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Forskolin Supplements: Do They Work?

4478 Views Posted on: 2023-09-11
Posted by: Matylda Bestyńska

Forskolin Supplements: Do They Work?

ForskolinAchieving your weight loss goal is no easy feat in a fast-paced and stress-filled world. But maintaining a healthy weight can impact everything from how well you sleep to your heart.

Fortunately, for most people, weight loss (and more importantly, fat loss) can be achieved through healthy diet and exercise. The key is to identify a personalized plan that works for you and to get support from experts, ranging from doctors to dietitians, and like-minded friends who can be your workout partners and accountability buddies.

One more "buddy" in your weight loss journey can be certain herbs, such as forskolin. You may not have heard of forskolin extract from the Coleus forskohlii plant, but its health benefits are something to take note of. If you want to keep your fat cells in check to maintain your metabolism and promote that body composition you've worked to achieve, forskolin supplements may help. As an added bonus, they also help support already-healthy blood pressure and more.

What is forskolin?

What is forskolinForskolin is a compound found in the Indian coleus (Coleus forskohlii) plant, a member of the mint family. Coleus forskohlii has been used in traditional Ayurvedic regimens for centuries to promote health and wellness. The Indian coleus plant, despite its eponymous name, is also found in Thailand, Nepal, and certain east African countries. Over time, forskolin extract from the root of Indian coleus was identified as the primary active compound. Although it is commonly used for weight management, it can also benefit whole-body health and energy.

Adding an extract containing 10 mg forskolin to your daily routine is an easy way to get the benefits of Indian coleus. Stick with a comprehensive approach of a healthy diet and exercise along with complementary nutrient intake to achieve your weight loss goals.

Health benefits of forskolin

Scientific studies suggest that forskolin, sometimes called Coleus forskohlii extract, conveys a variety of whole-body health benefits. Some of these forskolin benefits include heart health, eye health, and supporting body composition.

  • Health benefits of forskolinWeight management. Looking to slim down your waist and prepare for the summer or an upcoming tropical vacation? Weight management is one of the primary reasons people take a forskolin supplement, and this is no surprise. A review of 7 clinical studies identified that supplementation with forskolin extract from Coleus forskohlii significantly reduced body fat and improved weight management compared to placebo. On top of that, it was safe and well tolerated by participants. There's no wonder why some consider it to be a fat burner!

  • Healthy blood pressure and blood flow. Your heart is an energetically demanding organ; thankfully, cardiovascular support is yet another benefit of many plant diterpenoids (forskolin is one of a number of diterpene compounds; these are metabolites found in plants). In a clinical study, forskolin was found to support healthy blood pressure. Preclinical studies suggest that this occurs through vasodilation, a process in which blood vessels relax to promote healthy blood flow.

  • ForskolinEye support. Eyes are one of the primary ways we take in the world around us. If you're seeking a way to support your vision, look no further than forskolin; clinical studies have found that it can support eye health.

  • Respiratory health. There's nothing like a breath of fresh air to help destress and give your mind a break. Luckily for us, forskolin also benefits respiratory health. In apreclinical study, forskolin helped inhibit inflammation to support healthy respiratory function.

  • Healthy cell division. Our skin is the first line of defense against foreign agents. Studies examining cells and animal models suggest that forskolin affects cellular pathways that help promote healthy cell division in skin and other tissues.

How does forskolin work in your body?

How does forskolin work in your bodyForskolin activates an enzyme known as adenylate cyclase, also referred to as adenylyl cyclase. Adenylyl cyclase generates a cellular messenger called cyclic adenosine monophosphate, or cyclic AMP; so, activating this enzyme can help increase cyclic AMP levels. Fortunately, it's easier to understand how forskolin works than it is to pronounce these words!

Cyclic AMP (cAMP) is an important signaling compound that plays a significant role in healthy cellular function and contributes to a variety of processes including fat-burning, cell division, and relaxation of blood vessels. Think of cyclic AMP as the conductor of an orchestra, whose job is to help dictate the flow and rhythm of the symphony that is our cellular metabolism. Increasing adenylate cyclase activity to support cyclic AMP levels helps our cells maintain their function as they perform these roles.

How to take forskolin supplements

As with any dietary supplement, follow the product label and aim for a dose of forskolin that is supported by scientific evidence. Forskolin should be taken on an empty stomach or as recommended by your healthcare provider.

The dosage of a supplement is just as important as how you should take it. Keep an eye on the forskolin content; a 10 mg dose is a good amount to help you benefit from the effects of a forskolin supplement.

Who should not take forskolin?

Forskolin and Coleus forskohlii have a long history of use and are typically well-tolerated; forskolin is unlikely to have adverse effects. However, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider before adding any supplement to your routine.

Other supplements that pair well with forskolin

Forskolin alone can benefit whole-body health, especially when paired with a healthy lifestyle. But, to get even more bang for your buck, pair it with a supplement or herb that may help promote energy levels by supporting your body's metabolic processes:

  • Other supplements that pair well with forskolinAMPK. AMPK is an enzyme involved in cellular metabolism that declines with age. An AMPK metabolic activator containing hesperidin helps keep this enzyme active, so it can tell your body to stop storing fat and start using it to create energy.

  • NAD+. NAD+ is a cellular coenzyme involved in the production of ATP, our cellular fuel. Pair NAD+ with resveratrol to support NAD+ levels and promote energy production, maintain whole-body health, and fight fatigue.

  • L-carnitine. Sometimes confused with L-carnosine, L-carnitine is an amino acid that helps support the optimal function of energy-producing mitochondria in cells. L-carnitine has also been found to support muscle mass in clinical studies.

  • Ginseng. Panax ginseng has been used to promote healthy energy levels for centuries. A daily dose of 200 mg of Ginseng extract can help support healthy energy production to give your body the fuel it needs.

If you aren't sure where to start, take a quick energy supplement quiz to determine what you can benefit from the most!

Do I need to diet and exercise if I take forskolin?

Do I need to diet and exercise if I take forskolin?Yes! Forskolin and other weight management supplements will enhance your efforts in the kitchen and the gym—not replace them. If you're looking to slim down, make sure to couple these nutrients with a healthy lifestyle. A few tried-and-true weight loss tips include:

  • Exercise regularly. Exercise, among its many other health benefits, is a great fat burner. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise each week, or 75 minutes a week of vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise. Couple this with resistance training on two or more days a week for optimal results.

  • Eat healthily. A healthy diet is the cornerstone of any weight loss regimen. A healthy diet like the Mediterranean diet is a great way to support weight and fat loss while also promoting heart and brain health. Avoid unhealthy foods high in saturated fat and sugars, and make sure to control your portion sizes.

  • Drink water. The calories in sugary beverages quickly add up; replacing them with water is an easy way to reduce your caloric intake. Studies have also found that increasing daily water intake and drinking water before meals can help support weight loss.

It's also important to remember that maintaining a healthy lifestyle is paramount to reaching your weight loss goals—both short and long term.

Material used with permission of Life Extension. All rights reserved.

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    6. Kulbat-Warycha, K., et al. "Bioactive properties of extracts from plectranthus barbatus (Coleus forskohlii) roots received using various extraction methods." Molecules. Dec 2022. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36558119/
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Scientific Sources

What is forskolin and where does it come from?

Forskolin is a bioactive compound extracted from the root of Coleus forskohlii, a plant in the mint family used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. Forskolin activates adenylate cyclase enzyme, increasing intracellular cyclic AMP (cAMP) levels. Elevated cAMP influences numerous cellular processes including fat metabolism, hormone production, and cellular function. Forskolin is marketed for weight loss, body composition, and metabolic support.

How does forskolin affect fat metabolism and weight loss?

Forskolin increases cAMP which activates hormone-sensitive lipase, the enzyme that breaks down stored fat (lipolysis). Theoretically, this promotes fat burning and weight loss. However, clinical evidence is mixed. Some small studies show modest improvements in body composition (reduced body fat percentage, preserved lean mass) without significant weight loss. Other studies show minimal effects. Forskolin is not a magic weight loss solution and works best combined with diet and exercise.

What does research say about forskolin for weight loss?

Evidence-based reviews on forskolin show limited but somewhat promising results. Small clinical trials demonstrate forskolin may help preserve lean body mass during weight loss, potentially reduce body fat percentage, and support metabolic rate. However, studies are limited in size and quality. Forskolin does not produce dramatic weight loss on its own. It may offer modest benefits as part of comprehensive weight management program including calorie control and exercise.

What other potential benefits does forskolin have?

Beyond weight loss, forskolin may support cardiovascular health (vasodilation, blood pressure), respiratory function (bronchodilation for asthma), eye health (reduces intraocular pressure in glaucoma), and thyroid function (stimulates thyroid hormone production). Forskolin serves as research tool for studying cAMP signaling pathways. However, most non-weight-loss applications need more clinical validation.

What is the recommended forskolin dosage and are there side effects?

Clinical studies typically use 250-500mg of Coleus forskohlii extract standardized to 10% forskolin (25-50mg actual forskolin) taken twice daily. Total daily dose is 500-1000mg extract (50-100mg forskolin). Forskolin is generally well-tolerated. Potential side effects include increased heart rate, low blood pressure, digestive upset, or headache. People on blood pressure medications, blood thinners, or with certain medical conditions should consult healthcare providers before use.

  • Forskolin activates adenylate cyclase increasing cellular cAMP levels affecting multiple metabolic processes
  • Forskolin may help preserve lean body mass during weight loss according to small clinical trials
  • Forskolin potentially reduces body fat percentage through enhanced lipolysis (fat breakdown)
  • Forskolin supports metabolic rate and fat metabolism through cAMP-mediated pathways
  • Forskolin has cardiovascular benefits including vasodilation and blood pressure support
  • Forskolin acts as bronchodilator potentially helping asthma and respiratory function
  • Forskolin may reduce intraocular pressure beneficial for glaucoma patients
  • Forskolin is valuable research tool for studying cAMP signaling in cellular processes
  1. Standard dosing: Take 250-500mg Coleus forskohlii extract (10% forskolin) twice daily
  2. Total daily dose: 500-1000mg extract providing 50-100mg actual forskolin
  3. Timing: Take with meals to minimize potential digestive upset
  4. Standardization: Choose products standardized to 10-20% forskolin content
  5. Consistency: Take daily for 8-12 weeks minimum to assess effects on body composition
  6. Combine with lifestyle: Use alongside calorie-controlled diet and regular exercise for best results
  7. Monitor effects: Track body composition (body fat %, lean mass) not just scale weight
  8. Blood pressure awareness: Monitor BP if on medications or have cardiovascular conditions
  9. Cycling: Some use 8-12 week cycles with 2-4 week breaks
  10. Realistic expectations: Expect modest body composition improvements, not dramatic rapid weight loss
  • Individuals seeking body composition improvement wanting to preserve muscle while losing fat
  • People on calorie-restricted diets concerned about maintaining lean body mass
  • Those wanting metabolic support to complement diet and exercise programs
  • Individuals interested in cAMP-based supplements for fat metabolism
  • People with sluggish metabolism seeking natural metabolic enhancement
  • Those seeking multiple benefits beyond weight loss (cardiovascular, respiratory)
  • Individuals wanting evidence-based supplements with clinical research (though limited)
  • People preferring natural compounds from traditional medicine with modern research
  • People on blood pressure medications - forskolin may lower blood pressure; requires monitoring
  • Those on blood thinners - forskolin may have antiplatelet effects
  • Individuals with bleeding disorders - potential increased bleeding risk
  • People with heart rhythm disorders - forskolin may affect heart rate
  • Those scheduled for surgery - discontinue 2 weeks before due to bleeding/BP effects
  • Pregnant or breastfeeding women - insufficient safety data
  • People with polycystic kidney disease - theoretical concern about cyst growth
  • Those expecting dramatic weight loss - forskolin provides modest effects, not magic solution

Results: Research demonstrates forskolin and derivatives serve as valuable tools for studying role of cyclic AMP in cellular signaling. Forskolin activates adenylate cyclase affecting numerous physiological processes.

Citation: Alasbahi RH, Melzig MF. Pharmazie. 2012 [Forskolin and derivatives as tools for studying cAMP]

Results: International pharmacology review details structures and small molecule modulators of adenylyl cyclases. Forskolin is key compound for investigating cAMP signaling pathways.

Citation: Dessauer CW, et al. [International union basic clinical pharmacology - Adenylyl cyclase structures and modulators]

Results: Evidence-based review examines anti-obesity effects of Coleus forskohlii. Limited clinical trials show modest improvements in body composition, though results are mixed and studies small in scale.

Citation: Kamohara S. Personalized Medicine Universe. 2013 [Anti-obesity effects of Coleus forskohlii]