ForsLean® is a nutritional weight management supplement, purported to increase the metabolic rate and thermogenesis. It contains a proprietary version of forskolin extract from the Coleus forskohlii plant found in parts of Asia.
Forskolin is a root extract that has been used by practitioners of Ayurvedic medicine for centuries for cardiovascular problems, gastrointestinal issues and other health problems.
Research demonstrates that forskolin may have benefits for weight loss by increasing the cellular levels of cyclic AMP (cAMP), a messenger molecule that is involved in thyroid function and metabolism.
Sabinsa Corporation developed a globally-patented version of forskolin known as ForsLean in 2001. This product is supported by a U.S. patent and has patents pending in Japan, Canada and Europe. [1]
ForsLean contains standardized concentrations of forskolin extract that can be used for supporting weight loss and promoting lean body mass. This product has been studied for its effects on decreasing body fat in multiple clinical trials.



- Boosts thyroid function & lipolysis
- Promotes energy, stamina & concentration
- Supports weight loss & appetite suppression
ForsLean Supplement Review
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ForsLean’s active ingredient is forskolin, standardized to contain 10% diterpene.
Forskolin extract contains a number of different alkaloids and phytochemicals, but it is a labdane di-terpenoid known as Forskel that is believed to be responsible for most of its effects.
ForsLean differs from other forskolin products in that it contains a standardized amount of this active ingredient and is processed using a patented method.
While many forskolin supplements have been promoted weight loss and fat burning purposes, ForsLean has patent in the USA, Canada and Europe for its ability to promote lean body mass in addition to eliminating body fat.
Lean body mass refers to muscle and everything else that would not be categorized as fat mass or bone. Lean muscle mass is metabolically active, meaning that it actually helps you lose weight.
Many weight loss diets and supplements can help to promote body weight reduction, but may also cause you to lose muscle mass which is a negative outcome. This supplement is promoted to both reduce fat mass (adipose tissue) while improving body composition and lean mass.
In the United States, the Sabinsa supplement also has a patent on the use of forskolin for the treatment of mood disorders, but there has been less research into the effects of this supplement for this application.
Those who are considering using ForsLean supplements for losing weight or improving lean body mass should know more about its effects and mechanisms of action, as well as potential risks and consumer reviews.
It is important for consumers to consult their doctor before taking ForsLean, especially if they have any medical conditions or take certain medications.
ForsLean for Weight Loss
ForsLean contains standardized forskolin extract in different concentrations, ranging from 10 percent to 98 percent.
Soft extracts for softgels in concentrations of 10 percent and 20 percent are also available. These products are designed to support healthy weight loss due to the actions of forskolin. [1]
ForsLean also includes a carrier or excipient, which is designed to improve the oral bioavailability of the product when taken as a dietary supplement.
Forskolin activates an enzyme called adenylyl cyclase, which, in turn, results in the production of cAMP, or cyclic adenosine monophosphate.
The chemical messenger cAMP plays a role in promoting lipolysis, which occurs when the body breaks down fats and lipids.
This secondary messenger is also involved in hormonal release from the thyroid, which helps ensure that there is an adequate supply of hormones to initiate metabolic processes.
ForsLean is primarily used for weight loss, but it has other potential uses as well. These include supporting healthy circulation, increasing testosterone levels in men and supporting sports nutrition.
One of its main functions is increasing the amount of lean body mass while promoting weight loss. For obese and overweight people, ForsLean has also been used to improve body composition.
Consumers should note that ForsLean is meant to be used with a healthy diet and regular physical activity in order to promote weight loss.
ForsLean Effects
ForsLean has been the subject of clinical studies in the U.S., Japan, Mumbai and Manipal. These studies have shown the effectiveness of ForsLean for weight loss and lean body mass.
One open field study conducted in Hilton Head, S.C. in 2002 showed that ForsLean effectively increased lean body mass and decreased mean body fat and mean weight loss to a significant degree.
Participants in this study were six overweight women who took 500 MG of ForsLean per day for eight weeks. These results were achieved while the participants followed their normal physical activity levels and eating habits. [2]
A 2001 clinical study in Japan showed that ForsLean decreased body fat and improved body mass index in one male and 13 females, all of whom were overweight. Participants took 125 MG of ForsLean twice a day for 12 weeks. [3]
In a 2004 double blind randomized study in Mumbai, ForsLean use resulted in statistically significant decreases in body weight and body fat and an increase in lean body mass. Participants in this study took 250 MG of ForsLean twice a day for 12 weeks. All 60 participants in this study were obese. [4]
How to Take ForsLean
ForsLean forskolin extract supplements are available at many online retailers and in stores that carry wellness products or dietary supplements.
Some of the manufacturers that sell products on Amazon that contain ForsLean extract include Bestvite, AFI Forslean Extreme, Olympus Labs, Now Diet Support, Nature’s Way, California Products, PEScience, Pure Sun, Nature’s Design, Herbal Actives, and BioGenetic Laboratories.
According to Sabinsa, consumers can take the suggested dose of 25 MG of forskolin 30 minutes to 1 hour before meals twice a day to help promote weight loss. [1]
However, consumers should check with their doctor to find out the right dosage of ForsLean to take based on factors such as their age and overall health.
A large number of consumers that use ForsLean products reported that they are effective when used for weight loss purposes. A small number of consumers who use ForsLean products stated that they are not effective for weight loss.
ForsLean Side Effects
Is ForsLean safe to use as a weight loss supplement? ForsLean is considered safe for most consumers to take, but adverse effects are possible.
According to the manufacturer’s website, “Coleus forskohlii extracts and forskolin have shown an excellent safety profile and are generally considered safe, non-toxic and without any side effects at the recommended dosage.”
Sabinsa states that data from animal studies shows that this supplement did not cause any signs of toxicity when administered for 14 days, 28 days or 180 days. [1] The supplement also was non-mutagenic and had a normal sensitivity rate of dermal irritation or allergic contact in healthy volunteers.
Sabinsa also says that the NOAEL (no-observed-adverse-effect level) for this supplement in animal studies was greater than 1000 mg/kg body weight over durations of 28 days and 180 days.
According to anecdotal reports posted in reviews online, some individuals experience a faster heart rate, increased blood pressure, light-headedness or nausea when using forskolin extract supplements.
If you do experience negative side effects while taking ForsLean or other generic forskolin dietary supplements, stop taking the product and consult with your doctor before continuing to use it.
It is important to note that there a few contraindications associated with the use of this product. Consumers with gastric ulcers or hypotension (high blood pressure) should consult their doctor before using ForsLean products for weight loss.
ForsLean might interact with some forms of medication. Those who take anti-asthmatic or anti-hypertensive medications should talk to their doctor about the safety of using ForsLean products beforehand.
Article last updated on: July 23rd, 2018 by Nootriment