Pure Forskolin Extract Review, Health Benefits & Dangers

Pure forskolin supplements are purported to have fat-burning properties, to support normal thyroid function and to have benefits for bodybuilders and male testosterone levels.

Coleus Forskohlii is a plant that is part of the mint family. It includes various active compounds and is used for weight loss, supporting lung and heart health and other health purposes.

This plant has been used throughout history including within Ayurvedic medicine. In herbal medicine systems, it was used for skin rashes, as a diuretic, a blood purifier, for bronchitis and asthma, angina, epilepsy and insomnia.

Coleus Forskohlii extract is believed to work by activating adenylate cyclase in various cells throughout the body. This results in an increase in levels of cAMP, which can affect a number of different physiological systems.

When looking to buy forskolin supplements online, many products will provide herbal Coleus Forskohlii extracts that are standardized to contain a specific concentration of forskolin per serving size.

Alternatively, pure Forskolin is used. This extract comes from the roots of the plant and is purported to offer health benefits of its own. [1] There has not been enough research on Forskolin to confirm its effectiveness for many uses, but preliminary evidence does suggest potential benefits.

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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Uses of Pure Forskolin

Pure forskolin is also known as 6beta, 17beta-acetoxy-8, 13-epoxy-1alpha, 9alpha-trihydroxylabd-14-en-11-one, Borforsin, Colforsin or Colforsine.

Research into the physiological effects of forskolin was initially pursued by Hoechst Pharmaceuticals and the Indian Central Drug Research Institute in 1974. The research showed that extracts from the root of the Coleus plant could reduce blood pressure and muscle spasms.

Forskolin was identified as the primary active ingredient responsible for the effects of this herb in the body. Further research showed that it was able to increase levels of cyclic AMP, a secondary cellular messenger that has a critical role in a wide range of biological processes.

While this is the major active constituent identified in the Coleus Forskohlii plant, other active compounds include the diterpenes such as:

• Acetoxycoleosol
• Barbatusin
• Coleol
• Coleonon
• Coleanol
• Deoxycoleonol
• Dialdehydes
• Crocetin
• Napthopiron
• Plectrine
• Plectirinon
• Secoabietan

Some of the common uses of pure Forskolin include weight loss, bodybuilding, glaucoma, certain heart problems, asthma and bronchospasm. The Natural Medicines Database considers this plant compound Possibly Effective for asthma and idiopathic congestive cardiomyopathy.

NMCD explains that some evidence exists showing that inhaling Forskolin improves breathing in asthmatic patients. Some evidence shows that intraveneous Forskolin provides improvements in people with idiopathic congestive cardiomyopathy.

This supplement is also used to reduce intraocular pressure in patients with or without glaucoma. NMCD cites a lack of enough research to rate Forskolin for use with intraocular pressure and erectile dysfunction. While preliminary results have been positive, more clinical studies are required.

Two main studies are used in discussions of Forskolin for weight loss. These double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled studies both used 250 mg of 10 percent Forskolin extract twice a day for a 12-week period.

One studied overweight and obese men, finding a reduction in fat mass and body fat percentage in participants taking Forskolin. They also had an increase in testosterone levels, which may promote fat mass reduction. [2]

The other study looked at overweight women, finding no significant changes to body fat, fat mass or fat free mass from Forskolin, but an inhibition of gains on body mass and scanned mass. [3]

Overall, there is a lack of solid evidence on purported benefits of Forskolin. More research is needed to discover if it works for its common uses and if it causes adverse effects.

Supplements Comparison

A research article discovered that different samples of Coleus Forskohlii from varying regions of India had a range of Forskolin concentrated within the plant. The amount varied from 0.074 to 0.282 percent, w/w, between the 10 samples. [4]

Forskolin supplements are sold by common supplement brands that include Nature’s Way, Life Extension and Puritan’s Pride. Weight loss and bodybuilding supplement companies also carry it. ForsLean by Sabinsa Corporation is a well-known variety.

Forskolin supplements come in different concentrations that often range from 10 to 20 percent, with some brands including as much as 40 percent. [5] The ForsLean website says Sabinsa offers extracts ranging in concentration from 1 to 98 percent. [6]

A common extract dosage is 50 mg of Coleus extract with 18 percent pure Forskolin taken 1 to 3 times a day, according to the Natural Medicines Database.

The dosage can vary with the method of taking this compound, which include capsules, a fluid extract, a dried root, an intravenous format, powder in an inhaler or eye drops.

It is best to follow the dosage recommended by a health professional for the format and the specific health concern. It is possible to buy pure Forskolin in different formats online, at natural health stores and over-the-counter at pharmacies.

User reviews for Forskolin extract products online are mixed. Many reviews posted on Amazon and other health supplement websites are positive, but vary considerably depending on the specific product.

In comparison, reviews left on WebMD have negative ratings overall. Several reviewers commented that the product did not help them lose weight. Some reviewers noted side effects that included digestive problems. [7]

Is it Safe to Use?

The Natural Medicines Database considers Forskolin Possibly Safe in intravenous, eye drop and inhalation forms according to appropriate dosages for each type. They note that it has been well-tolerated in controlled research studies.

Two double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled studies found no side effects in participants taking this supplement orally. [2, 3]

Pure Forskolin could have adverse effects in certain populations. It is considered possibly unsafe for pregnant women, and the Natural Medicines Database recommends this population avoid using it. Lactating women and children should also avoid this supplement due to a lack of available safety data.

This herbal compound may interact with antihypertensive, anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs, in addition to calcium channel blockers, nitrates and herbs and supplements with hypotensive, anticoagulant or antiplatelet properties.

Forskolin could also pose problems for people with cardiovascular disease or bleeding disorders, and for bleeding time lab tests and surgery.

Side effects associated with inhalation include restlessness, tremor, cough, sore throat and upper respiratory tract irritation. More research is required to understand the safety and potential side effects of pure natural Forskolin, especially when taken on a long-term basis.

Coleus Forskohlii has been used throughout history for numerous purported health purposes. The Forskolin compound of the plant has been singled out for further study and common use, as it is thought to carry benefits for weight loss and other purposes.

Pure Forskolin has not been extensively studied, especially for long-term use, and research has mixed results as to the effectiveness of the compound. More research is needed to understand potential uses and side effects.

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