Coleus Aromaticus (Coleus amboinicus): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Questions fréquentes

How does Coleus aromaticus work for cough and respiratory infections?

Coleus aromaticus contains volatile oils including carvacrol and thymol, which demonstrate antimicrobial and expectorant properties. These compounds help thin mucus secretions and may inhibit respiratory pathogens. The essential oils also exhibit anti-inflammatory effects through modulation of inflammatory mediators. Beta-caryophyllene contributes additional anti-inflammatory activity. Evidence level C indicates limited clinical trials, with most data from in vitro and animal studies supporting traditional respiratory applications.

Can Coleus aromaticus interact with blood thinners or other medications?

Coleus aromaticus may interact with anticoagulant and antiplatelet medications due to potential effects on blood clotting. The herb contains compounds that could enhance bleeding risk when combined with warfarin, aspirin, or other blood thinners. Patients taking anticoagulants should avoid therapeutic doses of this herb. Limited clinical evidence exists (Level C), so consult a healthcare provider before combining with any prescription medications, particularly those affecting coagulation.

What is the recommended dosage for Coleus aromaticus tea?

The traditional adult dosage for Coleus aromaticus is 2-3 cups of fresh leaf tea daily. To prepare, steep 2-3 fresh leaves in hot water for 10-15 minutes. For respiratory conditions, this dosage has been used traditionally in South and Southeast Asian medicine. Standardized extracts lack established dosing guidelines due to insufficient clinical research. Always start with lower doses to assess tolerance, and consult a qualified herbalist for personalized recommendations.

Is Coleus aromaticus safe during pregnancy?

Coleus aromaticus is considered unsafe during pregnancy, particularly at therapeutic doses. Traditional use and phytochemical analysis suggest uterine stimulant properties that could potentially cause miscarriage or premature labor. The essential oil components, including carvacrol and thymol, may cross the placenta. Breastfeeding women should also avoid this herb due to insufficient safety data. Pregnant women should not use Coleus aromaticus for any medicinal purpose without explicit medical supervision.

What are the traditional uses of Coleus aromaticus in Ayurvedic medicine?

Coleus aromaticus has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine as a primary remedy for cough, asthma, and respiratory infections. In Sri Lankan traditional medicine, it treats bronchitis and sore throat. Indonesian Jamu formulations include it as a lung tonic. The fresh leaves are commonly prepared as tea or juice for respiratory ailments. Evidence level C supports these applications primarily through historical use and preliminary research.

What are the side effects of Coleus aromaticus?

Common side effects of Coleus aromaticus include gastrointestinal irritation, particularly with fresh leaf consumption on an empty stomach. Symptoms may include nausea, heartburn, or diarrhea. The essential oils can cause skin sensitization or contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals when applied topically. Allergic reactions are possible, especially in those sensitive to Lamiaceae family plants. Discontinue use if adverse reactions occur. Those with existing GI conditions should use caution and avoid high doses.

Fiche d'information compilée à partir de PubMed

Cette fiche a été compilée à partir de résumés PubMed (NIH) avec l'assistance d'une IA. Chaque affirmation factuelle est citée par un article PubMed réel (voir la liste des sources). Elle n'a pas encore été révisée par un humain — confirmez auprès d'un professionnel de santé avant utilisation.

Compilé à partir de 29 articles PubMed · modèle : gemma4:31b

Résumé

Coleus aromaticus (also known as Coleus amboinicus or Plectranthus amboinicus) is a perennial herb from the Lamiaceae family used traditionally for respiratory, skin, and digestive ailments [PMID:38321896, PMID:27043511].

Contexte

A semi-succulent perennial species native to Southeast Asia and Africa, commonly found in tropical and warm regions of Africa, Asia, and Australia [PMID:41590623, PMID:38321896, PMID:42266885]. It is also known as Indian borage, Cuban oregano, and Mexican mint [PMID:41590623, PMID:42266885].

Usages traditionnels

Folk medicine employs the herb to address asthma, headaches, skin disorders, coughs, constipation, colds, and fevers [PMID:38321896, PMID:27043511]. In Indonesia, it is used as a traditional galactogogue known as torbangun or bangun-bangun [PMID:30000934].

Composés actifs

Major components include thymol and carvacrol [PMID:27765960, PMID:42266885]. Phenolic components include rosmarinic acid and chlorogenic acid [PMID:27765960, PMID:34068950]. Other identified phytochemicals include phenolics, terpenoids, phenolic acids, flavonoids, flavones, tannins, monoterpenoids, diterpenoids, triterpenoids, sesquiterpenoids, esters, alcohols, and aldehydes [PMID:38321896, PMID:27043511].

Mécanisme d'action

In antibacterial activity against P. aeruginosa and S. aureus, leaf extracts decreased catalase activity, leading to an imbalance in reactive oxygen species (ROS) and subsequent lipid peroxidation [PMID:37375543]. In liver cancer HepG2 cells, ethanolic leaf extract impeded viability by escalating ROS production and repressing the JAK/STAT cascade [PMID:35945689].

Preuves cliniques

Preuve ABreast milk volume

A meta-analysis indicated that torbangun supplementation may increase breastmilk volume, though effect on infant weight gain is uncertain [PMID:30000934].

Preuve BAppetite

A ready-to-drink beverage of the herb significantly reduced plasma leptin levels and improved appetite ratings in human volunteers [PMID:24800669].

Preuve DCalcium oxalate stones

Water extract of leaves (0.5 g/kg and 1.0 g/kg) was effective in reducing the deposition of calcium oxalate in male albino rats [PMID:22556997].

Preuve DDiuresis

Water extract of leaves produced diuresis and significantly increased urine output and electrolyte concentration in rats [PMID:22557102, PMID:24948861].

Preuve DCancer (In Vitro)

Ethanolic extracts showed anticancer activity against hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2), oral cancer (CAL 27), breast cancer (MCF-7), and lung cancer (A549) cell lines [PMID:35945689, PMID:42064131, PMID:39108647, PMID:41304998].

Preuve D

Grossesse et allaitement

Used traditionally as a galactogogue in Indonesia; however, no data exist on the excretion of components into breastmilk or the safety and efficacy in nursing mothers or infants [PMID:30000934].

Synthèse des preuves

The evidence consists primarily of in vitro studies, animal models (rats), and a few human trials. While there is strong evidence for its phytochemical profile and in vitro biological activity (antibacterial, anticancer), robust clinical trials in humans are lacking.

Sources PubMed

1.PMID: 30000934 (2006) — Coleus Amboinicus Lour. Leaf Extract as an Antioxidant in Sepsis. · Medical archives (Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina)
2.PMID: 40430526 (2025) — Plectranthus amboinicus: A Systematic Review of Traditional Uses, Phytochemical Properties, and Therapeutic Applications. · Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland)
3.PMID: 38321896 (2024) — Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacological Activities of Coleus amboinicus: A Comprehensive Review. · Current pharmaceutical design
4.PMID: 24948861 (2014) — Comparative pharmacognosy of Pashanbhed. · Journal of Ayurveda and integrative medicine
5.PMID: 27765960 (2016) — Coleus aromaticus: a therapeutic herb with multiple potentials. · Journal of food science and technology

Coleus Aromaticus

Sources et citations

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