How Does Forskolin Work for Fat Loss? Research Review

Forskolin supplements are made from the roots of a plant known as Coleus forskohlii, which can be found in parts of India, Nepal and Thailand. Coleus forskohlii was traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine for energy, libido, asthma and as a stomach remedy.

Recently, forskolin was popularized on the Dr. Oz show as a potential weight loss aide. It is now commonly included in diet pill formulas, but does this herbal extract really work for weight loss?

In research studies, Forskolin has been shown to stimulate the production of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) – an important secondary messenger in the body. Increasing cAMP levels may have a number of pharmacological effects, some of which may include reduced fatigue, increased testosterone levels and increased fat metabolism.

How exactly does forskolin work and what are the purported benefits of this supplement? In this article, we will discuss the mechanisms of action attributed to this herbal extract and discuss research results for weight loss and more.

Forskolin

Herbal Supplement

Weight Loss

Cognitive Function

Energy

How It Works:

• Boosts thyroid function & lipolysis
• Promotes energy, stamina & concentration
• Supports weight loss & appetite suppression

Dosage:

Between 100 - 500 mg per day

Safety:

Generally Regarded as Safe

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How Does Forskolin Work?

The Natural Medicines Database reports that Forskolin has several effects on the body.

Investigations into forskolin’s mechanism of action have shown that this supplement may act as an antioxidant. It also inhibits the release histamine from mast cells in the respiratory tract, leading to bronchodilation.

In addition, forskolin stimulates the disaggregation of platelets, decreases intraocular pressure, reduces blood pressure and increases heart rate.

Furthermore, studies have shown that forskolin may affect the weight of consumers through several different mechanisms.

According to research, forskolin activates adenylate cyclase, which promotes the generation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate, or cAMP.

CAMP stimulates enzyme activity that relates to many different cellular functions, including the production of energy. Some studies have also found the cAMP stimulates thyroid function.

In addition, cAMP may have antidepressant effects, which may indirectly affect weight. Other studies have looked at the effects of increased cAMP on memory encoding and cognitive function.

The Food and Drug Administration has not approved this supplement for the treatment of any condition or ailment. However, preliminary research studies have shown some evidence that Forskolin does work for some people and may have medicinal benefits. More study is needed to verify this supplement’s effectiveness.

Does Forskolin Work for Weight Loss?

Several research studies have sought to determine how effective forskolin is for fat loss. For example, in one study, the effect of forskolin on the body composition of obese men was evaluated.

In this study, participants were divided into two groups: one that received forskolin and one that received a placebo. After 12 weeks, researchers found that both fat mass and body fat percentage decreased significantly among the men who took forskolin extract.

In another study, researchers studied the effect of forskolin intake on mildly overweight women. This study found that, while no significant differences in calorie intake or fat mass were found, the supplement seemed to inhibit weight gain.

Women taking the supplement also reported feeling more full, less hungry and less fatigued than women in the placebo group.

In a third study, researchers performed an open-label study involving 15 healthy participants who took forskolin for eight weeks. At the end of the study, researchers found that participants had achieved significant decreases in fat content, body weight and BMI.

Although the results of the studies above are promising, further study is required to determine whether forskolin can produce real results on a reliable basis. More research is also needed to understand exactly how forskolin works for weight loss and anti-obesity effects.

How to Take Forskolin for Weight Loss

Forskolin supplements are available in several forms, including oral preparations, intramuscular or intravenous preparations, inhaled preparations and ophthalmic preparations.

For the purposes of weight loss, oral preparations of forskolin are the most commonly used. Oral preparations may come in the form of capsules, tablets, powders or fluid extracts.

Because the FDA has not approved forskolin for weight loss or any other purpose, standardized guidelines for dosing are not currently available.

The recommended dosages below are based on the dosages that have been well tolerated in past research studies, according to the National Medicines Database.

• Fluid extract – A dosage of 6 to 12 ml of standardized 10 to 20% forskolin extract daily in divided doses.
• Powders, capsules or tablets – A dosage of 6 to 12 mg of dried root supplements daily in divided doses.

Keep in mind that the doses above may not be right for everyone. Talk to your doctor to find out how much forskolin you should take for your desired results.

Is Forskolin Effective for Other Uses?

According to the Natural Medicines Database, people have used this herbal extract for a variety of ailments, including diabetes, allergies, eczema, psoriasis, low libido, dysmenorrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, urinary tract infections, bladder infections, hypertension, angina, metastatic cancer, thrombosis, impotence, insomnia, and convulsions.

Evidence has shown that forskolin may work for the treatment of asthma and idiopathic congestive cardiomyopathy. Evidence of this supplement’s effectiveness for other ailments and uses is lacking.

The Natural Medicines Database reports that preliminary evidence shows that forskolin may help with erectile dysfunction and ocular pressure. Further study is needed to validate these findings.

Forskolin Side Effects and Interactions

At this time, the Natural Medicines Database reports that there have not been any serious adverse effects associated with the use of forskolin. However, no long-term safety information is available, so forskolin may cause long-term effects that have yet to be discovered.

In addition, some people may experience side effects from short-term use of forskolin, especially if they are taking other medications or supplements that interact with this extract.

Drug interactions could mean that taking forskolin will make the drug work less effectively. In some cases, it could make the drugs work more effectively, which could increase the risk of adverse effects.

Some substances known to interact with forskolin include:

• Antihypertensive drugs – Examples include valsartan, captopril and furosemide.
• Anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs – Examples include warfarin, cilostazol and anagrelide.
• Nitrates – Examples include isosorbide and nitroglycerin.
• Calcium channel blockers – Examples include nifedipine, verapamil and diltiazem.

Forskolin may also interact with any other supplements that are known to have hypotensive, antiplatelet and anticoagulant effects.

Do not take forskolin if you are pregnant, as this supplement may affect the development of the fetus. Forskolin should also be avoided during breastfeeding.

Because of the way that forskolin works, it should be avoided by anyone with low blood pressure as it may cause dizziness or fainting. If you experience significant side effects while taking forskolin for weight loss, contact your doctor immediately.

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