Forskolin pills are purported to have appetite suppressant, metabolism boosting and carb-blocking properties that support weight loss.
Forskolin is a natural alkaloid that comes from a plant in the mint family called Coleus forskohlii.
Extracts from this plant, which grows in subtropical portions of Asia, have been part of Ayurvedic medicine historically. Practitioners of Ayurveda have used it for a wide range of health problems, including cardiovascular issues and gastrointestinal problems.
Research shows that use of oral forskolin capsules can promote fat loss, increased muscle mass and higher testosterone levels in men. This herbal supplement also has benefits for bone mineral density, asthma symptoms, fatigue, eye health and memory.
There are several brands and types of forskolin diet pills and supplements available. Consumers who want to use these products should know what to look for when choosing one in terms of quality and efficacy.
It is also important to understand potential side effects and interactions that are associated with these supplements as well as how to use this product safely.



- Boosts thyroid function & lipolysis
- Promotes energy, stamina & concentration
- Supports weight loss & appetite suppression
Common Uses of Forskolin Pills
Related Topics
Forskolin is available for use in different ways, including orally and intravenously. It can also be inhaled. Oral forms of forskolin are often used as diet pills and energy supplements.
This plant alkaloid has been shown to increase the levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) in the body, according to a study published in the Annual Review of Pharmacology and Toxicology in 2001. [1]
This chemical plays a wide range of roles as a secondary intracellular messenger. Of interest to dieters and bodybuilders is the fact that cAMP is involved with breaking down fats in the body.
While forskolin pills are commonly used for dieting, weight loss and fat burning, they are also used for increasing testosterone, promoting anabolism, and improved muscle strength. Other uses include supporting immune system function, boosting metabolism, reducing cravings and suppressing appetite.
These supplements have also been studied for their effects on regulating blood sugar or glucose levels, increasing the amount of serotonin in the brain, increasing energy levels and supporting digestive health.
Traditionally, Forskolin extract has also been prescribed by herbal medicine practitioners for asthma, eczema, bladder infections, allergies, insomnia, impotence and high blood pressure.
Other clinical uses include reducing intra-ocular pressure in those with glaucoma, managing congestive heart failure and managing bronchospasms, according to the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. [2]
While this herb has been used in traditional medicine and is undergoing clinical research, it has not been approved by the FDA as a drug for the treatment of any specific medical conditions. More research is needed to validate many of the purported health benefits.
Benefits and Effects
The use of forskolin pills for dieting and fat loss may be effective, although it appears to work better in some groups of people than others.
A study published in 2005 in Obesity Research and Clinical Practice showed that this supplement decreased fat mass while increasing lean mass and bone mass in overweight or obese men. [3]
In women who were obese or formerly obese, a 1990 study in Surgery found that taking 95% ForsLean capsules was effective at reducing weight gain. [4]
Forskolin may support fat loss by increasing lipolysis, a process in which lipids (fats) are broken down to produce energy.
Forskolin activates the adenylyl cyclase enzyme, which leads to the production of cAMP in the body. The production of cAMP is involved in the release of hormones that are part of lipolysis.
How to Choose the Best Forskolin Pills
Forskolin pills are available from several manufacturers in different dosages and extract standardizations.
Some of the brands that make these products include Bio Thrive Labs, NaturaBest, Pure Sun Naturals, NatureWise, Hamilton Healthcare and Abundant Health.
Many of these products contain forskolin as the sole ingredient, but there are products that have other ingredients as well, such as saffron. These other ingredients are typically included to enhance or assist weight loss results.
When choosing diet pills, consumers should note the standardized percentage of forskolin in each product. These products do not use synthetic forskolin, but rather contain extracts from the Coleus Forskohlii plant.
Those extracts can be of different potencies, meaning that they contain different concentrations of active alkaloids. Some contain 20 percent standardized forskolin, while others have 40 percent standardized extract.
In general, a higher percentage might indicate that the product has greater potency at a lower dose. For example, 250 mg of at 10% extract might provide the same potency as 125 mg of a 20% extract.
One popular product is the patented ForsLean extract manufactured by Sabinsa corporation. This standardized extract contains 95% forskolin alkaloids and has been clinically studied for weight loss.
According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, however there are no regulations or official definitions for the term “standardized”. [5] Consumers should note that a product bearing the word “standardized” does not guarantee quality.
The recommended dosage for this supplement as a weight loss aid is 100 – 500 mg with a concentration of 10 – 20% alkaloids. If using a higher concentration extract, dosages will need to be adjusted.
Check with your doctor to determine which dosage is safe to take based on health, age and other factors. Forskolin products come in varying dosages, including 125 MG, 250 MG and 500 MG.
User reviews from a large number of consumers indicate that these products are generally effective at helping with weight loss and fat loss. However, Forskolin pill complaints from a small number of consumers indicate that these products are not effective for all people equally.
Negative Side Effects
Forskolin pills for weight loss are safe for many individuals to take, but they do carry some risks for consumers with underlying health conditions and those who take certain medications.
Those who have stomach ulcers, cardiovascular disease, bleeding disorders or hypotension should consult their doctor before using forskolin. These products should not be used for at least 2 weeks before having surgery due to a possible risk of excessive bleeding.
Pregnant women and women who are nursing should avoid taking forskolin supplements. According to the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, these supplements are considered possibly unsafe for pregnant women. There is insufficient evidence about the safety of these products for women who are nursing. [2]
Forskolin pills might interact with some medications, including calcium channel blockers, antihypertensive drugs, anticoagulant drugs and nitrates, as well as supplements that are used for hypotensive effects. Those who plan on using this herbal extract for weight loss should check with their doctor before using it.
- Hanoune, J and Defer, N. Regulation and role of adenylyl cyclase isoforms. Annual Review of Pharmacology and Toxicology. 2001. 41: 145-74.
- Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. Therapeutic Research Center. Coleus. 2015.
- 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.
- Office of Dietary Supplements. Dietary Supplements. 2011.
Article last updated on: July 9th, 2018 by Nootriment