More and more users are looking for herbal solutions regarding common ailments. There are so many plants that provide us with beneficial extracts, leaves, and seeds. Many modern herbal supplements, have been used for hundreds if not thousands of years. Forskolin is no exception.
What Is Forskolin?
Forskolin extract is a compound that is known for its anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties. It has played a role in traditional Indian medicine for thousands of years. It is produced from the root of the plant known as coleus forskohlii.
This plant belongs to the mint family, commonly growing in areas such as Burma, Thailand, and India. It specifically activates an enzyme known as adenylate cyclase, which plays an important role in many cellular functions.
When taking this supplement, cAMP levels increase. This helps to promote weight-loss, while improving memory formation and retention. It has also been used throughout history to treat high blood pressure, chest pains, and respiratory disorders.
The Effects of Forskolin
As mentioned, forskolin affects the enzyme adenylate cyclase. This enzyme is also activated by hormones such as adrenaline and epinephrine. Forskolin creates the same effects, without affecting the central nervous system. This supplement essentially bypasses undesirable side-effects, such as restlessness and nervousness.
Once adenylate cyclase is activated, it is converted into cAMP. Due to its effects on protein kinases and signal transduction; it elevates levels of protein kinase, as well as hormone-sensitive lipase. Forskolin also works as a vasodilator, as it helps open blood passages.
When blood passages open-up, brain cells receive higher levels of oxygen and nutrients. Due to these effects, your brain energy increases. Due to these effects, neurons begin to actively fire, improving cell maintenance.
This supplement also affects one’s thyroid, acting in a manner that’s similar to asthma treatments. The cAMP that’s produced, relaxes the muscles around the bronchial tubes. When this occurs, breathing becomes easier for the affected individual.
What Are the Key Benefits?
Forskolin is most commonly seen within a CILTEP stack. This stands for chemically induced long-term potentiation stack. Within this stack, Forskolin is used to boost cAMP (alongside artichoke extract). When artichoke extract is involved, it helps prevent the breakdown of too much cAMP in the brain.
- Due to higher levels of cAMP, users experience increased memory performance, especially in terms of retaining new information. Users experience improved memory when trying to study or take part in mentally demanding tasks.
- Taking this supplement can also increase your ability to learn, reason, and access stored memories. It may also improve mental fluidity.
- Forskolin has also been sited in weight-loss research, treating patients that struggle with obesity. One study focused on thirty men who were either overweight or obese. When using Forskolin, they achieved a more substantial decrease in body fat. They also experienced a greater increase in lean body mass, in comparison to the placebo group. The treatment group, also experienced increased bone mass.
- Another study focused on Forskolin and asthma. It was found that individuals who used Forskolin, experienced less frequent asthma attacks. When attacks did occur, the severity was significantly less. This supplement allowed users to breathe much easier.
- More research needs to be conducted, however Forskolin has been reported as a potential treatment option for glaucoma. Within a small study, it was found that Forskolin relieved eye pressure. Pressure within the eyes is often associated with this disease.
- User have also experienced benefits in terms of cardiovascular disease. Within multiple studies, it was reported that Forskolin helped improve heart functions. This is why individuals suffering from idiopathic congestive cardiomyopathy, may benefit from this treatment.
Should I Be Concerned With Any Side-Effects?
Due to lack of research, there’s little conclusive evidence that this supplement is completely safe. However, like many herbal supplements, it’s beneficial use has been reported throughout history. When side-effects do occur, they tend to be mild. However, there are some potential side-effects that are important to know.
Some individuals have experienced a decrease in blood pressure when taken intravenously, respiratory infections, tremors, coughing, headaches, and an increased heart rate. Although these effects are not common, they are a possibility.
Due to these potential side-effects, there are some individuals that should avoid using this supplement. This includes people that are on blood thinners, individuals that are on anti-platelet medications, or those that are taking medication for blood pressure.
If you’re taking any calcium channel blockers, Clonidine, beta-blockers, or Hydralazine; please speak with your doctor before you begin using Forskolin. You should also avoid using Forskolin if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or suffer from a kidney disease.
What Is the Recommended Dosage?
Like many supplements, the recommended dosage of Forskolin varies greatly. When purchasing supplements, you’ll want a product that contains 10 to 20 percent of this extract. If there’s a lower concentration, it may not be enough to create any effective results. You want a supplement that will work effectively, so make sure you’re conscious of the quality.
The most common doses range from approximately 25 to 60 mg daily. Users generally divide this quantity into two or three doses. If you’d like more enhanced nootropic effects, taking 50 to 60 mg is recommended.
Since this supplement tends to make some people tired, it’s often taken at night. For the best results possible, include 500 to 900 mg of artichoke extract daily as well. With any supplement, speak with your healthcare professional regarding any concerns you may have.
Do I Have Any Other Options?
If you’re hesitant on taking Forskolin due to its limited nootropic history, then consider speaking with your doctor. If you do take a CILTEP stack, it’s important that you discuss the potential effects on your health with someone who’s familiar with your medical history.
If you’d prefer taking a stack that has more research behind it, consider a racetam stack. This could include a supplement such as Piracetam or Oxiracetam, with a choline supplement such as ALPHA GPC. These stacks are known to be safe. You can look at hundreds of reviews online, as many users have already experienced the benefits of these stacks.
