When comparing the most commonly purchased memory enhancers, Forskolin supplements don’t get a lot of press.
This relatively obscure natural extract has been in wide use as a traditional Indian cure-all for millennia, but it wasn’t until recently that its use as a memory boosting nootropic became fashionable.
Most people in the nootropic community have heard of CILTEP, the popular “memory pill” that boosts long-term memory formation. The plant-based Forskolin is one of two key ingredients which create CILTEP’s famous memory effects.
Let’s get up to speed with how Forskolin supplements work, and why it should be at the top of everyone’s list for cognitive improvement. Read on for Forskolin chemistry, benefits, dosages, side effects, and popular nootropic stacks.



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Similar in structure to Vitamin A and retinol, Forskolin is classified as a labdane diterpene.
These compounds are known to possess excellent skin healing and anti-aging properties.
Forskolin is the main active compound in the Coleus Forskohlii plant found in India, Burma, and other parts of Southeast Asia. The plant has long been used as a folk remedy for healing wounds and preventing inflammation in the body.
After thousands of years of informal use, modern science began examining Forskolin’s pharmacological properties over the last few decades. Today, Forskolin supplements are primarily known for weight loss and cognitive effects, and are frequently mentioned as one of the top natural memory enhancers.
Nootropic Effects of Forskolin Supplements
Forskolin’s effects begin with the stimulation of the ATP enzyme adenylate cyclase. ATP, or adenosine triphosphate, plays a huge role in cell metabolism. Forskolin activates adenylate cyclase which promotes the production of the secondary messenger cyclic adenosine monophosphate, also known as cAMP.
Why is cAMP important for memory formation? cAMP is the chemical link which instructs brain cells to transform short term memories into long term memories. We call this process Long Term Potentiation (LTP), and taking a Forskolin supplement may activate this process at a higher rate. The brain already has hormonal processes in place which support LTP, but taking Forskolin is believed to accelerate the mechanism and make long term memory formation easier.
Next, Forskolin assists in keeping a steady supply of oxygen to the brain by opening blood vessels so that more oxygen and nutrient-rich blood may enter. This action is called vasodilation.
Neural tissue needs oxygen in order to thrive. Excellent blood flow leads to higher rates of neurogenesis and synaptogenesis, it also gives the user the sense of a very clear mind with heightened focus and sharp thoughts. When combined with other memory enhancers, the total effect of Forskolin supplements can provide dramatic cognitive enhancement for brain hackers.
Benefits To Memory and Focus
The nootropic benefits of Forskolin supplements can be extremely useful for any types of activities that require comprehension and retention of large amounts of information. This might include the intense intellectual demands which students face – especially when studying for professional exams such as the LSAT or MCAT.
It is also used in various other business settings which hinge upon understanding complex facts and data, such as finance, computer programming, or engineering/design.
Forskolin also has applications in social settings – the ability to learn, retain, and adapt to the dynamics of complex social interactions is key to overcoming social anxiety and excelling in life. While many people take Forskolin pills in preparation for a large exam or work deadline, daily supplementation can provide a general boost to broad mental performance throughout each day.
The research around Forskolin supplements is promising, however it is limited, and more research is needed. At this time, the FDA has not approed Forskolin as a drug to prevent or treat any conditions, and it is available in the USA as a dietary supplement only.
Are Side Effects An Issue?
Forskolin supplements are contraindicated with all blood pressure medicines, alpha and beta blockers, and blood thinners. Other than those conflicts, for most people this natural remedy is largely side effect free and very to tolerate as a daily supplement. This supplement works best over a period of days or weeks, as its effects build up in the body.
Some people have noted that any supplements containing Forskolin can cause drowsiness or fatigue initially. That’s why most users recommend that these supplements are best taken in the evening. Normal wakefulness will not be impacted the next day. Mental clarity and memory formation should continue to improve over time.
Combining Forskolin Supplements with Artichoke Extract
To maximize Forskolin benefits, it is generally recommended to take it in combination with Artichoke Extract dietary supplements.
This all-natural compound boosts the efficacy of Forskolin’s cAMP memory effects by inhibiting PDE-4 (Phosphodiesterase-4). This is a substance which blocks the role of cAMP if left unchecked.
According to user reviews the best ratio of dosages to achieve the most harmonious effects of this combination is 20 mg of Forskolin, combined with 900 mg of Artichoke extract per day. This is a general guideline only, and your personal dosage may be different.
As this type of supplementation builds over time and is not intended to achieve full benefits off of a single dose, there is nothing to be gained by exceeding the recommended dosage. At extreme doses, Forskolin may exhibit excessively tranquilizing qualities.
It is always recommended that you speak with your doctor to determine the best dosage for your needs, and determine if there may be any negative interactions with any supplements or medications you are currently taking.
Together, Artichoke extract and Forskolin supplements synergistically fuel dramatic cognitive boosts. For this reason, they were paired in the CILTEP combo stack, one of the more popular nootropics for the enhancement of memory and mental focus. You can buy Forskolin supplements online in single-ingredient formulations or you can purchase CILTEP which includes other brain-boosting ingredients as well.
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Article last updated on: April 16th, 2018 by Nootriment