Forskolin extract is the latest plant-based traditional medicine remedy to find new uses as a nootropic supplement.
Originally used as a folk medicine cure-all in ancient India, Forskolin has been shown in recent years to have quantifiable effects upon human memory formation.
By activating key enzymes in the memory formation process, Forskolin can accelerate the brain’s natural long term memory function and provide excellent cognitive benefits. This supplement is taken as a standalone remedy, or as a part of a nootropic stack such as CILTEP.
Forskolin extracts have few side effects and can be a potent addition to any daily mental health supplementation regimen. Here’s what we know about how it works in the brain, and how to take it for the most effective benefits.



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Forskolin Extract from the Indian Coleus Plant
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Forskolin extract is made from the leaves of the Coleus Forskohlii plant, which grows wild throughout Southeast Asia.
The leaves are minty to taste, and when ground into a highly concentrated extract they exhibit strong medicinal qualities in various systems throughout the body.
Known as an antimicrobial that can heal skin wounds, Forskolin also acts as an anti-inflammatory within the body. It has also been shown to have circulatory benefits such as vasodilation.
For these reasons, it was often used in traditional Indian medicine to reduce swelling and encourage healing from injury. Forskolin’s memory effects started to be studied in the 1970s. Some doctors informally recommend it as a progressive treatment for memory-related disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease (however more research is still needed in this area).
It is considered a safe plant remedy and can be freely bought and consumed by the public without a prescription. Forskolin is available as a dietary supplement only, and the FDA has not approved Forskolin as a drug to prevent or treat any conditions.
How Forskolin Extract Works
Forskolin’s effect on memory begins with increased blood flow to the brain. It does this through vasodilation – the expansion of blood vessels. Keeping a steady flow of oxygen-rich blood supplied to neural tissues is very important for overall cognitive function. Many neural disorders we experience as we age stem from cerebrovascular insufficiency, or lack of oxygen to brain tissue.
By nourishing these tissues, Forskolin aids in the healthy growth of brain cells, creating a thriving neural environment that can adapt and change over time. This is an essential basis for good memory and a clear and focused mind.
More specifically concering memory effects, Forskolin activates the enzyme adenylate cyclase which promotes the production of cAMP (cyclic adenosine monophosphate). All of our long term memory formation relies on cAMP, as it generates the cell signaling which initiates the physical transformation of brain structures to store memories.
This action is called LTP, or Long Term Potentiation, and it happens every time a short term memory is encoded for long-term storage. Together, these Forskolin extract effects are responsible for dramatically improved overall memory function.
Forskolin Extract Memory Benefits
People take Forskolin extract to achieve heightened access to memories and a greater ability to form new memories. This impacts more than just “crystalized memory” but also working memory. All of our learning and reasoning skills are tied to the ability to efficiently synthesize and retain information.
Now more than ever, the sheer volume of facts and images that the typical person is exposed to in a single day can be overwhelming. Whether in school or business settings, or simply trying to navigate social interaction, excellent memory is a key asset to succeeding in life.
Forskolin supplements may provide a valuable cognitive edge which could make daily life easier. Activities like reading, design, finance, programming, and writing can all greatly benefit from this type of cognitive enhancement.
Stacking Forskolin with Artichoke Extract
By far, the most popular way to take Forskolin extract is in combination with Artichoke extract.
Here’s why: Artichoke extract is a natural PDE-4 inhibitor. PDE-4 (Phosphodiesterase-4) stops cAMP from functioning at max potential. Artichoke extract neutralizes PDE-4 and paves the way for Forskolin’s cAMP effects to proceed without hindrance.
The two are frequently paired together, most famously in the popular CILTEP stack supplement. CILTEP adds Vitamin B6 and Acetyl-L-Carnitine into the mix for greater cognitive enhancement.
Whether you take Forskolin and Artichoke individually or as a part of CILTEP, the dosage ratios remain the same. Most people take 20 mg of Forskolin with 900 mg of Artichoke extract for ideal benefits.
How to Take Forskolin
No matter which method you use to take Forskolin extract, you’ll achieve the best benefits with regular, daily supplementation over a period of weeks. While you may experience mental clarity and increased concentration right away due to Forskolin’s vasodilatory effects, the more advanced learning and memory benefits will gradually kick in over time.
The usual dosage practice is to take Forskolin at bedtime. Forskolin does not interfere with sleep and it might actually induce some drowsiness so it may be easier to fall asleep. Fatigue is a commonly mentioned side effect for taking this supplement during the day. While for most it doesn’t interfere with the smart drug’s memory enhancing qualities, it may lower energy levels in some cases.
Overall, any form of Forskolin extract will make an excellent contribution to brain health and help you naturally enhance cognitive function.
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- Brubaker RF, Carlson KH, Kullerstrand LJ, McLaren JW. Topical forskolin (colforsin) and aqueous flow in humans. Arch Ophthalmol. 1987
- Cristóbal I, Rincón R, Manso R, Madoz-Gúrpide J, Caramés C, del Puerto-Nevado L, Rojo F, García-Foncillas J. Hyperphosphorylation of PP2A in colorectal cancer and the potential therapeutic value showed by its forskolin-induced dephosphorylation and activation. Biochim Biophys Acta. 2014
- Cao W, Razanau A, Feng D, Lobo VG, Xie J. Control of alternative splicing by forskolin through hnRNP K during neuronal differentiation. Nucleic Acids Res. 2012
- Paldino E, Cenciarelli C, Giampaolo A, Milazzo L, Pescatori M, Hassan HJ, Casalbore P. Induction of dopaminergic neurons from human Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stem cell by forskolin. J Cell Physiol. 2014
Article last updated on: April 16th, 2018 by Nootriment
2 Comments
Excellent review!! Helped me out alot@ Thank you and anxiously using 500mg of forskolin capsules amd.benefiting results. Heard of Apple cider combo? Wanting to consider this avenue?
Hey Sherri,
Thanks for your kind words! I have not seen any research specifically addressing the combination of forskolin and apple cider extract. Is this a product you’re using currently? Let me know your thoughts!