Coleus Forskohlii (Forskolin)

Commonly used for
Weight Loss
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What is it? / Overview
Forskolin directly activates adenylate cyclase, raising intracellular cAMP, which stimulates fat breakdown in fat cells -- the theoretical basis for fat-loss claims. In practice, a critical review found insufficient evidence for meaningful weight loss; any measurable effect tends to show up in body-composition measures (fat mass) rather than actual scale weight.
How is it used? / Administration
Form: Coleus forskohlii root extract standardized to 10% forskolin (e.g. ForsLean)
Typical dose studied: ~10-25 mg forskolin twice daily (commonly ~250 mg of 10% extract twice daily)
Timing: Twice daily; long-term effects beyond a few months are unstudied
Raises gastric acid secretion (peptic ulcer caution) and has real vasodilatory/antiplatelet effects worth flagging before any surgery, not just an efficacy caveat.
How well does it work? / Evidence
? Emerging / limited evidence
Who should avoid it?
Avoid with: Bleeding disorder / Coagulopathy; Peptic ulcer disease; Breastfeeding
Interacts with: Antihypertensives, nitrates, other vasodilators -- additive hypotension risk; Anticoagulants, antiplatelets -- additive bleeding risk
Already taking it? A critical review found insufficient evidence for meaningful weight loss -- any effect appears limited to body composition (fat mass) rather than scale weight, so calibrate expectations accordingly if continuing.
Research & references
Wharton S et al. (2019). The Safety and Effectiveness of Commonly-Marketed Natural Supplements for Weight Loss in Populations With Obesity: A Critical Review of the Literature From 2006 to 2016. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition. Payab M et al. (2020). Effect of the herbal medicines in obesity and metabolic syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials. Phytotherapy Research.
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