Forskolin is a supplement derived from the plant Coleus forskohlii. The plant is cultivated in Nepal, India and Thailand. Forskolin is made from the root extract of the plant and has been used for years in Ayurvedic medicinethe ancient Indian system of healing.
This article will review the uses of forskolin, its side effects, and what to look for.
Getty Images / Pannarai Nak-im
Uses of Forskolin
Use of supplements should be individualized and approved by a healthcare professional, such as a dietitian, pharmacist, or health care professional. No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Although used for many years in alternative medicine, forskolin has recently gained more attention due to its possible role in weight loss. It has also been marketed as an aid for people suffering from asthma Or glaucoma.
However, very few studies have supported the use of forskolin for any of these conditions. Available preliminary research is discussed below.
Glaucoma
Forskolin may prevent further deterioration of the eyes due to the effects of glaucoma. Forskolin appears to reduce intraocular pressure.
Some studies have suggested forskolin in combination with other supplements, such as rutin and B vitamins, may improve glaucoma symptoms. However, because only combination supplements were evaluated, it is not known for certain whether forskolin had any effect.
In a systematic review, the authors reported that forskolin consistently reduced intraocular pressure beyond what traditional treatment does. However, this evidence is not conclusive and further well-designed studies are needed.
Consult a healthcare professional if you have glaucoma and are interested in alternative therapies.
Weight management
Forskolin supplementation has been widely marketed for weight loss over the past decade. However, high-quality human research on this topic is limited.
Theoretically, forskolin helps create more lipase and adenylate cyclase. These two enzymes participate in the release of fatty acids in the body, allowing them to be used as energy.
In a small study of people who were overweight or had obesity, participants received 250 milligrams (mg) of 10% forskolin extract or a placebo. All participants were also on a low-calorie diet.
At the end of the study, all participants – both the forskolin group and the placebo group (the group not receiving forskolin but a dummy substance instead) – had a reduced waist-to-hip ratio and improvement. high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, also known as “good” cholesterol. However, the group that received a forskolin supplement showed additional improvements insulin insulin levels and resistance.
In a second study, 30 overweight or obese men were randomized to receive forskolin (250 mg with 10% extract twice daily) or a placebo for 12 weeks. The forskolin group had significantly reduced body fat compared to the placebo group, but there was no significant difference in actual body weight changes.
Another small study found that the same dose of forskolin did not appear to promote weight loss in overweight women compared to placebo.
These data suggest that forskolin is not a substitute for a healthy diet and calorie deficit necessary for weight loss. This can help improve body composition and metabolic parameters, when used with dietary modifications, but larger studies are needed to confirm these results.
What are the side effects of forskolin?
Forskolin is generally considered safe. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), no safety concerns have been reported at doses of 500 mg/day for 12 weeks.
However, some have reported gastrointestinal side effects, such as diarrhea.
Precautions
There is insufficient safety data on forskolin supplements. Therefore, pregnant and breastfeeding people should avoid taking supplements.
People with polycystic kidney disease you should also not use forskolin, as it can contribute to the enlargement of the cyst.
Dosage: How Much Forskolin Should I Take?
Optimal doses have not been established for forskolin supplementation.
Among the few small clinical trials carried out, doses of up to 500 mg per day of Coleus forskohlii were used.
Always talk to a healthcare professional before taking any supplement to ensure the supplement and dosage are right for your individual needs.
Interactions
Forskolin may interact with the following drugs:
It is essential to carefully read a supplement’s ingredient list and Nutrition Facts table to know which ingredients and how much of each ingredient are included. Please review the label of this supplement with your healthcare professional to discuss any potential interactions with foods, other supplements, and medications.
How to Store Forskolin
There is no data on the best way to store forskolin. So follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Sources of Forskolin and What to Look for
Forskolin is not available in foods. This comes from Coleus forskohlii factory. The extract is what is used to make the supplements.
In the past, some weight loss supplements (whether or not they contain forskolin) have been recalled because they contained sibutramine, a drug that was removed from the U.S. market due to safety concerns. Keep this in mind when considering which products to purchase.
Dietary supplements are not regulated like medications are in the United States, meaning the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve them for safety and effectiveness before the products are marketed. When possible, choose a supplement tested by a trusted third party, such as United States Pharmacopoeia (USP), Consumer LabOr NSF.
However, even if supplements are third-party tested, they are not necessarily safe for everyone or effective in general. Therefore, it is important to talk to your doctor about any supplement you are considering taking and ask about potential interactions with other supplements or medications.
Summary
Forskolin is an herbal supplement used for years in alternative medicine that has recently gained more attention for its possible role in weight loss. However, clinical research in this area is limited.
It is important to remember that supplements should not replace a healthy lifestyle adjustment for weight management purposes. If you want to lose weight, consider consulting a dietitian or registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN). They can help you develop a safe and effective plan to control your weight.
