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Forskolin is a supplement used for a variety of purposes in natural medicine, including the support of testosterone production in men for both sexual health and bodybuilding.
In animal and in vitro research studies, this plant extract has been shown to increase intratesticular levels of the enzyme cAMP. This causes a similar effect to increase luteinizing hormone, which results in improved synthesis and secretion of testosterone.
Although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved Forskolin for the treatment of low testosterone or any other ailment, some people use forskolin pills to boost low testosterone levels.
Below is some basic information about forskolin, how it affects the body and relevant research on its relationship with testosterone levels.
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Forskolin is extracted from the root of an herb known as “Coleus forskohlii.” In addition to the support of testosterone production in individuals with testosterone deficiency, it has a long history of traditional use as an herbal remedy.
The Natural Medicines Database reports that forskolin has been used for thrombosis, insomnia, convulsions, bladder infections, hypertension, angina, metastatic cancer, obesity, dysmenorrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, urinary tract infections, asthma, allergies, eczema and psoriasis.
Forskolin extract has also been used as a testosterone booster for body building, fat loss, enhanced libido and more.
Studies have shown that this supplement has several different effects on the body, including:
- Ocular effects – Some studies have shown that forskolin may have a positive effect on intraocular pressure.
- Cardiovascular properties – Researchers have found that this supplement may increase heart rate and decrease blood pressure.
- Antioxidant effects – Forskolin may inhibit oxidation.
- Vasculogenic effects – The results of some studies indicate that forskolin may aid in the treatment of vasculogenic impotence.
- Effects on platelet aggregation – Forskolin may stimulate disaggregation of platelets.
- Bronchodilation . – This supplement may inhibit the release of histamine from pulmonary mast cells among individuals with asthma and related conditions.
- Effects on weight – Intake of forskolin may inhibit the appetite, aid in weight loss and limit fat accumulation.
Does Forskolin Increase Testosterone Production?
Some researchers have investigated forskolin effects on testosterone, but further study is needed to verify the results. The results of the few studies that have been completed indicate that forskolin may increase testosterone levels in the body.
For example, one particular study sought to determine if forskolin supplements offered benefits for men suffering from obesity. In this study, participants were divided into two groups: one that was treated with a placebo and one that was treated with forskolin.
Testosterone was measured at the beginning of the study and after 12 weeks of treatment.
At the end of the study, researchers found that testosterone levels were significantly increased among men in the group who received forskolin treatment, but not among those who received the placebo.
Although this study indicates that forskolin may offer benefits for men with low testosterone levels, additional research is needed to validate the effectiveness of this supplement.
Benefits of Increasing Testosterone Levels
In men with low testosterone levels, increasing the concentration of this hormone may provide several benefits. According to the Mayo Clinic, testosterone is responsible for:
- Sperm production.
- Regulation of the sex drive.
- Production of red blood cells.
- Maintaining facial and body hair.
- Building muscle mass.
- Regulating fat distribution.
- Maintaining proper bone density.
If testosterone levels are low, increasing the concentration of this hormone with supplements like forskolin extract may help to support the functions above.
Side Effects of Forskolin for Men
According to the Natural Medicines Database, forskolin has not yet been linked to any serious adverse effects. However, it is possible that the supplement causes side effects that have not yet been discovered.
Likewise, no long-term safety information is available, so consumers are encouraged to exercise caution when taking forskolin as a natural testosterone booster.
Forskolin may interact with other medications or supplements. Substances that are known to interact with this herbal extract include:
- Calcium channel blockers, such as nifedipine, verapamil and diltiazem.
- Nitrates, such as isosorbide and nitroglycerin.
- Anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs, such as warfarin, cilostazol and anagrelide.
- Antihypertensive drugs, such as valsartan, captopril and furosemide.
- Any medication or supplement with hypotensive, anticoagulant or antiplatelet effects.
How to Take Forskolin for Testosterone Levels
Forskolin supplements are available in oral, intravenous, intramuscular, inhaled and ophthalmic preparations. When taking forskolin for low testosterone, the oral form of the supplement is most common.
Oral formulations of forskolin may be manufactured as fluid extracts or as powder, tablets or capsules made from dried root extracts.
Because the FDA has not approved forskolin for the support of testosterone production, no standardized dosing guidelines are available. However, according to the Natural Medicines Database, the following dosages have been used in past research studies:
- Powders, capsules or tablets containing dried root: A dosage of 6 to 12 mg of pure forskolin from dried root supplements daily in divided doses.
- Fluid extract: A dosage of 6 to 12 ml of standardized 10 to 20% forskolin extract daily in divided doses.
Keep in mind that the concentration of forskolin in different supplements may vary. For example, many supplements contain between 10 – 25% forskolin extract per serving.
This means that 250 mg supplement with Coleus forskohlii extract, may contain between 25 – 62.5 mg of forskolin extract. Be sure to verify the amount of the active ingredient before you decide how much you will take.
As with all supplements, you should always talk to your doctor before adding forskolin to your regimen. If you experience any serious side effects while taking forskolin for testosterone, discontinue the supplement and seek medical treatment.
Article last updated on: March 12th, 2018 by Nootriment
1 Comment
I’m taking 10 mg of lisinopril daily for mild hypertension. Can forskolin naturally lower my b/p and are the two together contraindicated? Also I have an enlarged prostate with elevated psa numbers. Sometimes a testerone supplement is contraindicated. What about these concerns?