Forskolin is a natural compound extracted from the Coleus Forskohlii, an ancient tropical medicinal plant used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine for its “slimming” and of “body weight balance” properties.
Let’s find out together what it is and what its mechanism of action is.
FORSKOLIN: PROPERTIES AND BENEFITS
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Coleus Forskohlii, what is it?
The Coleus Forskohlii is the common name for the Plecranthus barbatus, a botanical name referring to an herbaceous perennial plant up to 90 cm tall, characterized by fleshy aromatic and fragrant roots due to the presence of essential oils. Coleus Forskohli is also known as “Indian mint“, “Indian coleus” o “False Boldo“.
This plant is a member of the Lamiaceae family and is native to countries in Asia such as India, Pakistan, Thailand, Burma, and Nepal.
It is characterized by its light green leaves of serrated margins and by its indigo-blue or blue-violet flowers arranged in whorls of 6-8 flowers.
Coleus Forskohlii, what is it used for?
From Coleus Forskohlii, more specifically from its roots, we extract the Forskolin (also calledColeonol), an active ingredient with fat-burning properties (it has a lipolytic action) due to its mechanism of stimulation of basal metabolism, which thus makes the body able to burn more heat.
Forskolin and Adenylate Cyclase:
Thanks to modern phytotherapeutic studies, it has been possible to better characterize the characteristics and mechanism of action of Forskolin.
In fact, Forskolin is able to activate enzymes called Adenylate Cyclase, thereby inducing an increase in intracellular levels of Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate(AMPc), which is a “second messenger” involved in several intracellular mechanisms.
It is precisely the increase in AMPc levels that would attribute the fat-burning action to Forskolin, as this increase in AMPc concentration in adipocytes induces a whole series of cellular reactions and events that go to improve lipid and energy metabolism
, thereby assisting the body slimming process.
Forskolin for weight loss:
We therefore understood that the Forskolin is an excellent ally in the slimming process, as at the level of adipocytes (the cells of adipose tissue) this increase in AMPc causes activation of the lipase, an enzyme that catalyzes the final steps of the process lipolytic (whereby fatty acids are liperated into the circulation to be burned for energy).
In summary, the Forskolin stimulates the release of stored fat in fat cells.
Can Forskolin therefore be called a weight-loss molecule? Yes and no.
In order to lose weight, it is important to keep track of calories in and calories out, otherwise we are not going to lose weight even with the help of specific molecules such as Forskolin. In fact, the release of stored fat must be accompanied by a caloric deficit for it to be consumed in energy production.
Forskolin: properties and benefits
Forskolin, in addition to the already mentioned “slimming” properties, also has several beneficial actions.
Among these we can find: antinflammatory, antiplatelet, hypotensive,bronchodilation, vasodilating action, antiglaucoma activity
Forskolin: contraindications
Supplements based on the extract of Coleus Forskohlii would appear to be well tolerated.
However, they too can cause unwanted effects such as allergic reactions in sensitive individuals or cause gastrointestinal, sleep, and skin reactions.
In addition, taking Forskolin is not recommended for:
- Known allergy to the plant and/or its extracts
- In pregnant women
- In individuals with gastrointestinal ulcers.
- People with stomach acidity
- People with hypotension
- People with thyroid disorders and cardiovascular problems.
As with almost all Dietary Supplements, it is always best to seek the advice of your doctor before starting to take them.
Coleus Forskohlii Supplement:
We at Vonderweid are always on the lookout for new Natural Food Supplements, thus able to make the most of and synergistically exploit the beneficial effects of certain plants officinal e therapeutics.
We are therefore happy to introduce you to our Forskolin-based supplement 👇
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
COLEUS FORSKOHLII PROPERTIES
From Coleus Forskohlii, more specifically from its roots, Forskolin (also called Coleonol), an active ingredient with fat-burning properties (it has a lipolytic action) is extracted due to its mechanism of stimulating basal metabolism.
In addition, the product also has a:
- anti-inflammatory action
- antiplatelet action
- hypotensive action
- bronchodilation
- vasodilating action
- Antiglaucoma activity.
COLEUS FORSKOHLII DOSAGE
We recommend taking 2 capsules daily, for a total of 800 mg of Coleus root extract (which contains 80 mg of Forskolin)
COLEUS FORSKOHLII CONTRAINDICATIONS
Taking Forskolin is not recommended for:
- Known allergy to the plant and/or its extracts
- In pregnant women
- In individuals with gastrointestinal ulcers.
- People with stomach acidity
- People with hypotension
- People with thyroid disorders and cardiovascular problems.
