Forskolin (Coleus forskohlii)
An Ayurvedic root that raises cAMP — supports body composition, cardiac function, and hormone signalling. Best evidence in body fat loss.
Modest evidence for body fat loss, testosterone elevation in men (small effect), and asthma improvement (inhaled). Effects: 8–12 weeks.
Coleus forskohlii (now Plectranthus barbatus) is an Indian member of the mint family. Its diterpene forskolin activates adenylate cyclase, raising intracellular cAMP — a major second messenger affecting fat metabolism, cardiac contractility, hormone signalling, and bronchodilation. The best human trial evidence is in body composition: small RCTs (Godard et al., Henderson et al.) show modest fat loss and lean mass preservation in obese / overweight men with 8–12 weeks of use.
- Form
- Coleus forskohlii root extract standardised to 10% forskolin. ForsLean is the well-studied branded form.
- Dose
- 250 mg of 10% extract (25 mg forskolin) twice daily.
- Timing
- With food. AM and PM split.
- Schedule
- Daily for body composition; cycle 8 weeks on / 2 off.
- Side effects
- Mild blood-pressure lowering. GI upset, headache. Mild flushing.
- Interactions
- Antihypertensives — additive BP lowering. Anticoagulants — additive blood-thinning. Cardiac medications (digoxin) — additive effects via cAMP.
- Contraindications
- Hypotension. Bleeding disorders. Pre-surgery. Active peptic ulcer (cAMP can elevate stomach acid). Polycystic kidney disease (theoretical via cAMP). Pregnancy / breastfeeding.
- Lab markers
- BP, weight / body composition.
- Food sources
- Not in everyday food.
Pairs with
Caffeine, green tea, capsaicin (thermogenic stack). Resistance training.
Where to buy
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