Forskolin is a chemical compound found in the harp shrub Plectranthus barbatus and belongs to the group of diterpenes. As a direct stimulant of the enzyme adenylate cyclase, forskolin has multiple effects on humans and animals. Therefore, it is used experimentally in biochemistry and pharmacology. Diterpenes are widely used in harp shrubs. Forskolin, on the other hand, has been isolated in appreciable amounts only from Plectranthus barbatus (Coleus forskolii).
Forskolin is a non-selective stimulant of isoenzymes of the adenylate cyclase group. With the exception of adenyl cyclase IX, it activates all isozymes at low micromolar concentrations. Forskolin uses hydrophobic interactions to bind in the binding pocket between the C1 and C2 domains of adenylate cyclase.
Activation of the enzyme in the cell catalyzes the conversion of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to the signaling cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). Thus, forskolin plays a central role in the signaling pathways of many G protein-coupled receptors. Therefore, the increase in cAMP levels in the cell caused by forskolin leads to numerous biological responses. In addition, it has a positive inotropic effect on the heart. Forskolin has a vasodilatory effect on blood vessels. In addition, it has lipolytic, anticoagulant and antispasmodic effects under experimental conditions.
Use and action
Plectranthus barbatus, a forskolin-containing plant, has ethnopharmacological significance in Ayurvedic medicine as well as in folk medicine in China, Brazil, and Africa. It is used to treat gastrointestinal, respiratory, cardiac, and nervous diseases, among others. At least some of its effects are due to the ingredient forskolin.
Forskolin is mainly used experimentally as a model substance to increase cellular cAMP levels in basic biochemical and medical research. Due to its multiple effects, it has been discussed for its use in the treatment of heart disease, asthma, thrombosis and obesity. Herbal extracts containing forskolin are marketed by bodybuilders as alleged “fat burners.”
The substance that has a positive effect on fat burning is the main component of the plant Coleus Forskholii. This plant is mainly used medicinally by some indigenous peoples, but is also used in Ayurveda. In the field of sports and fitness, the fat burning property is the main focus. Forskolin works by activating and increasing hormone-sensitive lipase. This is an enzyme that strongly promotes fat release by releasing free fatty acids from adipose tissue, which can then enter the bloodstream. From there, free fatty acids are transported to the mitochondria, the central site of fat burning.
Fat burning and stimulation
Unlike many other fat-burning substances that have already been introduced, Forskolin does not have a stimulating effect. This fact is especially interesting for people for whom taking green tea extract or caffeine has serious side effects. Typical side effects like hand tremors and palpitations do not occur with Forskolin. Accordingly, this supplement can be taken in the evening without jeopardizing sleep.
What can also have a positive effect on the diet is that Forskolin seems to stimulate the self-synthesis of thyroid hormones. This can be extremely beneficial for weight loss, especially during long-term and/or extreme diets. This is because thyroid hormones are important regulators of metabolism. And the better the metabolism, the more success in dieting. The only problem is the very fast counter-regulation of the body. When the number of calories in the diet decreases, one of the ways the organism tries to absorb them is by reducing the production of thyroid hormones. This effect seems to be counteracted by taking forskolin, at least to some extent. However, to what extent it works and how strong this effect is in practice has so far remained scientifically unfounded.
But also for non-athletes Forskolin can be interesting from a health point of view. In Ayurvedic medicine, forskolin is used against asthma, to lower blood pressure and to treat heart disease. In some cases, there is also scientific research to back up these claims and practices.
Dosage and occurrence
When buying products with forskolin, you need to pay attention to the dosage. To achieve an effective dosage, you should take 40-60 mg of Forskolin daily between meals. Note: The data refers to pure forskolin, not the amount of forskolin coleus contained in it.
Color nettle belongs to the labiates family and is a perennial herb. The fast-growing dwarf shrub grows about 50 centimeters high. The flowering period lasts from June to October. The leaves and roots have a very fragrant g odor. The plant is particularly sensitive to frost and stops growing at temperatures below 7 degrees Celsius. It grows in tropical regions of Brazil, Africa, Sri Lanka and India.
In Ayurvedic medicine, the plant has been appreciated and used for thousands of years. It is known that colored nettle lowers blood pressure by dilating blood vessels and improving blood flow. Nettle can be used for asthma, bronchitis, potency problems and headaches caused by vasoconstriction.
In addition, Coleus forskohlii with its forskolin repairs damaged nerves and strengthens the heart. It is also effective for high cholesterol and increased intraocular pressure (glaucoma). In addition, Coleus forskohlii has proven to be very effective in chronic cystitis. This is because it prevents bacteria from encapsulating in the flexible lining of the bladder. This is how bacteria usually hide from antibiotics. Last but not least, this plant dissolves nerve toxins and is good for our skin.
Metabolism and body weight
The higher our metabolism, the lower our weight and vice versa. For many, this simple formula has become the key to achieving their dream weight. At this point it is worth mentioning that humans do not have just “one” metabolism, but there are different types that regulate the metabolism of individual nutrients: Proteins, carbohydrates and fats. For example, if the energy of food is not consumed (“burned”), sooner or later the body accumulates in the form of fat deposits.
Forskolin helps regulate fat metabolism, iodine supports energy metabolism, and vitamin B6 normalizes protein and glycogen metabolism. Fat-burning forskolin is a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of obesity. Oral intake of forskolin for several weeks has a positive effect on body composition. At the same time, overweight and obese men get increased testosterone levels.
Nettle is interesting in that it influences the reduction of body fat and simultaneously preserves muscle mass. In this way, you can reduce stubborn body fat and improve your body mass index without expecting health side effects. Thus, the body only loses fat. Heavy diets usually work by dehydrating the body and muscles and rarely have a lasting effect. Forskolin enable us to burn fat and thus contributes to weight reduction.
Intake and treatment
Forskolin is a very versatile agent. It is suitable for people with intestinal colic and weak immune system or bladder infections, but forskolin is also used in asthmatics, diabetics and to treat diseases of the reproductive system. It can also be used for high blood pressure or to strengthen the heart. Forskolin can also be used by people who want to lose weight, as it reduces fat. It is also popular among athletes to enhance performance.
Forskolin is extracted from Indian nettles, also called “Coleus forskohlii” or botanically “Plectranthus barbatus”. The plant has many good properties, such as antibacterial and immune activating or blood pressure lowering effects. Not only because of this, but also because of its ability to help lose weight, tropical nettle with its forskolin is considered a fat burner. The plant substance forskolin belongs to the group of terpenes, which in turn are components of essential oils. In Indian Ayurveda, forskolin is known by the Sanskrit name “Makandi”. Native to the dry, sunny slopes of India and the Himalayas, Coleus Forskohlii has made a name for itself worldwide with the ingredient forskolin.
Today, the plant substance forskolin is more important than ever, for example for maintaining a normal fat metabolism. Especially if you look at the fat content of many foods, for example eggs, butter and meat, but also ready meals, which often contain a high proportion of palm oil, for example. Forskolin contributes to the so-called body weight control. This includes all measures that help you achieve your desired weight.
Studies on Forskolin
The journal Drug Research (37, 364-367) reported that forskolin improves cardiac contractility. In the Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology (16/1), the authors reported a decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressure with the use of forskolin. At the same time, pulmonary artery pressure decreased and cardiac output increased. Stroke volume and stroke volume index increased by 70 percent.
Physiologically, the energetic effect of forskolin is explained by its ability to stimulate the activity of adenate cyclase and increase the level of cyclic adenosine monophosphatase (cAMP). Simply put, forskolin acts on substances like cAMP, which in turn can activate certain enzymes needed for cellular energy.
Several studies with foscolin-based supplements have shown that it has a positive effect on fat reduction. Since these studies were funded by Sabina Corporation, which owns the patent to produce Foscolin, doubts arose about their reliability. Some critics have warned of side effects, but subsequent toxicity studies failed to detect them. Despite all this, forskolin appears to lower blood pressure and, most importantly, increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Finally, in another independent test with two comparison groups, foscoline was found to actually reduce fat.
Forskolin differs from ephedrine in that it does not interact with beta receptors in fat cells and does not cause their stimulation. Coleus forskohlii has a unique effect in that it activates the enzyme cAMP (cyclic AMP). This in turn stimulates enzymes directly involved in fat burning and muscle building.
