Are forskolin fat burners effective and how do they actually work?
Forskolin is the active ingredient in an herb called Coleus forskohlii. This herb has been traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine for hundreds of years.
Research shows that it may boost fat loss by increasing levels of an important cellular messenger, cAMP. This chemical messenger plays a role in a number of different bodily processes including energy metabolism.
Forskolin has also been shown to exhibit an appetite-suppressing effect and stimulate thyroid hormone production. It is used to improve energy levels, mental focus, mood and weight control in people with hypothyroidism (low thyroid activity).
In some research studies, this supplement is observed to promote body fat reduction but may not contribute to significant weight loss on its own. One study showed that it had a body recomposition effect, causing a reduction in fat mass and an increase in lean body mass and bone density.



- Boosts thyroid function & lipolysis
- Promotes energy, stamina & concentration
- Supports weight loss & appetite suppression
Forkolin Overview
Related Topics
Forskolin (7 beta-acetoxy-8, 13-epoxy-1 alpha,6 beta,9 alpha-trihydroxy-labd-14-ene-11-one) is a plant alkaloid isolated from the Ayurvedic herb Coleus forskohlii.
In Ayurvedic medicine, it has been used for various gastrointestinal, cardiovascular and central nervous system problems. Fo
Forskolin has several uses when inhaled or used orally, intravenously or ophthalmologically, such as allergies, asthma, glaucoma, congestive heart failure, irritable bowel syndrome and bladder infections.
It is also taken as a fat burning supplement for those who want to lose excess body fat. Researchers found that it could activate adenylate cyclase in tissues such as the thyroid gland, contributing to greater metabolic activity.
Forskolin supplements that are designed for fat loss claim that this ingredient also supports appetite suppression, healthy blood sugar levels, lean muscle preservation, improved digestive health, increased energy and other benefits.
Those who are planning on taking forskolin fat burning supplements should understand how these products work and how effective they are at producing the desired results.
Forskolin Fat Burning Effects
The weight loss effects attributed to this supplement are mainly caused by the activation of an enzyme called adenylyl cyclase.
This enzyme results in the production of a chemical messenger known as cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), according to a 2001 study published in the Annual Review of Pharmacology and Toxicology. [1]
The presence of cAMP affects the release of hormones from the thyroid. These hormones are involved in a process known as lipolysis, which refers to the breakdown of lipids and fats. This breakdown releases fatty acids which are then burned in the cellular mitochondria to make energy.
Hormones that are released from the thyroid stimulate the use of lipid substrates due to a higher amount of mobilization activity among triglycerides, according to a 2000 study published in the International Journal of Obesity. [2]
The thyroid hormone H3 stimulates the breakdown of cholesterol in the body and leads to a higher number of LDL receptors. This helps increase the rate of lipolysis in the body.
Forskolin fat loss results are supported by the findings of a 2005 study published in Obesity Research and Clinical Practice. This study showed that oral forskolin supplements taken for 12 weeks by obese or overweight men resulted in a decrease in fat mass, an increase in lean mass and an increase in bone mass. [3]
This supplement was also shown to boost free testosterone levels among study participants. The researchers theorized that the higher levels of testosterone contributed to greater anabolic activity and supported fat loss.
A second 1990 study published in Surgery showed that forskolin reduced weight gain in obese and formerly obese women, although not by a significant amount. [4] More research is needed to understand these results and evaluate the efficacy for weight loss.
How to Take for Fat Loss
Forskolin fat burner supplements are available to take orally as capsules, tablets and powder. Some supplements only contain a single ingredient, while others also have other ingredients that assist with fat burning, weight loss and appetite suppression, such as saffron, green tea extract and magnolia bark.
According to Chris Lockwood of Bodybuilding.com, the actor Matthew McConaughey took a combination of forskolin extract with 7-keto-DHEA and D-aspartic acid to lose weight and improve muscle tone prior to filming the Magic Mike movie.
These products are sold by online retailers, such as GNC.com and Amazon. They can also be purchased at local stores that sell fat burning products.
These products vary in terms of dosage, with some products offering 125 MG of Coleus Forskohlii extract and others offering 500 MG per dosage. Different products also contain different concentrations of forskolin, typically between 10-20%.
This means that the actual amount of active forskolin alkaloids consumed may be anywhere from 12.5 to 100 mg per dose. It is not yet known what the optimal dosage of this supplement is for weight loss.
Consumers who want to take these fat-burning products should talk to their doctor about safe dosages, which will depend on a number of factors, including age, overall health and the presence of underlying medical conditions.
A large percentage of consumers who use forskolin fat burner products reported that they are effective at assisting with fat loss, particularly in difficult areas, such as around the waist. A small percentage of fat burner reviews indicated that they did not work effectively for fat loss.
Negative Side Effects
Forskolin is generally considered safe to use, although more research is needed to evaluate its safety for long-term use. Most users tolerate it well, but a small number experience negative effects.
Whether you experience side effects may be linked to your individual health status, other medications you are taking and how you are using the supplement.
Some individuals experience light-headedness, vertigo, nausea, a flushing sensation, redness of the skin, increased body temperature, increased heart rate or headache when using this supplement. If you experience these adverse effects, discontinue use, lower the dosage or begin taking the product with food.
Use of a forskolin fat burner might lead to an increase in stomach acid, making it potentially unsafe for those with stomach ulcers. Consumers who have this condition should consult their doctor before using this supplement.
Forskolin diet pills might increase the risk of bleeding, interfere with cardiovascular disease treatment or cause blood pressure to become too low. It might also cause excessive bleeding when it is taken before surgical procedures, according to the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. [5]
Consumers should consult their doctor if they have a bleeding disorder, hypotension or cardiovascular disease. Consumers should also avoid taking the product for at least 2 weeks prior to surgery.
Forskolin is considered possibly unsafe for women who are pregnant and there is not enough reliable evidence to assess safety in women who are lactating. It should not be given to individuals under the age of 18 due to potential changes in hormone balance.
This herbal extract has the potential to interact with certain types of medications, such as anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs, antihypertensive drugs, calcium channel blockers and nitrates. It might also interact with other supplements or herbs that have hypotensive effects (cause blood pressure to decrease).
Consumers who take any of these medications or those who take supplements or herbs should talk to their doctor before using forskolin for fat loss. Consult with a doctor before beginning any new diet or weight loss regimen.
- Hanoune, J and Defer, N. Regulation and role of adenylyl cyclase isoforms. Annual Review of Pharmacology and Toxicology. 2001. 41: 145-74.
- Pucci, E. et al. Thyroid and lipid metabolism. International Journal of Obesity. 2000. Suppl 2, S109-S112.
- Godard, M.P. et al. Body composition and hormonal adaptations associated with forskolin consumption in overweight and obese men. Obesity Research. 2005. Aug; 13(8); 1335-43.
- Martin, L.F. et al. Alterations in adipocyte adenylate cyclase activity in morbidly obese and formerly morbidly obese humans. Surgery. 1990. Aug; 108(2); 228-34.
- Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. Therapeutic Research Center. Coleus. 2015.
Article last updated on: July 15th, 2018 by Nootriment