Forskolin
side effects and health benefit
Coleus forskohli is an important traditional Ayurvedic
herb that has been a
part of Indian medicine for centuries. In the 1970s, researchers isolated a chemically
active ingredient in the herb and called it forskolin. Now available in supplement form,
this extract has been tested in a number of conditions.
Purchase Forskolin extract supplement - Coleus Forskohlii
extract, 60 Capsules
Forskolin extract is produced from the root of coleus forskohlii, an
ancient Ayurvedic plant. Coleus is the source of a unique substance known as forskolin. Modern extraction and analytical techniques are used to produce the
highest quality forskolin extract available. Each batch of coleus forskohlii extract is
analyzed and guaranteed to contain a minimum of 18% forskolin.
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Forskolin Mechanism of action
Forskolin is a diterpene from the roots of the Indian plant Coleus forskohli which
directly activates the adenylate cyclase and raises cyclic AMP levels in a variety of
tissues.
Cyclic AMP is an important cell regulating compound. Once formed it activates
many other enzymes involved in diverse cellular functions. Under normal
situations cAMP is formed when a stimulatory hormone (e.g., epinephrine) binds
to a receptor site on the cell membrane and stimulates the activation of
adenylate cyclase. This enzyme is incorporated into all cellular membranes and
only the specificity of the receptor determines which hormone will activate it
in a particular cell. Forskolin appears to bypass this need for direct hormonal
activation of adenylate cyclase. As a result of this direct activation of
adenylate cyclase, intracellular cAMP levels rise. The physiological and
biochemical effects of a raised intracellular cAMP level include: inhibition of
platelet activation; inhibition of mast cell degranulation and histamine
release; increased force of contraction of heart muscle; relaxation of the
arteries and other smooth muscles; increased insulin secretion; and increased
thyroid function.
Forskolin benefits
Over the years studies have shown that
forskolin is a
platelet aggregation inhibitor, relaxes vascular smooth muscle, decrease
intraocular pressure due to glaucoma, and has anti-allergy potential since it
inhibits IgE-mediated release of histamine and peptide leukotriene from human
basophils and mast cells. Forskolin has been shown to be a potent inhibitor of
cancer metastasis in mice injected with malignant cells.
In a study of
forskolin
in psychiatry, researchers gave intravenous forskolin to four depressed and five
schizophrenic patients. All four depressed patients showed a transient mood
elevation or stimulation, as did two of the five schizophrenic patients.
Forskolin ocular drops have been used to decrease intraocular pressure due to
glaucoma
Forskolin may be beneficial as a bronchodilator and anti-allergy agent.
Forskolin may reduce blood pressure.
Forskolin is a United States Food and Drug Administration nonapproved vasoactive agent
that acts in synergism with prostaglandin E1 to induce smooth muscle relaxation. In
combination with other vasoactive agents, forskolin has demonstrated preliminary safety
and efficacy in patients with vascular
impotence.
Forskolin and urinary tract infections
Duke University microbiologist Dr. Soman N. Abraham found that many E. coli
bacteria (the ones responsible for a large number of bladder infections) hide in
cells lining the bladder, out of reach of antibiotics. However, when the
researchers injected forskolin ( an extract from the herb coleus forskohlii)
directly into the bladder or intravenously, it appeared to expel the majority of
"hiding" E. coli, thus exposing them to the antibiotics. This is important in
order to prevent recurrent cystitis when the bacteria come out of hiding and
cause another infection shortly after the first one is treated.
Comments: Whether forskolin supplements taken orally help
individuals with bladder infections is not clear at this time. Even if forskolin
works in humans, we still need research to find out the ideal dosage, when to
take it (before, during, or after antibiotic treatment) and how long to take it
for.
Enzymatic Therapy - Coleus
Forskohlii Extract, 60 Capsules
Coleus Forskohlii Extract is produced from the root of Coleus forskohlii, an
ancient Ayurvedic plant. Coleus is the source of a unique substance known as
forskolin. Modern extraction and analytical techniques are used to produce the
highest quality extract available. Each batch of Coleus Forskohlii Extract is
analyzed and guaranteed to contain a minimum of 18% forskolin.
Forskolin Dosage
Forskolin is available over the counter in pills and liquid in a variety of
dosages—most commonly 50 mg herbal extract providing 9 mg forskolin--however research
is limited on the appropriate dosages for different conditions.
The forskolin content of Coleus root is typically 0.2% to 0.3%, therefore the
forskolin content of crude coleus products may not be sufficient to produce a
pharmacological effect. It is best to use standardized extracts which have
concentrated the forskolin content.
Aphrodisiac properties of Forskolin
One study evaluated the role of
forskolin as an injection into the
corpus cavernosum of the penis. In many cases there was improvement in rigidity
and/or erection.
Forskolin side effects
Not enough human research is available to determine forskolin side effects.
Forskolin study
Bersudsky Y, et al. A preliminary study of possible psychoactive effects of
intravenous forskolin in depressed and schizophrenic patients. Short
communication. J Neural Transm 1996;103(12):1463-7.
Mulhall JP, et al. Intracavernosal forskolin: role in management of
vasculogenic impotence resistant to standard 3-agent pharmacotherapy. J Urol
1997 Nov;158(5):1752-8; discussion 1758-9.
Forskolin questions
Q. Are there any known reactions to the use of forskolin when a person is on
prescription drugs? I saw Duke university report on forskolin and am
interested in the product.
A. There have hardly been any human studies with forskolin from
coleus forskohlii, therefore we don't know what kind of interactions there could
be when this herb or it's extract is combined with prescription medicines.
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