Forskolin Supplement Reviews – Good for the Body? Any Side Effects? Work for Weight Loss?
Forskolin is an all-natural compound found in the root of a purple botanical herb which is the Coleus Forskohlii.
For years, the traditional Ayurveda medicine uses Forskolin to treat several health issues. They use it to solve various medical conditions such as hypertension and other heart issues.
Nowadays, people take Forskolin in supplement form not just to address health problems but also to boost testosterone level, build the muscles, and especially to lose weight.
Companies market Forskolin as a remedy that can help a person lose weight fast without exerting effort.
Although Forskolin brings benefits to its consumers, it sometimes causes side effects that vary from one person to another.
Thus, in this article, we will discuss more what is Forskolin and what are its benefits. We will also tackle its possible side effects. Lastly, we will end in a conclusion whether Forskolin is safe to use or not.
Contents
- 1 Understanding What Forskolin Is
- 2 Various Benefits of Forskolin
- 2.1 Address Depression
- 2.2 Alleviate Psoriasis
- 2.3 Enhance Heart Health
- 2.4 Enhance the Immune System
- 2.5 Help One Lose Weight
- 2.6 Increase Testosterone Level
- 2.7 Inhibit Tumor Colonization and Cancer Metastases
- 2.8 Prevent Glaucoma and Increased Intraocular Pressure
- 2.9 Reduce Allergies
- 2.10 Treat Hypothyroidism
- 3 Side Effects of using Forskolin
- 4 Should You Try Forskolin?
- 5 Conclusion: Forskolin is not miracle herb but it can help
Understanding What Forskolin Is
Forskolin is the root extract of Plectranthus Barbatus or Coleus Forskohlii. This plant is abundant in India, Burma, Thailand, Brazil, and some parts of Africa.
In the ancient times, people use this extract in Ayurveda alternative medicine to treat many health problems. Moreover, the Indians eat and use the roots of the plant in tea because they believe that it can heal them.
Just like other plants, there are also many more compounds in this root extract and one of which is the active alkaloid. Researchers believe that it can help manage heart health, hormonal imbalance, allergies, and even obesity.
With its multiple benefits, Forskolin is now readily available as supplements to make it accessible to the consumers.
How do Forskolin works?
Many athletes and lifestyle coach brand this extract as the ‘miracle weight loss supplement’.
They think that this supplement can help one lose weight no matter what. But in reality, this is false.
Indeed, it can affect the fat and muscle ratio in the body. It can manage the levels of the lipid and hormones which can bring about positive change in the health of a person.
However, the most fundamental level is that it can spike the Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate or cAMP in the body. This compound can regulate many bodily functions and treat major diseases.
cAMP Levels
Let us now discuss its benefits and why you should be aware of your cAMP levels.
The cAMP is the number 1 Natural Activator, regulator, and controller of enzyme-related processes.
It can reduce inflammation, regulate blood-pressure, prevent glaucoma, and stabilize the health of the lungs. Moreover, it can establish a positive inotropic action in the heart and prevent platelet aggregation.
One of the most important benefits of this enzyme is the fact that cAMP can stimulate and stabilize the hormones which are responsible for fat burning functions of the body.
Various Benefits of Forskolin
Forskolin is popular for its various benefits since many years ago as it is an essential treatment in Ayurveda therapy.
Although it lacks more research to draw conclusions from, still many people regard this supplement in their diet because of the following benefits:
Address Depression
Surprisingly, Forskolin can help one recover who suffers from depression.
It balances the neurotransmitters in the brain which are the dopaminergic or the stimulatory neurotransmitter and the serotonergic or the inhibitory neurotransmitters.
It affects the system of the neurotransmitters in a positive way and produces hormones which can treat depression and anti-depressant activities.
Alleviate Psoriasis
Psoriasis begins when the cAMP molecule enzyme decreases versus the guanine monophosphate or cGMP. Psoriasis is an immune-mediated disease that causes redness, itchiness, and scaliness of the skin.
Forskolin alleviates Psoriasis by normalizing the level and balancing the cAMP level with the CGMP ratio.
Enhance Heart Health
Experts believe that Forskolin can revitalize heart issues and activate the Myocardial Adenylate Cyclase.
One can find this type of enzyme within the tissues of the heart and it is responsible for various cellular processes to maintain the heart healthy.
It is also an effective treatment in lowering the blood pressure in adults who take at least 150mg of their medicine for blood pressure.
This supplement can produce stronger heartbeat and widen the blood vessels.
This is the reason why in some hospitals, health experts administer an IV dosage of Forskolin in patients who suffer congestive cardiomyopathy.
Enhance the Immune System
Forskolin includes an antioxidant which yields to shielding of the body against contagious pathogens and causes a stronger immune system.
The extract from this type of supplement activates the macrophages and lymphocytes, and enhance the immune system of the body.
In addition, it makes the skin strong and healthy, and it acts as a natural shield that fights the body against diseases.
Help One Lose Weight
According to research, Forskolin can affect weight loss but it has different variables on the clinical results.
In one study, it was found out that those women who were slightly overweight find this extract to help avoid the additional weight that they gain, but they cannot lose their existing weight.
It can help one suppress their appetite which can result in lesser cravings for food. The supplement can also reduce the efficiency of digestion and increase the metabolic rate to burn fat.
Suppress Appetite and Fatigue
Moreover, respondents in a study that were given the supplement show signs of a decrease in appetite and fatigue. This study was conducted on less than 100 participants, although the results are surprising, however, the conclusions must not be taken heavily.
On the other hand, there are much more exciting results among middle-aged men which were reported as ‘obese’. After they were given Forskolin in a period of time, researchers found a shift in their body mass composition and they have now less fat and more muscles in their body.
Certainly, Forskolin has a big role in weight loss, however, there’s still a need for further investigation to support such claim.
Increase Testosterone Level
Studies show that Forskolin can boost the overall levels of testosterone of men of up to 30%.
In a test group, men receive Forskolin and they note their levels of free serum treatment. The majority of the available testosterone in your body is bound to another hormone which is the sex hormone binding globulin.
Blood sampling can measure ‘free’ testosterone in the body and it is quick and effective. This can help diagnose male infertility, low sex drive, erectile dysfunction, and symptoms of fatigue.
Inhibit Tumor Colonization and Cancer Metastases
In a study done by Brown University, it has been found out that Forskolin is a potent inhibitor of tumor colonization, platelet aggregation, and cancer metastases.
Prevent Glaucoma and Increased Intraocular Pressure
Glaucoma is an eye condition due to nerve damage which can ultimately lead to visual glare, pain in the eyes, and ultimately visual loss. This condition is very common and it is the leading cause of blindness among the old people.
Meanwhile, increased intraocular pressure happens as well in the eyes and can also cause blindness if not treated immediately.
What Forskolin do is to prevent and treat both of these eye problems. There’s Forskolin eye drops available on the market today that patients can use to heal their diseases.
Reduce Allergies
This type of supplement can also alleviate allergies and allergic reactions. Studies show it can lessen the amount of allergen in the bloodstream especially during anaphylaxis.
It can also reduce the overall vascular permeability. Furthermore, it can increase the diameter of lungs’ airways and treat asthma and other respiratory diseases.
In an 8-month period study, patients who took 10mg of Forskolin per day have fewer asthma attacks of about 45%, according to researchers.
Treat Hypothyroidism
People who have Hypothyroidism or underactive thyroid can also take Forskolin supplement to stimulate the release of hormone and make it regular.
This supplement can enhance one’s metabolism and help in losing weight too. On top of that, it can treat depression since it is a common symptom of hypothyroidism.
Side Effects of using Forskolin
According to the studies published in the International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Research, Forskolin is partially toxic yet it is still beneficial to people. In other words, there is no great significance in forskolin toxicity.
There are very little side effects of Forskolin up to today and usually, they are very mild.
In addition, there are important laboratory results to note, however, this small amount of data suggests more research to conduct that will ultimately lead to circumstantial findings.
Nowadays, dietary supplements like Forskolin receive little clinical attention. With that in mind, findings from a single study shouldn’t be taken as a gospel.
Growth of Cancer Cells
As an example, a study in 2015 investigated the potential negative effects of Coleus Forskohlii in genetic materials. It has found out that the DNA can actually be damaged by promoting the growth of cancer cells.
Thinning of Blood Vessels
Another side effect is the thinning of blood vessels and the sudden lowering of blood pressure, especially to those people undergoing surgeries.
Other Side Effects
Other effects include rapid and irregular heartbeats and irritation of the throat, especially to those who are taking Forskolin as a treatment for asthma.
Should You Try Forskolin?
If you wish to try Forskolin supplement, always consult a physician first before you take it yourself.
And just like all other supplements available today, it is not advisable for pregnant mothers or those that nurse their kids under 18 months.
Although it is a natural supplement, it can stimulate the production of certain hormones that can greatly affect the babies.
In addition, if you use this supplement along with other medications, make sure that you consult your doctor first.
Bottom line is, Forskolin such as the BioSchwartz Forskolin is generally safe for everyone to consume although, there is still a chance of having side effects for some. Thus in every supplement you take, one must always have extreme precaution.
Safeness of Forskolin
In general, there are no contraindications or cases where Forskolin is unsafe. The only toxicity may be to an embryo or babies which is why it is not advisable for pregnant or nursing mothers.
Dosage of Forskolin
If you wish to take Forskolin like the BioSchwartz Forskolin due to its health benefits, the best way to do it is to start taking 25 mg to 60 mg each day. In the long run, your body will soon adjust with this dosage and you can increase it over time.
Most of the supplements available today are 124 mg to 250 mg tablets or capsules. However, the pure natural extract available on these products is only up to 10%.
Therefore, be careful in choosing what type of supplement to buy and always consider those that do not include extra fillers, additives, or any other chemicals.
Who can take Forskolin?
Forskolin is for the average adult without any serious health problems. Those that are breastfeeding or those that are pregnant cannot take the Forskolin.
In addition, it is not a magic herb that can get one have a muscular body in just a few weeks only; it is still best if you try the natural way of achieving the body you wish to have.
Therefore, you can either take the product for a trial period or combine it with other dietary supplements.
What Should You Combine With Forskolin?
Forskolin can amplify the activity of the cellular receptor. With this, it can also help other types of fat burning ingredients to make it more effective.
According to bodybuilding experts, Forskolin works best when combined with Tribulus Terrestris, Vitamin D3, D-Aspartic Acid, Phosphatidylserine, and DHA.
Many people claim that they have experienced positive results by using the extract, however, they got better results when they combined it with other ingredients.
Conclusion: Forskolin is not miracle herb but it can help
Indeed, studies show that Forskolin can help one lower the overall level of body fat. But not to the degree of how big-time personalities address it as the ‘miracle herb’. But they can still be very effective and useful especially when you use it accordingly.
It may sound like a cliche but the most effective way to lose weight is through exercise and diet. Forskolin can offer you an extra edge in your diet program! But make sure to consult a physician to get the most out of it!