Everything You Need to Know About Forskolin

Medically reviewed by Elizabeth Barnes, RDN

Forskolin is a supplement that comes from the plant Coleus forskohlii. The plant is grown in Nepal, India, and Thailand. Forskolin is made from the root extract of the plant, and it has been used for years in Ayurvedic medicine, the ancient Indian system of healing.

This article will review the uses of forskolin, its side effects, and what to look for.

Uses of Forskolin

Supplement use should be individualized and vetted by a healthcare professional, such as a registered dietitian, pharmacist, or healthcare provider. No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease.

Although used for many years in alternative medicine, forskolin has gained more attention recently for its possible role in weight loss. It has also been marketed as an aid for people with asthma or glaucoma.

However, very few research studies have supported using forskolin for any of these conditions. The preliminary research that is available is discussed below.

Glaucoma

Forskolin may prevent further eye deterioration from the effects of glaucoma. Forskolin appears to reduce intraocular pressure.

Some studies have suggested forskolin, in combination with other supplements, such as rutin and B vitamins, can improve symptoms of glaucoma. However, since only combination supplements were evaluated, it isn't known for certain if forskolin had any effect.

In a systematic review, the authors shared that forskolin consistently reduced intraocular pressure further beyond what traditional treatment does. However, this evidence is not conclusive, and further well-designed studies are needed.

Consult a healthcare provider if you have glaucoma and are interested in alternative therapies.

Weight Management

Forskolin supplementation has been marketed widely for weight loss over the last decade. However, high-quality human research on this topic is limited.

Theoretically, forskolin helps to create more lipase and adenylate cyclase. These two enzymes are involved with the release of fatty acids in the body, allowing them to be used for energy.

In one small study of people who are overweight or have obesity, participants received 250 milligrams (mg) of forskolin 10% extract or a placebo. All of the participants also followed a calorie-restricted diet.

At the end of the study, all participants—both the forskolin group and the placebo group (the group receiving no forskolin but a dummy substance instead)—had reduced waist-to-hip ratio and improved high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, also known as the "good" cholesterol. However, the group that supplemented with forskolin had additional improvements in insulin levels and insulin resistance.

In a second study, 30 males who were overweight or had obesity were randomized to receive forskolin (250 mg with 10% extract twice daily) or a placebo for 12 weeks. The forskolin group had significantly reduced body fat compared with the placebo group, but there were no significant differences in actual body weight changes.

Another small study found that the same dose of forskolin did not appear to promote weight loss in females who were overweight compared to placebo.

This data suggest that forskolin does not replace a healthy diet and a calorie deficit needed for weight loss. It may help improve body composition and metabolic parameters, when used along with diet modifications, but larger studies are needed to confirm these results.

What Are the Side Effects of Forskolin?

Forskolin is generally considered safe. According the National Institutes of Health (NIH), there are no safety concerns reported at doses of 500 mg/day for 12 weeks.

However, some have reported gastrointestinal-related side effects, such as diarrhea.

Precautions

There is not enough safety data on forskolin supplements. Therefore, pregnant and breastfeeding individuals should avoid supplementing.

People with polycystic kidney disease also should not use forskolin, as it may contribute to cyst enlargement.

Dosage: How Much Forskolin Should I Take?

Optimal doses have not been established for supplementing with forskolin.

Of the few small clinical trials performed, doses of up to 500 mg per day of Coleus forskohlii have been used.

Explainer

Always speak with a healthcare provider before taking a supplement to ensure that the supplement and dosage are appropriate for your individual needs. 

Interactions

Forskolin may interact with the following medications:

• Medications used for high blood pressure, such as beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, and other vasodilators

• Blood thinners, such as warfarin: Forskolin may have the same effect, increasing the risk of bruising and bleeding.

• Drugs metabolized by CYP3A enzymes

It is essential to carefully read the ingredients list and nutrition facts panel of a supplement to know which ingredients and how much of each ingredient is included. Please review this supplement label with your healthcare provider to discuss any potential interactions with foods, other supplements, and medications.

How to Store Forskolin

There is no data on how to best store forskolin, therefore, follow the manufacturer's directions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does forskolin improve testosterone levels?

There is not enough research to say whether forskolin affects testosterone levels. Only one small study found that men had a greater increase in testosterone levels when taking forskolin. However, more research is needed.

Is forskolin a good supplement to improve heart health?

There is not enough evidence from research to support using forskolin for heart health. One small study found improved heart function in people who consumed forskolin, but the forskolin was provided via the intravenous route. Therefore, the results don't apply to taking forskolin orally.

Is forskolin recommended for people with asthma?

Forskolin is not routinely recommended for people with asthma. One study found that it may reduce the incidence of asthma attacks compared to sodium cromoglycate. Still, more research is needed to support the efficacy of forskolin before recommending its use in standard practice. Always follow your healthcare provider's guidance on how to manage your asthma.

Sources of Forskolin & What to Look For

Forskolin is not available in foods. It comes from the Coleus forskohlii plant. The extract is what is used to make the supplements.

In the past, some weight loss supplements (that may or may not have contained forskolin) have been recalled because they contained sibutramine, a medication that was removed from the U.S. market due to safety concerns. Keep this in mind when considering which products to buy.

Explainer

Dietary supplements are not regulated the way drugs are in the United States, meaning the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve them for safety and effectiveness before products are marketed. When possible, choose a supplement tested by a trusted third party, such as U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP), ConsumerLab, or NSF. 
However, even if supplements are third-party tested, they are not necessarily safe for all or effective in general. Therefore, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider about any supplements you plan to take and check in about potential interactions with other supplements or medications.

Summary

Forskolin is an herbal supplement used for years in alternative medicine that has recently gained more attention for its possible role in weight loss. However, clinical research in this area is limited.

It's important to remember that supplements should not replace a healthy lifestyle adjustment for weight management purposes. If you want to lose weight, consider consulting a registered dietitian or registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN). They can help you develop a safe and effective plan for weight control.

Read the original article on Verywell Health.