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Forskolin is a compound found in the roots of the Coleus Forskohlii plant of the mint family. One of the most common uses of Forskolin is for weight loss, although it is also used for supporting heart health, bodybuilding and other health purposes.
Forskolin before and after pictures online demonstrates that some users experience significant fat loss when taking this product. Testimonials and experience logs shared on the internet describe individuals who have dropped upwards of 30 lb in a year with this supplement.
These before and after results can be motivating, but they are not the best source of information in determining whether or not forskolin extract works for weight loss. Double blind, placebo-controlled research studies are required to evaluate efficacy.
Research and user reviews vary for Forskolin results. While this supplement is effective for some people, others do not experience significant changes in body weight or fat composition when using this diet pill. More research is required to understand whether this supplement is effective for weight loss.
Weight Loss
Cognitive Function
Energy- Boosts thyroid function & lipolysis
- Promotes energy, stamina & concentration
- Supports weight loss & appetite suppression
Top Forskolin Products* ❯Forskolin Before and After Results
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Before and after results posted online by forskolin users can sometimes depict significant changes in bodyweight that are attributed to use of this supplement.
Forskolin is purported to promote lipolysis, the breakdown of lipids, and reduce appetite, according to the National Institutes of Health. In research studies, it has also been shown to promote thyroid activity which can support an increase in metabolic rate.
According to Examine.com, Forskolin is “Somewhat effective in reducing fat mass in obese and overweight persons.” But not all research studies have found positive results.
There is some evidence that suggests forskolin may work as a weight loss aid, but research is not conclusive. [1] More clinical trials are required to know for certain whether or not this herbal extract works.
Many studies have concentrated on Forskolin for the use of losing weight. One animal study caused obesity in rats through a cafeteria diet. Coleus forskohlii extract significantly inhibited weight gain and food intake connected with the diet. [2]
Two human studies used similar research methods in different sexes. A double-blind, randomized and placebo-controlled human study tested Forskolin in overweight and obese men. Participants took 250 mg of 10 percent Forskolin twice per day for 12 weeks.
The supplementation significantly lowered body fat percentage and fat mass in participants. Participants also showed higher testosterone levels, which are associated with a reduction in fat mass. [3]
Another double-blind, randomized and placebo-controlled study aimed to further research the results of the male study. This study focused on Forskolin use in mildly overweight women.
Similar to the male study, participants took two 250 mg capsules of 10 percent Forskolin per day for 12 weeks. The study found that the supplementation regimen helps to maintain body mass and scanned mass gains.
It did not significantly affect fat mass, body fat or fat free mass. Researchers concluded that Forskolin did not promote weight loss but may control weight gain in the population studied. Further, the study determined there were no significant side effects from taking forskolin. [4]
These studies found differing results, although they also used different populations. It is possible, but not conclusive, that gender plays a role.
The National Institutes of Health website says that few short-term clinical trials have been conducted on Forskolin for weight management.
It notes that research findings have not found an effect on body weight from this supplement. Overall, more research is needed to understand Forskolin’s potential role in supporting a healthy weight.
Effects on cAMP
One of the ways that forskolin is believed to promote weight loss results is by increasing levels of a messenger molecules cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP).
Coleus Forskohlii extract is believed to activate adenylate cyclase, which increases cAMP levels in cells. This mechanism of action is similar to the enzymatic changes in the body that occur following exercise.
Higher levels of cAMP are associated with an increased rate of fat burning in the body.
The Natural Medicines Comprehensive database states that, “Preliminary evidence in animals suggests that consuming coleus extract for 8 weeks decreases fat accumulation, body weight, food intake.”
Forskolin also stimulates thyroid hormone production because it activates adenylate cyclase within the thyroid gland. Research shows it can elevate levels of T4 and T3 thyroid hormones.
These hormones are the master regulators for metabolism in the body. By increasing the secretion of thyroid hormones, forskolin may promote greater energy metabolism, especially in people who have hypothyroidism.
User Experiences and Reviews
Forskolin user reviews posted online are mixed with some testimonials claiming efficacy and swearing by the results of this product and other users saying there were no discernable effects from taking this product.
Given the high degree of variability in user results posted online, it is likely that individual differences in metabolism, hormone balance, diet, activity level and body composition influence the efficacy of this plant extract.
Some individuals on WebMD claim a lack of Forskolin weight loss results. The consensus of comments was that the supplement did not work, and many reviewers also reported digestive side effects, such as loose stools and gas. [5]
Users also left reviews on Amazon.com for Forskolin capsules by BioGanx with 20 percent Coleus Forskolhii extract. Many of these users reported experiencing some weight loss from the capsules.
They recommended waiting to see results and tempering expectations, as they did not see significant Forskolin before and after results in body fat mass but did experience moderate success.
Some users reported reduced hunger feelings and cravings. Some also described benefits such as increased energy levels, greater desire to work out and enhanced mental performance.
A fair number of users left negative reviews, commenting that the product did not result in a body transformation for them. Some reported side effects, including a rapid heart beat, headache, stomach pain, dehydration and diarrhea. [6]
When looking for forskolin user reviews and success stories online, it is recommended to seek out third-party websites that aggregate objective review data. Manufacturer websites are not a reliable source of reviews.
If looking at experiences and testimonials posted on Amazon, check the product against websites like FakeSpotter that attempt to determine which products on Amazon have fake reviews.
Taking Forskolin Diet Pills for Weight Loss
Forskolin can be taken in different formats. For weight loss, it generally comes in capsule format.
Forskolin is often taken in a dosage of 50 mg of Coleus extract that contains 18 percent active ingredient up to 3 times per day, says the Natural Medicines Database.
Two studies on weight loss used doses of 250 mg with a 10 percent concentration two times a day. [3] [4]
Dosages and concentrations have not been standardized for this supplement. Supplement brands on the market contain a wide range of Forskolin concentrations. Many varieties include 10 to 20 percent of Forskolin extract, while some offer 40 percent. [7]
Safety Results
The National Institutes of Health state that no negative side effects are known from Forskolin, and no safety issues have been reported. Two high-quality studies did not discover serious side effects from Forskolin extract. [3, 4]
This supplement is rated Possibly Safe by NMCD. This means that preliminary studies show that it is well tolerated, but more research is needed to validate purported safety.
The Natural Medicines Database notes that inhaling this supplement may cause some side effects, but this is not the desired method of administration for weight loss. Potential side effects of Forskolin need to be researched in long-term studies.
Children, lactating women and pregnant women should avoid this supplement. It might cause interactions for people taking antiplatelet, anticoagulant or antihypertensive drugs.
It could interact with certain supplements, calcium channel blockers and nitrates. It may also cause an interaction with bleeding time lab tests, surgery, bleeding disorders and cardiovascular disease.
Forskolin before and after results vary between studies, and there is a lack of research on this subject. This herbal extract is commonly used for the goal of losing weight, but research has not conclusively backed up its effectiveness for this purpose.
Forskolin experiences posted online show a lack of consistent results. While some users do experience significant weight loss, other report little to no effects. More research is needed to better understand this supplement for weight loss and other purposes.
If you intend to use forskolin to help you lose weight, it is important to take this product as part of an overall healthy lifestyle, including a nutritious diet with appropriate portion sizes and a regular exercise program.
- Dietary Supplements for Weight Loss. National Institutes of Health.
- Shivaprasad HN et al. Effect of Coleus forskohlii extract on cafeteria diet-induced obesity in rats. Pharmacognosy Res. (2014)
- Godard MP et al. Body composition and hormonal adaptations associated with forskolin consumption in overweight and obese men. (2005)
- Henderson S et al. Effects of Coleus Forskohlii Supplementation on Body Composition and Hematological Profiles in Mildly Overweight Women. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. (2005)
- WebMD. Coleus Forskohlii.
- Amazon.com. Forskolin Strength Supplement.
Article last updated on: July 6th, 2018 by Nootriment