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The Benefits and Risks of Forskolin Weight Loss

By Norma Ector · · Updated

Coleus forskohlii (Plectranthus barbatus) in flower
Contents

Photo by Dinesh Valke from Thane, India, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Forskolin is a natural compound found in the roots of the Indian coleus (Coleus forskohlii) plant, which has a long history of use in traditional Ayurvedic medicine.

It is often promoted as a weight loss supplement and has also been studied for its potential benefits in treating asthma, glaucoma, and other health conditions.

However, the evidence for the effectiveness and safety of forskolin is mixed, and more research is needed to fully understand its potential benefits and risks.

In this article, we will explore the current state of the evidence on forskolin weight loss, including its potential uses, how it may work, and the potential risks and side effects associated with its use.

We will also provide recommendations for those considering using forskolin for weight loss or other health purposes.

Table of Contents

Introduction to Forskolin: What is it and How is it Used?

The Benefits and Risks of Forskolin Weight Loss

Forskolin is an active compound found in the roots of the Indian coleus plant (Coleus forskohlii), which is native to Nepal, India, and Thailand.

It has been used for centuries in traditional Ayurvedic medicine to treat a variety of conditions and diseases, including asthma, skin conditions, and insomnia.

In recent years, forskolin has gained popularity as a weight loss supplement, but the research behind it is thin.

In a 2005 study of 30 overweight and obese men, those who took 250 mg of a 10% forskolin extract twice a day for 12 weeks lost more body fat and had a larger rise in free testosterone than those taking a placebo.

However, it is important to note that this study was very small, and more research is needed to confirm these findings and establish the safety of forskolin weight loss.

Forskolin has also been studied for its potential benefits in treating asthma, glaucoma, and other health conditions.

The evidence for its effectiveness in these areas is mixed, and more research is needed to fully understand its potential benefits and risks.

The Evidence for Forskolin’s Effectiveness and Safety

While forskolin has been promoted as a weight loss supplement and has been studied for its potential benefits in treating asthma and other health conditions, the evidence for its effectiveness and safety is mixed.

Here is a summary of the current state of the evidence on forskolin:

Weight loss: As mentioned in the previous section, a small study of 30 men found that forskolin reduced body fat compared with a placebo over 12 weeks.

A similar 12-week study in 23 mildly overweight women found that forskolin "does not appear to promote weight loss", though it may have slowed weight gain. Both studies were very small, and larger trials are needed.

Asthma: Some research suggests that forskolin may help relieve asthma symptoms by increasing the levels of a compound called cyclic AMP, which helps relax the muscles around the bronchial tubes to make breathing easier.

The evidence for forskolin’s effectiveness in treating asthma is mixed, and more research is needed to fully understand its potential benefits and risks.

Glaucoma: Small studies suggest that forskolin eye drops may help reduce pressure in the eyes, which is often seen in glaucoma. Eye drops are not the same as oral supplements, and they are not a substitute for prescribed glaucoma treatment.

More research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits and risks of forskolin for glaucoma.

Other health conditions: Forskolin has also been studied for its potential benefits in treating idiopathic congestive cardiomyopathy (a heart condition that can cause heart failure) and other health conditions.

The evidence for its effectiveness in these areas is limited, and more research is needed to fully understand its potential benefits and risks.

It is important to note that optimal doses of forskolin have not been established for any condition, and the quality of the active ingredients and the level of concentration in forskolin supplements can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.

Some experts recommend that forskolin only be taken under the supervision of a healthcare professional.

Risks and Precautions for Taking Forskolin

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While forskolin has been promoted for its potential health benefits, it is important to be aware of the potential risks and precautions when taking this supplement.

Some of the potential risks and side effects of forskolin include:

  • Flushing, fast heartbeats, and low blood pressure when taken intravenously (IV)
  • Upper respiratory tract irritation, cough, tremor, and restlessness when inhaled
  • Stinging of the eyes and enlargement of the blood vessels in the eyes

In the small study of women, oral forskolin did not cause clinically significant side effects over 12 weeks. Longer-term safety is not known.

People taking blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs should avoid forskolin, as it may increase the risk of bleeding. Forskolin may also lower blood pressure, so it may interact with blood pressure medications such as beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, clonidine, and hydralazine.

Forskolin should also be avoided by people with polycystic kidney disease, as it may worsen this condition. The safety of forskolin in pregnant and breastfeeding women is not known, so they should avoid it.

It is always important to talk to a healthcare professional before taking any dietary supplement, including forskolin, to understand the potential risks and benefits.

Natural Sources of Forskolin and Other Ways to Support Weight Loss and Health

While forskolin is made from the root of the Indian coleus plant, it is not clear whether taking the whole herb would have the same effects as taking a forskolin extract.

It is best to only take forskolin as a supplement under the supervision of a healthcare professional.

There are other natural sources of compounds that may support weight loss and overall health. For example, research suggests that a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains may help with weight loss and reduce the risk of certain health conditions, such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

Incorporating regular physical activity, such as brisk walking, jogging, or strength training, into your routine may help with weight loss and improve overall health. Getting enough sleep and managing stress can also support weight loss and overall health.

As a supplement, forskolin is taken orally as a pill or capsule. Inhaled and intravenous forms have been used only in research or clinical settings.

Oral supplementation with forskolin is the most common form of use, and it is typically taken in capsule or tablet form.

There is no established dose. The weight loss studies above used 250 mg of a 10% extract twice a day, but that is a research protocol, not a proven or recommended dose.

Inhaled forskolin has also been studied for its potential benefits in treating asthma. In this form, forskolin is typically administered through a nebulizer (a device that turns liquid medicine into a fine mist that can be inhaled through a mask or mouthpiece).

Intravenous (IV) administration of forskolin has also been studied, although this is typically done in a clinical setting under the supervision of a healthcare professional.

Conclusion: Is Forskolin an Effective Weight Loss Supplement?

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Forskolin has been promoted as a weight loss supplement, but the evidence is limited to a few small studies with mixed results.

One study in men found less body fat, while a study in women found no weight loss. More research is needed to fully understand its potential benefits and risks.

Optimal doses of forskolin have not been established for any condition, and the quality of the active ingredients and the level of concentration in forskolin supplements can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.

Proven ways to support weight loss and overall health include a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and regular physical activity. The CDC notes that losing about 1 to 2 pounds per week makes weight loss more likely to last.

In conclusion, forskolin has not been shown to be an effective weight loss supplement. Talk to your doctor before trying it, especially if you take blood thinners or blood pressure medication.

FAQs

Is forskolin effective for weight loss?

There is limited scientific evidence to support the use of forskolin for weight loss. A small study in men found less body fat with forskolin, but a similar study in women found it did not promote weight loss. More research is needed.

How does forskolin work for weight loss?

Forskolin raises a compound called cyclic AMP, which is involved in breaking down stored fat. Women in one small study reported less hunger, but they did not lose weight. Whether forskolin affects weight in a meaningful way is not established.

What are the potential side effects of forskolin for weight loss?

There is limited information available on the potential side effects of forskolin weight loss. Some people have reported experiencing flushing, fast heartbeats, and low blood pressure when taking forskolin intravenously. Other potential side effects may include upper respiratory tract irritation, cough, tremor, and restlessness when forskolin is inhaled, as well as stinging of the eyes and enlargement of blood vessels in the eyes. Headache is also a possible side effect of forskolin.

Optimal doses of forskolin for weight loss have not been established. The quality and concentration of forskolin in dietary supplements can vary widely, so talk to a healthcare professional before taking it.

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