What is Forskolin?
Known primarily as a weight loss supplement, Forskolin is a potent substance that has numerous benefits to users.
It can be used to maintain a healthy body composition and has also been clinically proven to help with a host of other ailments.
Forskolin has gained popularity recently as a potential treatment for cancer, high blood pressure, glaucoma symptoms, and to manage blood sugar and asthma. As a nootropic, it’s thought to work as an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor and improve memory.
Unlike many other supplements with similar uses, Forskolin doesn’t have any significant side effects and is safe for general use.
What is Forskolin?
Forskolin exploded onto the supplement scene as a weight-loss supplement thanks to an endorsement from television personality Dr. Oz in 2014.
While Dr. Oz has since come under scrutiny for his claims that Forskolin is a miracle weight loss pill, there is some substantial scientific evidence that supports the claim that the compound can decrease the fat mass and improve body composition in overweight men and women.[1] [2]
In a third study conducted on rats, Forskolin also helped to prevent weight gain in animals fed a diet that caused obesity in rats that weren’t taking the supplement.
Also, Forskolin, when combined with tetrahydroxypropyl ethylenediamine, caffeine, carnitine, forskolin and retinol and applied topically, can also reduce the appearance of cellulite with daily use.[3]
Although Forskolin isn’t a pill that melts fat instantly, it has both nootropic and medical applications in addition to the fat loss benefits.
Natural Health Enhancer
As a nootropic, the compound has similar memory and energy boosting effects of ephedrine and adrenaline, but without the jittery side effects.
As a treatment for cancer, it’s been shown to stop the growth of tumor cells in rats and to help manage the negative side effects of chemotherapy. [4]
Forskolin is also one of the few natural supplements proven to lower blood pressure in the majority of users, and there is also promising early research on its ability to reduce blood sugar levels in diabetics.[5]
The supplement is also a natural alternative to a steroid inhaler for people who have asthma.[6] Finally, Forskolin can be taken to help with symptoms of glaucoma as it helps relieve interocular pressure and is a non-surgical treatment option.[7]
Forskolin can be legally purchased in the US over the counter as a supplement both in stores and online and is available in an oral capsule form. It may also be prescribed as an inhaler to treat asthma, or as an injection to treat glaucoma by a doctor.
Overall, Forskolin is an excellent choice for people looking to lose weight or improve their body composition, as well as anyone with cancer, high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma, or glaucoma as a natural alternative or supplement to other treatment options.
Other names for the product
Coleonol
Editor’s Note
As a fitness aficionado, I’ve used Forskolin as part of my daily stack for years to help manage my weight and body composition.
The supplement both helps to control my cravings and appetite and also seems to keep me at a lower body fat percentage than I was able to achieve through a healthy diet and daily exercise alone.
Anecdotally, I’ve heard that men see even better results because of the supplement’s ability to increase overall testosterone and grow muscle mass.
While I don’t notice any significant increase in cognitive function, I do feel a little additional energy and have a lot of focus in my workouts and daily tasks when I take the supplement.
If I had any of the additional health conditions that show positive results and effects, I would most definitely include Forskolin in my supplement stack to have a natural alternative medical treatment.Forskolin Reviews
User reviews about Forskolin online are a bit of a mixed bag. Overall, the majority of users are looking to weight loss benefits, which some find and some don’t. Here are a few highlights of what people are saying about Forskolin.
Chris Lockwood, Ph.D., CSCS and a regular contributor to bodybuilding.com is a big proponent of the supplement. He takes it personally and recommends it to athletes that he trains.
His clients include big names like Matthew McConaughey who he worked with when he was getting ready for his role in “Magic Mike.” He says:
“When I was working with McConaughey to get him ‘water-moccasin-like shredded’ for his role… in the film Magic Mike, I had him take one of his daily doses before training.” [8]
Benefits and effects
Forskolin provides clinically proven benefits to users who are looking for a memory boost, losing weight, or for natural ways to manage diseases. These advantages include:
Improved Memory and Mental Energy
When taken as a supplement, Forskolin activates the enzyme adenylate cyclase, which regulates a variety of cellular functions. It also increases cAMP levels in the brain, which can result in improved memory and energy.
These two effects combine to provide the nootropic benefit of improving the formation of new memories and the retaining of those memories.
Weight Management
Though its ability to help the body release fat stores and increase muscle mass, Forskolin can assist with improving body composition and weight loss efforts.
If you eat well and exercise regularly, the added benefit of Forksolin will help you lose fat and get lean. It’s not a silver bullet, but it can accelerate the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.
Natural Alternative Treatment
Forskolin has been proven to be an effective alternative treatment for a variety of health conditions. If you have cancer, high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma or glaucoma, there are applications for the supplement.
Some, like in the case of the studies showing positive effects on rectal cancer tumors are very specific treatment options.
Others, like the 75% effective rate on reducing blood pressure are very broad and can be widely applied.[9] More original applications are being continually discovered.
This year, researchers conducted a study on mice, suggesting that Forskolin could be an alternative treatment option for Alzheimer’s Disease.[10]
How It Works
Forskolin primarily operates in the body by activating the enzyme adenylate cyclase, although it exerts its effects through various mechanisms.
The enzyme is also activated by hormones such as epinephrine and adrenaline, yet Forskolin lacks the adverse side effects of these hormones’ stimulation.
Upon activation, the enzyme converts to cAMP, enabling heightened production of protein kinase and hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) in the body.
Moreover, Forskolin is thought to function as a vasodilator, enhancing blood flow and oxygen delivery to the brain, promoting increased activity and cell maintenance.
As it relates to asthma, Forskolin both stimulates the thyroid and increases cAMP levels in the body. cAMP, as a compound, relaxes the muscles around bronchial tubes, facilitating easier breathing for users.
Dosage
The recommended dosage for Forskolin varies depending on the treatment use.
The suggested dosage is between 25 and 60 mg per day of the active compound through one to three doses. Dosage should align with the potency level of the product, typically between 10 to 20 percent, for effective supplementation.
For nootropic benefits, users anecdotally suggest between 50-60 mg daily of the active compound for the best results.
Side Effects
Weight loss studies on Forskolin haven’t documented serious side effects, but there are notable potential issues and interactions worth considering.
Forskolin naturally lowers blood pressure; therefore anyone who already has low blood pressure should avoid taking this supplement. Additionally, if you’re taking beta blockers, nitrates, or blood thinners, you shouldn’t take Forskolin.
Other reported side effects include irregular heartbeat and upset stomach. Taking Forskolin with food may help manage these effects.
Finally, there are some special considerations for women. Research indicates that women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) may experience enlarged cysts, thus caution against Forskolin usage.
Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should also not include Forskolin in their daily supplement stack.
Stacking
For the most potent nootropic benefits, stack Forskolin with between 500-900 mg of artichoke extracts daily.
Artichoke extract prevents the breakdown of excess cAMP, enhancing memory, focus, and concentration by making it available in the brain.
Alternatives
Forskolin has many applications. Possible options will depend largely on what benefit you’re looking for when you take the supplement. Here we’ll discuss three for the most common uses.
1. Garcinia Cambogia
As a weight loss supplement, Forskolin compared most commonly to Garcinia Cambogia. Both make similar claims, but there are a few differences.
Scientific evidence suggests that Garcinia Cambogia can reduce cravings and suppress appetite, potentially leading to weight loss rather than just fat loss.
However, Garcinia Cambogia has more serious side effects than Forskolin. Users have fatigue and extreme brain fog, and so it may have little to no nootropic benefit.
2. Alpha GPC
Alpha GPC is a powerful nootropic supplement that also provides benefits to the body. As a choline source, it benefits memory and cognition in both healthy individuals and those with disorders like Alzheimer’s.
It aids the body by promoting human growth hormone production, potentially reducing recovery time and enhancing workout performance. [13] Alpha GPC is a well-researched supplement with few side effects.
3. CoQ10
It is another powerhouse supplement that has documented benefits that range from anti-aging to managing blood pressure.
CoQ10, an alternative to Forskolin, reduces blood pressure gradually over 4 to 12 weeks with minimal side effects. It has also been shown to be effective at lowering cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
Like Forskolin, it can be purchased over the counter without a prescription, and it has few contraindications.
Explore alternative supplements to Forskolin and conduct focused research on desired outcomes and preferred benefits for informed decision-making.
Numerous supplements offer akin benefits to Forskolin, hence prudent selection is vital for optimal outcomes in your regimen.
Closing Thoughts
Forskolin is a supplement that delivers positive results to users with a broad spectrum of needs. It aids weight loss, preserving muscle mass, enhancing the outcomes of a healthy lifestyle by shedding body fat effectively.
For cancer, hypertension, asthma, or glaucoma, consult your doctor about Forskolin, known for its natural therapeutic benefits.
It acts as a nootropic, potentially enhancing memory and cognition, but further research is necessary for conclusive evidence.
Overall, the supplement is extremely safe and has various levels of efficacy depending on its intended use.
