Forskolin is the powerful active compound found in the herb Coleus forskohlii, in a plant in the mint family. Pure Forskolin is a 100% natural extract and multi-purpose ingredient (labdane diterpene) used in the best Forskolin supplements. This powerful herb can help increase lean mass (build muscle) and decrease fat mass (burn fat).
Forskolin activates the enzyme adenylate cyclase, which increases cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels.
What does that mean, exactly? Well, cAMP (or cyclic adenosine monophosphate) is a “second messenger” that impacts various biological processes. These second messengers are responsible for helping your cells understand how to process the messages of various “first messengers,” like epinephrine or serotonin. The first messengers begin cellular processes, and then second messengers act as translators in cellular processes within your body.
The activation of cAMP is important because cAMP helps regulate blood glucose and fat metabolism levels.
The increase in cAMP activates hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) which breaks down stored triglycerides (bodyfat) and releases fatty acids so they can be oxidized and body fat can be decreased. Forskolin helps to increase the release of fatty acids from fat tissue allowing them to be burned for energy, leading to a decrease in body fat.
Forskolin is also believed to have thyroid stimulating properties. Thyroid hormones are responsible for your metabolism. Surprisingly, fitness competitors use this herb instead of harsh, prescription thyroid medications (when no pre-existing medical condition is present). Increasing thyroid output will accelerate your metabolic rate and lead to increased fat loss.
According to this study, forskolin seems to induce absolute and relative secretion of T3 and T4 very similar to those obtained by cAMP and TSH.
To make things even more awesome, Forskolin may increase testosterone levels in men, but not negatively affect sex hormones in women. When on decrease calories, this can be A GREAT SIDE EFFECT and can also help explain how Forskolin prevents muscle wasting!
Forskolin is a vasodilator. Blood flow is VITAL for fat loss as blood flow to fat tissue, especially stubborn fat areas, is vital to the transportation of fatty acids to areas where they can be burned.
How To Take Forskolin Supplements:
The best supplements have a mixture with forskolin along with other powerful herbs such as Yohimbine HCL. Consult with a functional medicine expert before starting forskolin supplements.
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References
- Pescosolido N, Librando A. Oral administration of an association of forskolin, rutin and vitamins B1 and B2 potentiates the hypotonising effects of pharmacological treatments in POAG patients. Clin Ter. (2010)
- Oral Administration of Forskolin and Rutin Contributes to Reduce Intraocular Pressure and Improve PERG (Pattern Electroretinogram) Amplitude in Glaucomatous Patients.
- Vetrugno M1, et al. Oral administration of forskolin and rutin contributes to intraocular pressure control in primary open angle glaucoma patients under maximum tolerated medical therapy. J Ocul Pharmacol Ther. (2012)
- Agarwal KC, Parks RE Jr. Forskolin: a potential antimetastatic agent. Int J Cancer. (1983)
- Pharmacognostic Evaluation of Coleus forskohlii.
- Rosmarinic acid, scutellarein 4′-methyl ether 7-O-glucuronide and (16S)-coleon E are the main compounds responsible for the antiacetylcholinesterase and antioxidant activity in herbal tea of Plectranthus barbatus (“falso boldo”).
- Wang YQ, et al. Studies on the chemical constituents of Coleus forskohlii. Zhong Yao Cai. (2009)
- Bodiwala HS, et al. Anti-HIV diterpenes from Coleus forskohlii. Nat Prod Commun. (2009)
- Yang QR, et al. Three new diterpenoids from Coleus forskohlii Briq. J Asian Nat Prod Res. (2006)
- Shen YH, Xu YL. Two new diterpenoids from Coleus forskohlii. J Asian Nat Prod Res. (2005)
- Alasbahi RH, Melzig MF. Forskolin and derivatives as tools for studying the role of cAMP. Pharmazie. (2012)
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