Forskolin extract
forskolin extract research forskolin for sex forskolin glaucoma forskolin asthma

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.

Forskolin 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.

Click here to buy Forskolin supplement, Diet Rx appetite suppressant with forskolin extract, Passion Rx sexual enhancer, or to sign up to a FREE and very popular email newsletter
Subscribe to a FREE Supplement Research Update newsletter. Twice a month you will receive an email on several studies on various supplements and natural medicine topics, including forskolin, and their practical interpretation by Ray Sahelian, M.D.


Forskolin extract - how does it work?
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.
For more forskolin extract information.

Benefit of forskolin extract
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 extract 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 extract
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 studies
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.

index yohimbe bark forskolin extract studies  forskolin for sex forskolin glaucoma