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Raw Forskohlii

Also known as: Forskolin, Indian coleus, Raw Forskohlii, Coleus forskohlii

Overview

Raw Forskohlii refers to extracts derived from the root of *Coleus forskohlii*, a plant traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine. The primary bioactive compound is forskolin, a diterpene known for its ability to activate adenylate cyclase and increase intracellular cyclic AMP (cAMP) levels. This mechanism modulates various physiological processes, including lipolysis, glucose metabolism, and vasodilation. While primarily investigated for its potential effects on body composition and metabolic health, research indicates mixed results, with some evidence for improved insulin sensitivity but inconsistent findings regarding significant weight loss or fat reduction in humans. It is available as a herbal supplement, typically in standardized extract forms.

Benefits

Forskolin supplementation has demonstrated several potential benefits, primarily in metabolic health. In animal models, it has been shown to improve glucose metabolism and reduce fat cell diameter in high-fat diet-induced obese mice, suggesting a role in insulin sensitivity and fat distribution. A human randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving overweight and obese subjects (n=41) found that 250 mg of *Coleus forskohlii* extract standardized to 10% forskolin, taken twice daily for 12 weeks, significantly improved insulin levels and insulin resistance (p=0.001 and p=0.01, respectively). However, this study did not observe significant effects on body weight, lipid profiles, or appetite hormones. Some animal studies also report a reduction in visceral fat weight. Forskolin may also exert vasodilatory effects, potentially benefiting cardiovascular parameters, though human evidence for this is limited and inconsistent. Overweight or obese adults may experience improved insulin sensitivity, but robust evidence for significant weight loss or fat mass reduction is currently insufficient. Benefits on insulin sensitivity were observed after 12 weeks of supplementation.

How it works

Forskolin primarily exerts its effects by directly activating adenylate cyclase, an enzyme responsible for converting ATP to cyclic AMP (cAMP). The resulting increase in intracellular cAMP levels acts as a crucial second messenger, modulating numerous signaling pathways within cells. This elevation in cAMP promotes lipolysis (fat breakdown) in adipocytes and enhances insulin signaling pathways, contributing to improved glucose metabolism. Additionally, cAMP-mediated mechanisms influence smooth muscle relaxation, leading to vasodilatory effects, and play a role in immune cell function. While specific absorption and bioavailability data are limited, oral supplementation with standardized doses appears sufficient to elicit systemic effects in humans.

Side effects

Forskolin supplementation is generally considered safe at studied doses, up to 500 mg/day of an extract standardized to 10% forskolin, with no serious adverse events reported in randomized controlled trials. Common side effects are not reported at an incidence greater than 5% in controlled trials. Uncommon side effects may include minor, clinically insignificant changes in blood parameters, such as slight increases in white blood cell count or calcium levels, which typically remain within normal ranges. No significant rare adverse events have been documented in high-quality studies. Due to its vasodilatory and potential blood pressure-lowering effects, caution is advised regarding potential interactions with antihypertensive or anticoagulant medications. Forskolin is contraindicated in pregnancy, lactation, and individuals with cardiovascular instability due to a lack of sufficient safety data in these populations. Safety in children and the elderly is also not well established due to limited research.

Dosage

The minimum effective dose for metabolic benefits, based on human randomized controlled trials, is approximately 250 mg of *Coleus forskohlii* extract standardized to 10% forskolin, taken twice daily. The optimal dosage range for metabolic effects is generally considered to be 250–500 mg per day of a standardized extract. The maximum safe dose has not been clearly established, and doses exceeding the studied ranges lack sufficient safety data. For observed metabolic benefits, a twice-daily dosing regimen for at least 12 weeks has been demonstrated. Standardized root extract capsules are the typical form of supplementation, and the purity and standardization of the extract are critical for ensuring efficacy. No specific cofactors have been identified to enhance absorption, as bioavailability appears adequate with oral administration.

FAQs

Does forskolin cause weight loss?

Evidence from human trials shows no significant weight loss, though it may improve insulin sensitivity and fat cell size in animal models.

Is forskolin safe for long-term use?

Short-term use (up to 12 weeks) appears safe; however, long-term safety data are currently lacking.

Can forskolin be combined with other supplements?

Potential interactions exist, especially with cardiovascular medications. Medical consultation is recommended before combining with other supplements or drugs.

When are effects noticeable?

Metabolic improvements, such as enhanced insulin sensitivity, have been observed after 12 weeks of consistent supplementation.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8000574/ – This animal study investigated forskolin's effects on high-fat diet-induced obese mice. It found that forskolin reduced fat cell diameter and improved glucose metabolism, though it did not affect body weight under a normal diet. The study provides robust animal data but notes limitations in direct human translation.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2129145/ – This human randomized controlled trial involving overweight/obese men over 12 weeks assessed forskolin's safety and efficacy. It reported no significant weight loss but indicated that forskolin was safe, with only minor, clinically insignificant changes in blood parameters. The study's quality is moderate due to its small sample size and lack of a placebo group mentioned in the summary.
https://www.drugs.com/npp/forskolin.html – This source summarizes findings from a human randomized controlled trial (Loftus et al., 2015) involving 41 overweight/obese adults over 12 weeks. The trial found that forskolin significantly improved insulin levels and insulin resistance but had no effect on body weight, lipids, or appetite hormones. It was well tolerated, indicating high quality due to its placebo-controlled design and statistically significant metabolic effects.