What Is Forskolin And Does It Have Any Advantages?

Forskolin is an active chemical compound (a labdane diterpenein) produced by an herb called Coleus Forskohlii. Popularly referred to as ‘belly blaster’ and ‘lightening in the bottle’, Forskolin has thermogenic, anorectic and anabolic actions. Forskolin stimulates fat loss by activation of adenylyl cyclase, an enzyme that triggers a cascade of reactions eventually leading to break down of fat in adipose tissue and weight loss.

Although there is little information on the efficacy of Forskolin as a weight loss supplement, its mechanism of action and preliminary studies show that it helps in the management of weight in obese people. Benefits of Forskolin don’t end here. For centuries, the potent extract is being used to treat infections, allergies, and hypertension, angina, asthma, glaucoma and skin disorders.

Here are some more things you need to know about Forskolin.

Major Ingredients Found In Forskolin

Forskolin supplements consist of:

• Active 10% Forskolin
• 20% Coleus Forskohlii Root
• Yielding 50 mg

Some manufacturers add the following ingredients:

• Microcrystalline Cellulose
• Silica
• Magnesium Stearate
• Stearic Acid
• Vegetable Cellulose (USP)
• Purified water

Dose Of Forskolin

A dosage of 500 milligrams a day is recommended. In capsule form (250 mg), Forskolin can be taken twice a day after meal.

What Are The Risks Involved With Forskolin?

Every drug is associated with some adverse reactions. Forskolin is an herbal product so it is bound to cause thinning of blood and drug interactions. Common side effects of Forskolin are headache, restlessness, hypotension, cough and sore throat, increased risk of bleeding and indigestion. Uncommonly, it can cause arrhythmia, tachycardia, heart failure, hemorrhage and allergic reaction.

Contraindications

Forskolin must be avoided in blood disorders, kidney and cardiovascular diseases. If you are going to have a surgery, it is important that you inform your doctor and stop the drug at least two weeks before the appointment.

Precautions

Forskolin is not advised in pregnancy and lactation because there is not enough proof regarding its safety in such conditions. Patients on anti-hypertensive drugs should also avoid Forskolin due to high risk of drug interaction.

How Much Will It Cost To Buy Forskolin?

Price of Forskolin depends on factors such as its company, how much coleus it contains in one serving and popularity of drug. Before you begin the regimen, you can try a free trial period to see whether it suits you or not. Please note that free trials are only available in the US.

Success Not Guaranteed

Manufacturers of dietary supplements don’t provide any guarantee for unsatisfactory results. Luckily, as I mentioned before, many producers offer free trials so it is better to test them first.

Conclusion: Forskolin For Weight Management

A study was conducted at the University of Kansas in the year of 2005. It lasted for about 12 weeks and involved 30 obese and overweight men. Each man had a body mass index (BMI) of 26 or more. Out of 30 men, half were placed in placebo while the rest were given 250 milligrams of Forskolin twice a day for 3 months. It was discovered that men who took the supplement lost considerable amount of weight, gained lean mass and bone density and had increased blood testosterone level. It was concluded that Forskolin has the potential to promote weight loss.

Forskolin has an anorectic and thermogenic nature. While it won’t make you slim and fit within a day, it will definitely help you manage your weight in the long run.