Forskolin Side Effects, Dangers and Health Risks

Forskolin is a dietary supplement that has recently gained popularity in the United States for weight loss, bodybuilding, cognitive function, eye health and more.

Forskolin is a substance extracted from the root of Coleus forskohlii, an herb found in India, Thailand and Nepal. Although some studies indicate that Forskolin may be effective for several different purposes, this supplement may still present risks to consumers.

This herbal extract is well-tolerated by the majority of users and there have been few Forskolin side effects reported in research studies. However, some consumers report adverse effects on online review sites, such as Amazon.com.

It has been shown to lower blood pressure and should not be combined with medications that affect blood pressure. Others have reported loose bowel movements and diarrhea from taking this supplement. Below is some basic information about this supplement and how it works, as well as possible negative Forskolin side effects.

Forskolin

Herbal Supplement

Weight Loss

Cognitive Function

Energy

How It Works:

• Boosts thyroid function & lipolysis
• Promotes energy, stamina & concentration
• Supports weight loss & appetite suppression

Dosage:

Between 100 - 500 mg per day

Safety:

Generally Regarded as Safe

Top Forskolin Products* ❯

View User Ratings* ❯

Forskolin Overview

The Coleus forskohlii plant has been used in traditional Asian medicine systems for a number of different ailments.

More recently, Forskolin extract has been identified to stimulate the release of cAMP (Cyclic adenosine monophosphate) – a secondary messenger with a number of different functions in the body.

As a result, researchers have begun studying the potential therapeutic and health-boosting effects of this supplement. Consumers commonly buy forskolin pills to promote weight loss, support muscle growth and for purported nootropic effects.

Although this supplement has not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of any ailment, people still use it for a variety of purposes. According to the Natural Medicines Database, forskolin extract has been used for:

• Convulsions
• Insomnia
• Impotence
• Thrombosis
• Metastatic cancer
• Angina
• Hypertension
• Bladder infections
• Urinary tract infections
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Dysmenorrhea
• Obesity
• Psoriasis
• Eczema
• Allergies
• Asthma

Is Forskolin Safe to Take?

The Natural Medicines Database reports that forskolin affects the body in several ways. Some of these effects include:

• Vasculogenic effects – Studies have indicated that forskolin may improve erectile dysfunction.
• Effects on platelet aggregation – Forskolin may stimulate disaggregation of platelets.
• Ocular effects – Animal studies indicate that Forskolin may reduce net aqueous humor inflow and intraocular pressure.
• Cardiovascular properties – Forskolin may reduce blood pressure and increase heart rate.
• Bronchodilation – Studies indicate that this supplement may inhibit the release of histamine from pulmonary mast cells.
• Antioxidant effects – Forskolin may act as an antioxidant.
• Effects on weight – Some studies have shown that forskolin may reduce body weight, food intake and fat accumulation.

The Natural Medicines Database reports that Forskolin is considered possibly safe when it is used intravenously and on a short-term basis. However, this supplement may produce side effects, so consumers should exercise caution.

Negative Forskolin Side Effects

Very few researchers reports have documented adverse effects of forskolin consumed orally. However, very few clinical trials have been conducted to evaluate the safety of this supplement, and the sample sizes used in these studies were relatively small.

Thus, it is possible that forskolin supplement dangers exist but have not yet been discovered. Likewise, because no long-term safety data is available, it is impossible to tell whether this supplement may cause side effects when it is used for a long period of time.

In user reviews posted online, there is anecdotal evidence suggesting that forskolin may cause loose bowel movements, digestive discomfort, diarrhea and dizziness.

Some users experience hypotensive effects when taking this supplement. Forskolin has been shown to lower blood pressure in some individuals. Its use is contraindicated for people with low blood pressure or anyone taking medications with blood pressure lowering effects.

When forskolin is inhaled, it may cause mild side effects, including tremor, restlessness, mild to moderate cough, irritation of the upper respiratory tract and sore throat.

Forskolin Drug Interactions

Forskolin extract health risks may be more significant when forskolin is used in combination with certain substances. Some of the medications that may interact with forskolin include:

• Nitrates, such as isosorbide and nitroglycerin.
• Calcium channel blockers, such as nifedipine, verapamil and diltiazem.
• Antihypertensive drugs, such as valsartan, captopril and furosemide.
• Anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs, such as warfarin, cilostazol and anagrelide.

Forskolin may also interact with any other supplements that are known to have antiplatelet, anticoagulant or hypotensive effects.

Recommended Forskolin Dosages

Forskolin may be taken intravenously, orally or by inhalation. Ophthalmic forskolin preparations are also available.

Because the FDA has not approved forskolin to treat any ailment, no standardized dosing recommendations exist. However, below are some general guidelines based on the advice of natural medicine experts and the dosages used in past research studies.

• For general intravenous use – A dose of 0.5 mcg/kg per minute, increased at 15 minute intervals to 1, 2 and 3 mcg/kg per minute. This protocol has been used for a maximum of one hour.
• For general use of dried root – A dosage of 6 to 12 mg of dried root supplements daily in divided doses.
• For general use of fluid extract – A dosage of 6 to 12 ml of standardized 10 to 20% forskolin extract daily in divided doses.
• For lowering intraocular pressure – 50 mcl of 1% forskolin suspension eye drops applied topically to the cornea.
• For asthma – 1 to 5 mg of forskolin aerosol delivered via a metered dose inhaler.
• For schizophrenia or depression – A 75-minute intravenous infusion of forskolin.
• For cardiomyopathy – A dose of 0.5 to 4 mcg/kg per minute of intravenous forskolin.
• For anti-inflammatory action after cardiopulmonary bypass – A dose of 0.5 mcg/kg per minute of intravenous forskolin.

Taking Forskolin Safely

Current research indicates that the risk of Forskolin side effects is relatively low. However, more study is required to validate the safety of this supplement.

To reduce the risk of forskolin side effects, talk to a doctor before you begin taking this supplement. Take no more of the supplement than you need to achieve the desired effect, and never exceed the recommendations of your physician.

If you experience any side effects or complications while taking forskolin, discontinue your use of the supplement and talk to your doctor.

Do not take forskolin if you are pregnant, as this supplement may interfere with the development of the fetus. Likewise, you should also avoid forskolin while breastfeeding due to a lack of available information on safety and potential side effects.

Rate This Article

(10 votes, average: 3.40 out of 5, rated)