Forskolin, which is also known as Indian Coleus and Makandi, is a perennial herb in a large genus of mints. The herb naturally grows in the subtropical and tropical regions of India and East African countries. Natural, pure Forskolin is an herbal extract and multipurpose sweet-smelling herbal ingredient extracted from the roots of the Forskolin plant. It is and has been a significant traditional and medicinal plant throughout the world now. In traditional Indian Ayurvedic medicine its use was known to the Ayurvedic practitioners for many years. Its beneficial anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory features along with miscellaneous pharmacological benefits have been known to the Indians more than thousands of years ago.

Traditional uses of Forskolin

The plant has wide many medicinal uses, and its use was known to the Indian and Africans from very ancient times. It was used to treat various digestive disorders, like stomachache, gastric and intestinal spasm etc. It was also used to treat skin related problems like burns, wounds, insect bites, allergies, infections, etc. In traditional treatment procedures, Forskolin was used to cure neck stiffness, rheumatism, and also to induce menstruation cycle in women. In 1970, the plant’s usefulness for cardiovascular problems were discovered and later it was used to manufacture medicines for cardiovascular diseases.

Multidimensional uses of Forskolin

Forskolin has multidisciplinary action and should be used with care. Multiples of Forskolin derivatives have been formulated for use in heart or blood vessel related issues. Apart from it applications in cardiovascular issues, new researchers have shown that Forskolin is an effective weight loss or obesity resistive supplement. It is also a useful supplement for controlling asthma and glaucoma.

How does Forskolin work in the human body?

Forskolin is a widely-known natural activator, and controller of adenylate cyclase, which is an enzyme linked with the multiple beneficial lipid metabolism and glycogen functions. This is an important enzyme that helps in the production of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP).

This is closely associated with Adenosine Triphosphate or ATP, which has been known to –

• reduce inflammation
• reduce high blood pressure
• control glaucoma
• produce positive inotropic action in the heart
• prevents blood platelet aggregation
• helps in bronchodilation and keeps lung health
• inhibits formation of fat and enhances fat burning capacity of the body, thus controls body weight

Application of Forskolin for weight loss

As stated above, Forskolin stimulates the creation of a molecule termed as cyclic AMP or cAMP. In the body, cyclic AMP helps to transfer various neurotransmitters that helps the body cells to be highly functional. This cAMP tells our cells to increase the enzyme called lipase, which burns fat. cAMP also seems to help in releasing the thyroid hormone which also helps to burn fat and calories. But, the effectiveness of Forskolin for weight loss depends on the dosage.

Doses relevant for different diseases

Depending on the diseases, the doses of Forskolin vary. Again, level of effectiveness of Forskolin depends on the dosage. For weight loss, 250gm of 10% Forskolin extract is to be used twice daily for a period of maximum 12 weeks. Again, for asthma patients, 10mg of Forskolin is to be used twice daily for at least 2 months. For other diseases maximum 50mg of 18% Forskolin extract 2-3 times daily are normally advised.