A test tube study demonstrated that the bronchodilating effects of salbutamol albuterol were significantly increased by the addition of forskolin, the active component of the herb Coleus forskohlii.

The results of this preliminary research suggest that the combination of forskolin and beta-agonists such as albuterol might provide an alternative to raising the doses of the beta-agonist drugs as they lose effectiveness.

Until more is known, coleus should not be combined with albuterol without the supervision of a doctor. A test tube study demonstrated that the bronchodilating effects of salbutamol, a drug with similar actions in the lung to ephedrine, were significantly increased by the addition of forskolin, the active component of the herb Coleus forskohlii.

The results of this preliminary research suggest that the combination of forskolin and beta-agonists like ephedrine might provide an alternative to raising the doses of the beta-agonist drugs as they lose effectiveness. Until more is known, coleus should not be combined with ephedrine without the supervision of a doctor.

A test tube study demonstrated that the bronchodilating effects of salbutamol, a drug with similar actions in the lung to epinephrine, were significantly increased by the addition of forskolin, the active component of the herb Coleus forskohlii.

The results of this preliminary research suggest that the combination of forskolin and beta-agonists might provide an alternative to raising the doses of the beta-agonist drugs as they lose effectiveness.

Until more is known, coleus should not be combined with epinephrine without the supervision of a doctor. A test tube study demonstrated that the bronchodilating effects of salbutamol, another beta-adrenergic bronchodilator drug, were significantly increased by the addition of forskolin, the active component of the herb Coleus forskohlii.

Until more is known, coleus should not be combined with salmeterol without the supervision of a doctor. There are theoretical grounds to believe that coleus Coleus forskohlii could increase the effect of anti-platelet medicines such as aspirin, possibly leading to spontaneous bleeding.

However, this has never been documented to occur. Controlled human research is needed to determine whether people taking aspirin should avoid coleus. Few adverse effects of coleus have been reported.

It should be avoided in people with ulcers , because it may increase stomach acid levels. Direct application to the eyes may cause transitory tearing, burning, and itching.

The safety of coleus in pregnancy and breast-feeding is unknown. Dubey MP, Srimal RC, Nityanand S, Dhawan BN. Pharmacological studies on coleonol, a hypotensive diterpene from Coleus forskohlii. J Ethnopharmacol ;— Seamon KB, Daly JW. Forskolin: A unique diterpene activator of cAMP-generating systems.

J Cyclic Nucleotide Res ; [review]. Wysham DG, Brotherton AF, Heistad DD. Effects of forskolin on cerebral blood flow: Implications for the role of adenylate cyclase. Stroke ; Marone G, Columbo M, Triggiani M, et al. Forskolin inhibits the release of histamine from human basophils and mast cells.

Agents Actions ; Roger PP, Servais P, Dumont JE. Regulation of dog thyroid epithelial cell cycle by forskolin, an adenylate cyclase activator. Exp Cell Res ; Wong S, Mok W, Phaneuf S, et al.

Forskolin inhibits platelet-activating factor binding to platelet receptors independently of adenylyl cyclase activation. Eur J Pharmacol ; Agarwal KC, Parks RE. Forskolin: A potential antimetastatic agent. Int J Cancer ; Caprioli J, Sears M.

Forskolin lowers intraocular pressure in rabbits, monkeys and man. Lancet ; Badian M, Dabrowski J, Grigoleit HG, et al. Effect of forskolin eyedrops on intraocular pressure in healthy males.

Klin Monatsbl Augenheilkd ; [in German]. Kramer W, Thormann J, Kindler M, Schlepper M. Effects of forskolin on left ventricular function in dilated cardiomyopathy. Arzneimittelforschung ; Bauer K, Dietersdorfer F, Sertl K, et al. Pharmacodynamic effects of inhaled dry powder formulations of fenoterol and colforsin in asthma.

Clin Pharmacol Ther ; What is forskolin? How does forskolin work in weight loss? What are the suggested uses of forskolin? Risks and benefits Conclusions. How we vet brands and products Medical News Today only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

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Read more about our vetting process. Was this helpful? Fast facts on forskolin: Forskolin is a supplement made popular for its possible use in weight loss.

Forskolin comes from a plant called Coleus forskohlii. In theory, forskolin aids weight loss by helping create enzymes called lipase and adenylate cyclase. Share on Pinterest Forskolin is a weight loss supplement derived from a plant. Share on Pinterest Studies on the weight loss benefits of forskalin have produced mixed results.

Risks and benefits. Share on Pinterest Although forskolin is not known to interact with any existing conditions, caution is still advised. Those taking blood thinners or medication for low blood pressure should avoid forskalin. How we reviewed this article: Sources.

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Surv Ophthalmol. Loftus HL, Astell KJ, Mathai ML, Su XQ. Coleus forskohlii extract supplementation in conjunction with a hypocaloric diet reduces the risk factors of metabolic syndrome in overweight and obese subjects: a randomized controlled trial.

Godard MP, Johnson BA, Richmond SR. Body composition and hormonal adaptations associated with forskolin consumption in overweight and obese men. Obes Res. Henderson S, Magu B, Rasmussen C, et al. Effects of coleus forskohlii supplementation on body composition and hematological profiles in mildly overweight women.

J Int Soc Sports Nutr. National Institute of Health. Dietary supplements for weight loss fact sheet. Cabrita I, Kraus A, Scholz JK, Skoczynski K, Schreiber R, Kunzelmann K, Buchholz B.

Cyst growth in ADPKD is prevented by pharmacological and genetic inhibition of TMEM16A in vivo. Nat Commun. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Liu W, Li YL, Feng MT, Zhao YW, Ding X, He B, Liu X. Application of feedback system control optimization technique in combined use of dual antiplatelet therapy and herbal medicines.

Front Physiol. Barrea L, Altieri B, Polese B, De Conno B, Muscogiuri G, Colao A, Savastano S; Obesity Programs of Nutrition, Education, Research and Assessment OPERA Group.

Nutritionist and obesity: brief overview on efficacy, safety, and drug interactions of the main weight-loss dietary supplements. Int J Obes Suppl. Baumann G, Felix S, Sattelberger U, Klein G. Cardiovascular effects of forskolin HL in patients with idiopathic congestive cardiomyopathy--a comparative study with dobutamine and sodium nitroprusside.

J Cardiovasc Pharmacol. González-Sánchez R, Trujillo X, Trujillo-Hernández B, Vásquez C, Huerta M, Elizalde A. Forskolin versus sodium cromoglycate for prevention of asthma attacks: a single-blinded clinical trial.

J Int Med Res. Her experience ranges from counseling cardiac rehabilitation clients to managing the nutrition needs of complex surgical patients. Use limited data to select advertising. Create profiles for personalised advertising.

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Table of Contents View All. Table of Contents. Uses of Forskolin. Side Effects. How to Store.

Traditionally, forskolin and the coleus plant were used to promote general health and wellness. Forskolin was also used for asthma and breathing disorders. In its natural habitat, local people boiled the root of the coleus to make tea to drink and to promote wellness. Today, it is most popular as a weight loss supplement.

Theoretically, forskolin aids in weight loss by helping create enzymes called lipase and adenylate cyclase. When the fatty acids are free, they can be burned as fuel.

When the body burns fatty acids, it may reduce fat without affecting lean muscle mass. Unfortunately, this theory does not consider that for weight loss to happen a calorie deficit must also occur.

In other words, a person must burn more calories than they take in through food and drink. If this fails to happen, a person will not lose weight. So, while forskolin may raise fat burning capabilities, this is irrelevant without a nutritious diet and exercise to support the calorie deficit.

While a study conducted on a small group of overweight and obese men showed that forskolin reduced their body fat, it had little effect on their weight. It also increased their testosterone. Higher levels of testosterone are linked with lower weight and sustained weight loss.

Other studies conducted had varying results. In a double blind study, 23 overweight females were given milligrams mg of forskolin twice a day for 12 weeks.

The studies show that forskolin failed to help the women lose weight. However, the supplement did seem to lessen any additional weight gain while they were taking it. Therefore, it is too much to say that forskolin is the solution to weight loss. While studies suggest it may slow weight gain or raise testosterone levels in men, forskolin is not a miracle weight loss solution that some supplement distributors and television medical personalities claim.

Forskolin may have skyrocketed into the public eye after praise for its potential to help people lose weight, but it has other possible uses that scientists are currently studying. These potential uses include the following:. No human studies have been done on that subject, however, so these studies are, at best, inconclusive.

If you wish to try forskolin, it is available for purchase online. However, it is important to speak to a doctor before trying this or any other supplement.

Most people who are familiar with weight loss supplements are familiar with warnings about the numerous side effects. However, unlike many supplements that have been available on the market, forskolin itself seems mostly safe. Many weight loss supplements interact with the cardiac system by raising blood pressure and stimulating cardiac tissue.

Because of the way forskolin is metabolized by the body, most scientists believe that it does not interact with the cardiac system the way of other weight loss supplements. However, just because there are no known interactions with forskolin itself, it does not mean that forskolin supplements are safe.

Weight loss supplement manufacturers can often hide other potentially dangerous ingredients in their supplements.

Because of these tactics, the U. Food and Drug Administration FDA caution consumers against many weight loss supplements on the market. Forskolin acts as a direct activator of the enzyme adenylate cyclase, which increases cyclic adenosine monophosphate cAMP levels in cells. cAMP is an essential secondary messenger in cellular signaling pathways, regulating numerous physiological processes.

By increasing cAMP levels, forskolin can modulate the activity of various cellular enzymes and proteins, thereby influencing a wide range of cellular functions, including metabolism, inflammation, and muscle relaxation.

The appropriate dosage of Coleus Forskohlii root extract may vary depending on factors such as individual health, age, and the specific condition being treated. It is advisable to consult a healthcare professional before starting supplementation with Coleus Forskohlii root extract. It is also essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions for use and dosage recommendations.

Coleus Forskohlii root extract is generally considered safe when used as directed. However, some individuals may experience side effects such as headache, dizziness, low blood pressure, or gastrointestinal discomfort. If you experience any adverse reactions, discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional.

Coleus Forskohlii root has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly Ayurveda, and has been the subject of modern scientific research for its potential health benefits. The active compound, forskolin, has been shown to influence various cellular processes, including metabolism, inflammation, and muscle relaxation.

Although research is ongoing, Coleus Forskohlii root extract may offer potential benefits for weight management, respiratory health, cardiovascular health, eye health, and skin health.

Coleus Forskohlii root is derived from a tropical perennial plant native to subtropical regions in Asia. It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine systems for its potential health benefits.

The primary active compound in Coleus Forskohlii root, forskolin, acts as a direct activator of the enzyme adenylate cyclase, which increases cAMP levels in cells. This, in turn, influences various cellular processes and functions.

The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice.

It should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any health condition. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, diet, or health regimen.

While efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of the information presented, individual responses to Coleus Forskohlii may vary, and research is ongoing.

Here is a closer look at some of the potential health benefits. Consuming forskolin can cause cellular changes, which leads to blood vessel dilation. This can cause your blood pressure to lower, although clinical trials do not conclusively prove this. More human studies are needed on forskolin's ability to lower humans' blood pressure.

Eye drops containing forskolin could help protect your eyesight against glaucoma, a disease caused by high inner eye pressure. Higher doses even corresponded to greater decreases in eye pressure.

In this study, 90 adults ages 18 to 60 who experienced open angle glaucoma with an intraocular pressure were enrolled. Participants used two eye drops three times per day, and researchers took readings at the first visit, and at the end of weeks one through four. Results showed a significant difference in eye pressure across every visit.

Forskolin works in a similar way to certain asthma drugs by boosting the level of a compound known as cyclic adenosine monophosphate cyclic AMP. Doing this relaxes the air passages and reduces the risk of respiratory spasms, such as asthma. Researchers in this review cite González-Sánchez et al, which reported that administering 10 milligrams of forskolin capsules in 20 patients daily for half a year resulted in a positive control of asthma attacks.

Participants' breathing volume also was similar to inhalations of the asthma drug "sodium cromoglycate. Limited studies show that Coleus forskohlii extract could aid in weight management, but the most referenced studies are dated, with and human studies showing an effect on weight loss.

One more recent clinical study suggests forskolin could promote weight loss in obese men, but more research is needed. In a randomized, double blind placebo-controlled clinical study, researchers examined the effects of Coleus forskohlii extract on metabolic parameters of obese and overweight people.

In this study, participants were given either milligrams of Coleus forskohlii extract or a placebo twice a day for 12 weeks. Body weight, body mass index BMI waist and hip circumference, and waist-to-hip ratio were measured every 2 weeks.

Results showed that the group consuming the extract experienced improvement in insulin concentration and resistance compared to those taking the placebo. Despite being a flawed measure , BMI is widely used today in the medical community because it is an inexpensive and quick method for analyzing potential health status and outcomes.

You should speak with a health care professional before taking forskolin supplements. They could cause certain side effects, including slow heart rate , low blood pressure, and diarrhea. Pregnant and nursing women, children, anyone immunocompromised, and those taking medications should avoid taking forskolin supplements.

Forskolin can also interact with anti-platelet drugs, anticoagulants and blood thinners, blood pressure medications, beta-blockers, and calcium channel blockers. There are no published guidelines on the appropriate use of forskolin supplements.

Speak with a healthcare provider to determine what is best for you based on your health history. The appropriate dose depends on your health, age, and tolerance to supplements.

Forskolin supplements are manufactured with dosage ranging from to milligrams. You should not consume beyond the maximum recommended dose. To ensure a quality product, only choose forskolin supplements that are tested and certified by an independent certifying body, such as the U.

Pharmacopeia USP or ConsumerLab. The label also should not list any treatment, cure, or relief of symptoms for a disease, as this is illegal per the Food and Drug Administration FDA. You can get forskolin from Indian coleus plants while the root contains the forskolin chemical. Indian coleus and coleus are separate plants.

Forskolin comes from coleus plants, which are not considered toxic, but you should not eat them. Taking it can also increase your risk of bleeding, especially if you take blood thinners.

You can take forskolin at any time. You might want to take the supplement with food and earlier in the day because it could give you energy and interrupt your nightly sleep.

Forskolin does not use stimulants, but the supplement works in the way caffeine does. No evidence shows a specific timeline for forskolin results.

According to a study on forskolin for glaucoma patients, researchers found measurable results after 4 weeks. You should follow the directions on the product label for dosage and time for expected results. If you consume a healthy diet, you will likely not need to take any supplements, including forskolin.

Supplements are not regulated and their efficacy and safety are not supported by scientific evidence, so always speak with a healthcare practitioner prior to adding a product to your routine.