Forskolin Uses, Side Effects, Benefits and Dosages

Forskolin extract is a dietary supplement that is produced from the Indian Coleus (Coleus Forskohlii) plant which has played an important role in Indian traditional medicine for thousands of years.

The plant itself is a member of the mint family and grows in the subtropical areas of India, Burma, and Thailand.

The active ingredient in Coleus Forskohlii plants is the labdane diterpene known as Forskolin. Diterpenes are compounds which are similar to retinol, retinal, and phytol, and are known to be both antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory.

Forskolin is known to activate something called adenylate cyclase, which is an enzyme involved in the regulation of many different cellular functions. This enzyme is derived from ATP and used for signal transduction in many different organisms.

Forskolin extract supplements may cause an increase in cAMP levels which may promote weight loss and increase memory formation and retention, especially when used in a CILTEP Stack with Artichoke Extract.

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

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Forskolin Effects

The main method of action for Forskolin extract supplements is by the activation of the enzyme adenylate cyclase by the diterpene derivatives it contains.

This enzyme is also activated by lipolytic hormones such as Epinephrine and Adrenaline. However, Forskolin does not carry the same central nervous system effects as this stimulatory hormones.

In other words, Forskolin works by essentially bypassing the steps associated with unwanted side effects like nervousness and restlessness. As this enzyme is activated, it converts into something known as cAMP. This, in turn, increases levels of a protein called kinase and also hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL).

This supplement also is thought to work as a vasodilator, helping to open up blood passages. This can increase blood flow to the brain, resulting in better nutrient and oxygen delivery to your brain cells.

As a result, your neurons may fire more actively and cell maintenance may be improved. Forskolin is also known to act as a thyroid stimulant and acts in a fashion similar to a number of conventional asthma treatments. The cAMP compound also serves to relax the muscles around the bronchial tubes which normally helps to make breathing easier.

Forskolin Benefits

Forskolin is used as a nootropic in something called the CILTEP Stack (Chemically Induced Long-Term Potentiation Stack). This supplement stack uses Forskolin as a cAMP booster along with Artichoke Extract as a PDE-4 inhibitor.

Artichoke Extract prevents the breakdown of excessive cAMP, thereby allowing the user to increase normal levels of cAMP in the brain. The result is heightened memory performance, especially in terms of new information retention.

Many individuals say that using Forskolin in this regard can give them significantly better memory function for studying and other mentally demanding tasks. Taking Forskolin may aid in learning capacity, reasoning processes, accessing stored memory and may improve mental fluidity.

Studies have also found Forskolin to be beneficial for obesity and weight loss. In one study, 30 overweight or obese men using Forskolin were observed to achieve a greater decrease in body fat and greater increase in lean body mass than those in the placebo group. Incidentally, the treatment group also experienced a significant increase in bone mass.

A 2006 study also reports the benefits of Forskolin with treating and fending off asthma attacks. The study found that users of this supplement had asthma attacks much less frequently than non-users. Also, during the attacks which did occur, the severity was rated as significantly less with easier breathing.

Although there is very little scientific evidence backing the claim, there are some people who feel Forskolin actually is helpful in the treatment of glaucoma. A small study showed that it may help to relieve pressure in the eyes that is often associated with the disease.

Another potential use of this supplement is in the treatment of certain forms of cardiovascular disease. There have been a few studies showing that Forskolin can help to improve heart function. People with idiopathic congestive cardiomyopathy may be good candidates for this type of treatment.

Research on Forskolin has been promising so far, however it is limited, and more research is still needed, especially large-scale human trials. At this time, Forskolin is available as a health supplement only, and the FDA has not approved Forskolin as a drug to prevent or treat any conditions.

Forskolin Dosage

Personal dosage depends on many different factors, and it is always recommended that you speak with your doctor to determine the best dosage for your needs. The below dosage recommendations are general guidelines only, and your personal dosage may be different.

The dosage of many Forskolin supplements can vary considerably. Generally, you want to consider only those of higher quality which means that they should contain 10 to 20 percent Forskolin extract. Anything less is not worth your money since there is probably too little of the active ingredient to really be very effective.

The typical dosage range is between 25 and 60 mg per day. This is normally divided between 2 or 3 equal administrations. Many users suggest that 50-60 mg is the ideal range for serious nootropic effects. It may also be better to take your Forskolin dosage at night, since it does make some people tired.

For the best results, you should be combining this supplement with 500 to 900 mg of artichoke extract per day.

Forskolin Side Effects

Is Forskolin safe to use? Forskolin is generally regarded as safe, however conclusive evidence regarding the safety profile for Forskolin is limited because there have been relatively few tests and studies on it.

Although most of the side effects reported have been mild, there are some events to watch out for. This includes flushing and low blood pressure when taken through an IV; upper respiratory tract infection, cough, tremor, and restlessness when inhaled; headaches; and increased heart rate.

There are also certain people who should avoid taking Forskolin supplements under all conditions. This includes people using blood thinners or anti-platelet medications.

There are also a number of high blood pressure drugs that may have some interactions with Forskolin. These include things like beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, Clonidine, Hydralazine. This supplement should also be avoided by those who have kidney disease, as well as pregnant or breast feeding women.

Forskolin Review

While Forskolin does not have as much history of use in the nootropic community compared to Racetams and other memory boosters, there are a lot of individuals who attest to its effectiveness.

If you are interested in trying the CILTEP stack, then you may want to speak to your doctor to make sure that Forskolin is safe for you to use. You can purchase high quality Coleus forskohlii extract online and then take it on its own or combine it with an Artichoke Extract powder.

If you would prefer to try a cognitive enhancement supplement with more research behind it, consider instead using a Racetam stack with Piracetam or Aniracetam alongside Alpha GPC or Citicoline. These combinations have a longer history of use backed up by thousands of positive user reviews online.

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