The Health Benefits of Forskolin

A natural substance extracted from the Indian coleus plant (Coleus forskohlii), the supplement forskolin is an herbal remedy related to mint. The plant is found throughout regions of Nepal, Indian, and Southeast Asia.

Forskolin is known to activate adenylate cyclase class III (AC-III), an enzyme involved in the regulation of all human cells. The primary function of AC-III is to facilitate the transfer of chemical messages from the outside of the cell to the inside of a cell.

Although limited, peer-reviewed, scientific evidence is available, forskolin is suggested to offer weight loss benefits as well as treatments for eye and breathing conditions.

Health Benefits   

Limited published, scientific research indicates that forskolin supplements may have some health benefits. Here is a closer look at some of the potential health benefits.

May Lower Blood Pressure

Consuming forskolin can cause cellular changes, which leads to blood vessel dilation. This can cause your blood pressure to lower, although clinical trials do not conclusively prove this. More human studies are needed on forskolin's ability to lower humans' blood pressure.

May Protect Against Glaucoma

Eye drops containing forskolin could help protect your eyesight against glaucoma, a disease caused by high inner eye pressure. A 2013 study from Italy reported that a supplement containing forskolin and the flavonoid called rutin reduced inner eye pressure by 10% in people with glaucoma after 30 days. Higher doses even corresponded to greater decreases in eye pressure.

May Reduce Eye Pressure

A study from India reported that a 1% forskolin eye drop was able to reduce inner eye pressure in adults after 4 weeks of treatment. In this study, 90 adults ages 18 to 60 who experienced open angle glaucoma with an intraocular pressure were enrolled.

Participants used two eye drops three times per day, and researchers took readings at the first visit, and at the end of weeks one through four. Results showed a significant difference in eye pressure across every visit.

May Reduce Asthma Risks

Forskolin works in a similar way to certain asthma drugs by boosting the level of a compound known as cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cyclic AMP). Doing this relaxes the air passages and reduces the risk of respiratory spasms, such as asthma.

Researchers in this 2019 review cite González-Sánchez et al, which reported that administering 10 milligrams of forskolin capsules in 20 patients daily for half a year resulted in a positive control of asthma attacks. Participants' breathing volume also was similar to inhalations of the asthma drug "sodium cromoglycate."

May Aid Weight Loss

Limited studies show that Coleus forskohlii extract could aid in weight management, but the most referenced studies are dated, with 2005 and 2007 human studies showing an effect on weight loss. One more recent clinical study suggests forskolin could promote weight loss in obese men, but more research is needed.

May Lower Insulin Resistance

In a randomized, double blind placebo-controlled clinical study, researchers examined the effects of Coleus forskohlii extract on metabolic parameters of obese and overweight people. In this study, participants were given either 250 milligrams of Coleus forskohlii extract or a placebo twice a day for 12 weeks.

Body weight, body mass index (BMI) waist and hip circumference, and waist-to-hip ratio were measured every 2 weeks. Results showed that the group consuming the extract experienced improvement in insulin concentration and resistance compared to those taking the placebo.

Possible Side Effects  

You should speak with a health care professional before taking forskolin supplements. They could cause certain side effects, including slow heart rate, low blood pressure, and diarrhea.

Pregnant and nursing women, children, anyone immunocompromised, and those taking medications should avoid taking forskolin supplements. Forskolin can also interact with anti-platelet drugs, anticoagulants and blood thinners, blood pressure medications, beta-blockers, and calcium channel blockers.

Dosage and Preparation

There are no published guidelines on the appropriate use of forskolin supplements. Speak with a healthcare provider to determine what is best for you based on your health history. The appropriate dose depends on your health, age, and tolerance to supplements.

Forskolin supplements are manufactured with dosage ranging from 385 to 500 milligrams. You should not consume beyond the maximum recommended dose.

What to Look For

To ensure a quality product, only choose forskolin supplements that are tested and certified by an independent certifying body, such as the U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP) or ConsumerLab. The label also should not list any treatment, cure, or relief of symptoms for a disease, as this is illegal per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).