The origin of Forskolin

Forskolin (trade name: NKH477) is a folk medicine derived from the Coleus forskohlii plant. It is mainly found in the subtropical and tropical regions of East Africa, including Nepal, India and Thailand.

Uses of Forskolin

Forskolin is a botanical supplement that has been used to treat heart disease, respiratory disorders, constipation, and intestinal disorders, among others. Additionally, Forskolin appears to lower intraocular pressure, which may prevent further deterioration of glaucoma. Studies have shown that Forskolin, in combination with other supplements such as rutin and B vitamins, can improve the symptoms of glaucoma. However, since only the combination supplements were evaluated, it is uncertain whether Forskolin has any effect.

Forskolin and obesity

Forskolin does not appear to promote weight loss, but may help reduce weight gain in overweight women and apparently has no clinically significant side effects.

In addition, it was also demonstrated in in vivo studies that forskolin had no significant effect on lipid parameters in mice fed a high-fat diet. The body weight of high-fat diet-fed mice was unaffected after administration of forskolin. However, subcutaneous and gonadal adipocyte diameters in high-fat diet-fed mice were reduced after forskolin administration, and forskolin improved glucose metabolism and reduced adipocyte diameters in high-fat diet-fed mice. Forskolin negatively regulates adipocyte differentiation in mouse MSCs. The mechanism of action is that forskolin regulates adipocyte differentiation and lipolysis, leading to a reduction in adipocytes.

References:

[1] CHENJING-YI. Effect of Forskolin on Body Weight, Glucose Metabolism and Adipocyte Size of Diet-Induced Obesity in Mice.[J]. Animals, 2021. DOI:10.3390/ani11030645.

[2] HENDERSONSHONTEH. Effects of coleus forskohlii supplementation on body composition and hematological profiles in mildly overweight women.[J]. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 2005, 2: 54-62. DOI:10.1186/1550-2783-2-2-54.