Forskolin is a highly versatile compound extracted from the Ayurvedic herb, Coleus Forskholii. The main mechanism of action that leads to its slew of health benefits is its ability to activate Adenlyate Cyclase and therefore increasing levels of cyclic adenosine mono phosphate [1].
Firstly, increases in cAMP have been shown to activate PI3K & AKT independent of insulin [2]. These increases then lead to a downstream up regulation of MTOR. What this means for the consumer is an increase in muscle protein synthesis, mitochondrial biogenesis, and lipid metabolism [3, 4], which is innately anti-catabolic/anabolic.
Secondly, it is known that Luteinizing Hormone stimulates cAMP in the testes which plays a role in the level of testosterone produced [5]. Forskolin’s increase in cAMP does not exclude cells in the testes and therefore can lead to a natural increase in total testosterone.
Clinical Significance”
A) In a study utilizing healthy, non-obese volunteers, subjects were given an equivalent of 100 mg Forskolin every day over the course of 8 weeks. At the end of the 8 weeks there was an average loss of approximately 2 lbs of pure fat mass, and a high of approximately 4 lbs of pure fat mass, without any additional changes in diet or exercise. [6]
B) In a study involving overweight/obese men, subjects were provided with 50 mg total Forskolin for 12 weeks. This protocol led to decreases in total fat mass, increase in bone density, lean body mass, and free testosterone. [7]
C) In a study investigating Coleus Forskohlii’s effect on hypertension, the study noticed at 2.6% decrease in BMI within two months of usage. [8]
[1] Litosch I, et al. Forskolin as an activator of cyclic AMP accumulation and lipolysis in rat adipocytes. Mol Pharmacol. (1982)
[2] Filippa N, et al. Mechanism of protein kinase B activation by cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase. Mol Cell Biol. (1999)
[3] Costford SR, et al. Skeletal muscle NAMPT is induced by exercise in humans. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab. (2010)
[4] Sparks LM, et al. Remodeling lipid metabolism and improving insulin responsiveness in human primary myotubes. PLoS One. (2011)
[5] Gilchrist R, et al. The Luteinizing Hormone/Chorionic Gonadotropin Receptor Has Distinct Transmembrane Conductors for cAMP and Inositol Phosphate Signals. J of Biological Chemistry (1996).
[6] Kamohara S, et al. A Coleus Forskohlii extract improves body composition in healthy volunteers: An open-label trial. Personalized Medicene University (2013).
[7] Godard MP, et al. Body composition and hormonal adaptations associated with forskolin consumption in overweight and obese men. Obes Res (2005)
[8] Madhavi Jagtap, et al. Clinical efficacy of Coleus forskohlii (Willd.) Briq. (Makandi) in hypertension of geriatric populatin. Journal of Research in Ayurveda (2011).