This is too deep of an extrapolation, again. Human trials typically report adverse effects, and in the case of forskolin, alopecia was never noted as far as I know...only GI discomfort.
Coop, thanks. I'll respectfully disagree the extrapolation is too far-reaching. I think it is a reasonable question to raise 1) based on the Hoffmann-LaRoach study I shared (stating cAMP-increasing agents inhibit human hair growth) and 2) given forskolin's ability to raise testosterone levels. These two items alone suggest the possibility MPB *could* be accelerated in prone persons. You mentioned there are approximately 10 human studies on forskolin, so the data we have to work with is quite limited and I'm not sure how much we can conclude (Note: I will search for those studies on Pubmed - curious about study construction, duration, dose, sample population, etc.).
I'm a strong believer in scrutinizing the side effect profile of our supplements. Some people may view even the potential for accelerated MPB as an unacceptable risk. MPB varies from person to person and clearly not everyone will be adversely impacted. Only time will tell.
Here is another study about forskolin's potential deleterious impact on hair follicles:
Localization of forskolin-binding cyclases in bullfrog saccular hair cells
Peter S STEYGER PhD , Andrew J. HORDICHOK , Sarah Peters
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"Forskolin activates adenylate cyclase and up-regulates cAMP synthesis, killing hair cells while inducing DNA synthesis and cell division in supporting cells (2). Fluorescent BODIPY-forskolin labels enteric neurons that co-express calbindin and has similar distribution patterns to anti-adenylate cyclase (4). Cyclases and associated proteins are also involved in polymerization of actin filaments (3). To identify the distribution of forskolin-binding cyclases that may be involved in the differential cell-specific activity and toxicity of forskolin in the inner ear, we incubated bullfrog saccular explants in amphibian culture media supplemented with 150 M BODIPY-forskolin (Molecular Probes). Control explants received 150 M BODIPY. After 1 hour, explants were fixed and mounted for confocal microscopy using a x60 (n.a. 1.4) lens, with an xy resolution of 230 nm.
BODIPY-forskolin was specifically localized in the hair bundles, and pericuticular cytoplasm (single arrowheads) of hair cells. Diffuse labeling was observed throughout the hair cell and supporting cell soma. The cellular regions associated with the junctional complex were negligibly labeled. A thin band of labeling was clearly visible within this presumed junctional complex (double arrowheads in A), probably delineating the membranous interface between two adjacent cells. This labeling pattern mimics the 'negative' labeling pattern of fluorescent phalloidin that labels the actiniferous junctional complex, yet excluded from a thin band at the center of the multi-cellular junctional complex (double arrowhead in B). The hair cell labeling of BODIPY-forskolin strongly resembles that for calbindin (1). The distribution of BODIPY-forskolin suggests that forskolin-binding cyclases may be involved in assembly and maintenance of the actin cytoskeleton (3), as well as cellular mechanisms of ototoxicity.
1 Baird et al (1997) Hear Res 103:85-100.
2 Bell et al (1999) ARO Midwinter Meeting Abstracts 25:#518.
3 Freeman NL, Field J (2000) Cell Motil Cytoskeleton 45:106-120.
4 Liu et al (1998) Cell Tissue Res 293:57-73.
Funded by Oregon Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation & NIDCD 03028
