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What is forskolin used for in bodybuilding? Forskolin is the main active compound found in the roots of Coleus forskohlii, a plant in the mint family.
Bodybuilders take forskolin to promote fat loss during their cutting cycles. It is also purported to have some positive effects on testosterone levels and muscle growth.
In research studies, it has been shown to increase lean muscle mass while reducing body fat. Research shows that this herbal extract works by increasing cyclic AMP levels in your cells, which promotes greater metabolic activity.
According to trainer Chris Lockwood of Bodybuilding.com, he gave forskolin supplements to Matthew McConaughey to help him get a ripped, toned physique before appearing in the “Magic Mike” movie.
In addition to weight loss, this supplement is also commonly used for supporting heart health, asthma, digestive concerns, vision health, boosting energy levels, supporting memory and more.
As a bodybuilding supplement, forskolin has not been extensively researched, and the available research is inconclusive. More study is needed to determine the effectiveness and potential risks of this supplement.
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- Supports weight loss & appetite suppression
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Bodybuilders take Forskolin extract supplements for its purported benefits for weight loss and muscle gain. It is used to aid fat loss during cutting cycles.
According to one bodybuilding site, “Forskolin mimics the effects of calorie restriction and exercise, even in people who aren’t dieting or exercising.”
It functions primarily by increasing the levels of the secondary cellular messenger cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) which is involved in a number of different physiological processes related to metabolism.
The goal of cutting cycles is to lose fat while keeping lean body mass and preserving strength. In clinical studies, Forskolin has been shown to reduce body fat composition while also increasing lean mass. It may work by boosting testosterone levels and anabolic activity.
Users choose Forskolin for bodybuilding because some research supports its use for these purposes. However, the research is not conclusive. There are only a small number of studies that have examined its efficacy for bodybuilding in humans.
Forskolin is also attributed with assisting with lipid breakdown and decreasing appetite, although there are not enough clinical trials and research findings to confirm this effect notes the National Institutes of Health. [1]
Research Study Results
A double-blind, randomized and placebo-controlled study of overweight and obese men found that participants who took 50 mg of forskolin per day had positive improvements in body composition. In this study, participants took 250 mg of a 10% Coleus Forskohlii extract twice each day for 12 weeks. [2]
Compared to individuals taking a placebo, men given the forskolin extract saw significantly higher bone mass, reduced body fat percentage and reduced fat mass over those in the placebo group. Over the trial period, those taking foreskin lost 7.8 times more body fat than those given a placebo.
Researchers also discovered that this herb promoted a significant 34% total increase in free testosterone levels in the treatment group. The researchers hypothesized that the increase in testosterone levels explained the greater muscle mass and decrease in fat mass.
A separate double-blind, randomized and placebo-controlled study was conducted with the same dosage. in slightly overweight women did not find weight loss results from Forskolin but did note diminished gains in body weight as well as reduced appetite. [3]
Another small open-label study gave participants 500 mg of Coleus forskohlii extract with 10 percent Forskolin twice daily. After eight weeks, the participants’ body weight, BMI, basal metabolic rate and fat content were significantly reduced. [4] In this study, lean body mass was also reduced.
These three studies found differing results in different populations. Before determining whether forskolin is effective for bodybuilding, it is important to evaluate its effects in trained athletes and individuals who are not overweight or obese.
More research is needed to determine whether results are affected by the dosage, user group, health status and other factors.
User Results
The majority of individuals who take forskolin are using it to promote weight loss, although it is becoming more popular as a muscle-building and testosterone-boosting supplement.
On Amazon.com, user review ratings vary by the product and brand. C-Bolic, a supplement that claims to contain 95 percent pure Forskolin extract, has mostly positive user reviews.
Many users left a bodybuilding review of this product, noting that they used it for cutting. Users claimed that they noticed weight loss results from C-Bolic. A few negative reviews reported a lack of results.
One user reported digestive problems and another noted feeling “edgy.” Many other varieties, including Vimerson Health Forskolin Weight Loss supplement, have a mix of positive, negative and neutral reviews.
For this product, many reviews claim the product helped the user lose weight, while a few reviewers reported no results. [6, 7]
On WebMD, Forskolin has a low user review rating. Many users claimed the supplement was ineffective for weight loss. Further, the reviews include numerous reports of side effects, including gas, loose stools, constipation, swollen ankles and bloating. [5]
How to Take a Cutting Cycle
There is no standardized Forskolin dosage for bodybuilding or other purposes. Note that different products contain different amounts of active forskolin alkaloids per serving. Supplements range from between 10 – 20% concentrations.
Two double-blind, randomized and placebo-controlled studies used this plant extract in a dose of 250 mg with a 10 percent concentration twice daily. For general use, 50 mg of Coleus extract with 18 percent concentration is commonly taken 1 to 3 times daily.
It is recommended to take it 20-30 minutes before consuming a meal. This supplement has appetite-suppression effects which could help users consume less food if taking it prior to a meal.
Chris Lockwood of BodyBuilding.com recommends taking it in the morning and a second time during the day to promote fat loss. He says that he had actor Matthew McConaughey take a dose before working out. He stacked it with 7-keto DHEA and D-aspartic acid for best results.
Potential Adverse Effects
No side effects were reported in two double-blind, randomized and placebo-controlled studies on Forskolin for weight loss. [2, 3]
It is generally well tolerated, but there is insufficient data to rate its safety for long-term use. There is a lack of quality and long-term clinical trials on this supplement, so more research is needed to confirm or rule out side effects.
Some users have reported side effects, especially digestive troubles, restlessness, dizziness, flushing, fatigue, rapid heart rate, headache and changes in blood pressure. Some describe discontinuing the supplement due to unpleasant adverse effects.
The Natural Medicines Database notes that Forskolin may be unsafe for pregnant women. It should be avoided by children and breastfeeding women due to insufficient research available to determine safety in these populations.
People taking medications should talk to a health professional before taking Forskolin, as it may affect anticoagulant, antiplatelet and antihypertensive medications, herbs and supplements. It may also interact with nitrates and calcium channel blockers.
Taking this supplement may interfere with certain lab tests, bleeding disorders, surgery and cardiovascular disease. This supplement has an anti-platelet effect and can increase the time it takes to stop bleeding after an injury.
Conclusion
Bodybuilders commonly use supplements like forskolin to aid with fat burning, weight loss and muscle gain. Some research supports the purported benefits of reducing fat, increasing testosterone and increasing lean body mass, but some results are conflicting.
This product has been used by high-profile natural bodybuilders and has gained a following of people who say that it works. Some user reviews report a lack of effectiveness from Forskolin for fat loss, despite many reporting the contrary.
Only a small amount of research has been conducted on Forskolin’s purported weight loss results, so more research is needed. This plant extract has been studied in obese and overweight men, but more study is required in trained athletes and bodybuilders to say whether it works in these populations.
- Dietary Supplements for Weight Loss. National Institutes of Health.
- 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)
- Kamohara S and Noparatanawong S. A Coleus forskohlii extract improves body composition in healthy volunteers: An open-label trial. Personalized Medicine Universe. (2013)
- Coleus forskohlii - WebMD.com.
- C-Bolic 95% Pure Forskolin - Amazon.com
- Pure Forskolin Extract - Vimersion Health - Amazon.com
Article last updated on: July 15th, 2018 by Nootriment