Forskolin is a natural compound extracted from Coleus Forskohlii, an ancient tropical medicinal plant that has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine for its “weight-loss” and “body-weight-balancing” properties.
Let’s find out what it is and how it works.
Coleus Forskohlii: what is it?
Coleus Forskohlii is the common name for Plecranthus Barbatus, the botanical name referring to a perennial herbaceous plant up to 90 cm tall, characterized by aromatic, fragrant fleshy roots due to the presence of essential oils. Coleus Forskohlii is also known as “Indian mint,” “Indian Coleus,” or “false boldo.”
This plant belongs to the Lamiaceae family and is native to Asian countries such as India, Pakistan, Thailand, Myanmar, and Nepal.
It is characterized by its light-green leaves with serrated edges and indigo-blue or violet-blue flowers arranged in whorls of 6-8 flowers.
Coleus Forskohlii: what is it used for?
Forskolin is extracted from Coleus Forskohlii, more precisely from its roots. It is an active compound with fat-burning properties (it has a lipolytic action) thanks to its mechanism of stimulating basal metabolism, which enables the body to burn more calories.
Forskolin and Adenylate Cyclase:
Thanks to modern phytotherapy studies, the characteristics and mechanism of action of Forskolin have been better characterized.
Forskolin can in fact activate enzymes called adenylate cyclases, thereby inducing an increase in intracellular levels of Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate (cAMP), which is a “second messenger” involved in various intracellular mechanisms.
It is precisely the increase in cAMP levels that is believed to account for Forskolin’s fat-burning action, since this increase in cAMP concentration in adipocytes induces a series of cellular reactions and events that improve lipid and energy metabolism, thereby supporting the process of weight loss.
Forskoline for weight loss:
We have therefore understood that Forskoline is an excellent ally in the weight-loss process, because in adipocytes (fat-tissue cells), this increase in cAMP activates lipase, an enzyme that catalyzes the final stages of the lipolytic process (through which fatty acids are released into the bloodstream to be burned for energy).
In short, Forskoline stimulates the release of stored fat from fat cells.
Can Forskoline therefore be defined as a molecule that helps you lose weight? Yes and no.
To lose weight, it is important to consider calories in and calories out; otherwise, we will not lose weight even with the help of specific molecules such as Forskoline. In fact, the release of stored fat must be accompanied by a calorie deficit for it to be used in energy production.
Forskoline: properties and benefits
In addition to the aforementioned “weight-loss” properties, Forskoline also has several beneficial effects.
These include: anti-inflammatory, antiplatelet, hypotensive, bronchodilatory, vasodilatory, and antiglaucoma activity.
Forskoline: contraindications
Supplements based on Coleus Forskohlii extract would appear to be well tolerated.
However, they too can cause side effects such as allergic reactions in sensitive individuals or gastrointestinal and sleep disorders, as well as skin reactions.
Furthermore, taking Forskoline is not recommended for:
- Known allergy to the plant and/or its extracts
- Pregnant women
- People with gastrointestinal ulcers
- People with stomach acidity
- People with low blood pressure
- People with thyroid disorders and cardiovascular problems.
As with almost all Food Supplements, it is always best to consult your doctor before starting to take them.
Coleus Forskohlii Supplement:
At Vonderweid , we are always looking for new Natural Food Supplements capable of making the most of and synergistically harnessing the beneficial effects of certain medicinal and therapeutic plants.
We are therefore happy to present our Forskoline-based Supplement 👇
