Indian Coleus
Kannada – Makandiberu
Tamil – Karpuravalli
Habitat & Distribution:
Native to India, especially found in subtropical Himalayas. Widely cultivated in India (Assam, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu). Prefers dry, hilly, open areas.
Morphology:
An aromatic, branched herb growing 30–90 cm tall. Leaves are ovate, fleshy, and aromatic with toothed margins. Flowers are bluish-purple, borne on terminal spikes. Roots are tuberous, thick, and have a camphoraceous aroma, roots should be free from fungal growth, possess characteristic odor, and be light brown externally.
Phytochemicals:
Major constituent – Forskohlin (labdane diterpene)
Others – Essential oils, flavonoids, tannins, rosmarinic acid, and phytosterols
Raspanchaka:
Rasa – Tikta, Katu
Guna – Laghu, Snigdha
Virya – Ushna
Vipaka – Katu
Prabhava – Hridya, Shothahara
Dosha shamakta – Kapha-Vata shamak
Karma – Rogaghnata:
Hridya, Deepana, Shothahara, Lekhana, Shoolahara, Asthapanopaga
Amayika Prayoga/Therapeutic Uses:
External – Root paste applied for localized swelling and pain
Internal – Used in hypertension, obesity, asthma, hypothyroidism, cardiac disorders, and digestive weakness
Part used: Root
Yoga/Formulations:
Makandighrita
Makandarishta
IUCN Status: Not Evaluated
Research updates:
- Godard MP, Johnson BA, Richmond SR. Body composition and hormonal adaptations associated with forskolin consumption in overweight men. Obes Res.
- Pugliese A, Beltrami P, Bocchino M. The effects of Coleus forskohlii extract on metabolic parameters and insulin resistance in obese subjects. Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis.
- Srinivasan K, Muruganandan S, Lal J. Antihypertensive and cardioactive properties of forskolin isolated from Coleus forskohlii. Phytother Res.
