Forskolin

What is Forskolin?

Forskolin, also known as Coleonol is a chemical compound extracted from a plant native to India and had long been used in Ayurvedic medicine for treatment of skin disorders and respiratory issues. However, recently it has been studied for possible effects on cardiac function, lung function, glaucoma and also for weight loss.

Where Does Forskolin Come From?

Forskolin is extracted from the Plectranthus Barbatus plant, also known as Coleus Forskohlii. Parts of the plant can also be made into a herbal tea which has been shown to possess some antioxidant and antibacterial activity.

Forskolin Benefits

As previously mentioned, the herbal tea derived from the plant has been shown to possess antioxidant activity as well as inhibition of bacteria which can cause dental caries. In addition, one animal study was able to show that it also has the ability to inhibit acetylcholinesterase, which may perhaps benefit those suffering from Alzheimer’s. Perhaps the most important benefit of Forskolin is its ability increase body levels of cyclic AMP or cAMP. cAMP is a molecule which helps to activate PKA or protein kinase A, an enzyme which has an extremely large range of biological functions in the body including control of glucose, protein and lipid metabolism, vasodilation and activating our reward system. As such, Forskolin has been implicated to help with reductions in blood pressure, to help treat glaucoma and perhaps even to help with colon cancer treatment.

Forskolin Benefits for Bodybuilding

Perhaps the most interesting benefit of Forskolin for bodybuilders and for the average population is its potential to aid in fat loss. Because increases in PKA are also able to affect fat metabolism, there have been a few studies examining the potential for Forskolin to be used as a fat loss ingredient. Earlier animal studies have indeed shown that Forskolin was able to increase cAMP levels and as such was able to increase the level of fat burning. Human studies have been inconclusive however with some studies unable to show any changes in body composition to loss in body fat percentage and body fat mass in another study. In another study, Forskolin supplementation was able to help overweight participants to maintain their weight with no other significant changes.

Forskolin Negatives & Side Effects

While there aren’t any significant side effects from Forskolin use, due to its potential at lowering blood pressure, one should avoid combining it with blood pressure lowering medications or Nitrate based medications as this could potentiate or increase the effects of the medications. This in turn could cause unwanted side effects such as dizziness and even fainting.

Forskolin Recommended Doses & Ingredient Timing

Unfortunately, not enough studies have been conducted to conclusively recommend a dosing protocol for the use of Forskolin for weight loss. However, studies that have shown positive benefits have used anywhere between 125mg/day to 250mg of a 10% extract to be consumed twice a day.

Forskolin Supplements

You can generally find forskolin as an ingredient in many fat loss supplements, however, you can also find forskolin capsules on its own.

Stacking Forskolin

One can stack forskolin with most supplements however, it may be more beneficial to stack it with another fat loss supplement such as a fat metaboliser or a fat loss protein for best effects.

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