Forskolin

=__**Forskolin**__= "Also known as 17beta-acetoxy-8,13-epoxy-1alpha, 6beta,9alpha-trihydroxylabd-14-en-11-one, Borforsin, Coleus, Coleus barbatus, Coleus forskolii, Coleus forskohlii, Colforsin, Colforsine, Forskohlii, Forskolin, Forskolina, Forskoline, HL-362, L-75-1362B, Plectranthus barbatus" ("Forskolin," 2009).



__**Definition**__
"Forskolin (FSK) is an activator of adenylate cyclase. FSK interacts directly with ion channels, increasing glutamate responses and amplitude and decay time of spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents" (Forskolin, 2013).

"The active chemical Forskolin initiates a chain reaction that cause fat cells to release their energy and melt away. Forskolin increases an enzyme called adenylate cyclase. This enzyme increases levels of another enzyme called cAMP (cyclic AMP) which is found in fat. The next enzyme to be stimulated my cAMP is lipase which burns fat" (Henderson, 2005).

With this being said, forskolin speeds up the interactions witin the body which is why it is used as a weight loss supplement.

__**Found**__
Forskolin is an extract from the roots of the //Coleus forskohlii// plant. //Coleus forskohlii// is an ancient Ayurvedic plant and comes from the mint and lavender family. It grows in the wild in warm subtropical temperature areas such as India, Burma, and Thailand. (Henderson, 2005)

__**History**__
Medical research on extracted forskolin began in the mid 1980's and was used for cardiovascular disease conditions. This effect was accomplished by increasing adenylate cyclase activity within the body. Most of the research done was on animals in vitro or in vivo or preclinical studies with human tissue. Clinical research data is limited and is usually from an intravenous form of forskolin administered for short periods of time. Studies have been done on men and women. A study done on overweight and obese men has shown positive effects on body composition, with results supporting forskolin as a fat targeting supplement that decreases body fat. (Godard, 2012)
 * DXA Body Fat Percentage
 * The forskolin group had a significant decrease in body fat percentage from baseline to final measurements. the placebo group showed no significant difference in body fat precentage from baseline to final measurements.
 * Fat Mass
 * After the 12-week trial period, fat mass decreased significantly in the forskolin group with no change occuring in the placebo group
 * LBM
 * After the 12-week trial period, lean body mass increases significantly in both groups. No significant differences were shown among groups at either pre- or post-time-points. However, the actual change in LBM from baseline to final measurements revealed a trend toward significance among groups.
 * Bone Mass
 * Follow-up analysis showed a signifiacnt increase from pre- to post values for total bone mass in the forskolin group.

Another study that was done was on overweight women, however, the results did not support forskolin as a fat targeting supplement but did state that it maintined the women's body weight. (Henderson, 2005)

__**Recommendations**__
The article Body Composition and Hormonal Adaptations Associated with Forskolin Consumption in Overweight and Obese Men showed that Forskolin should be used for individuals that want to reduce body fat, improve lean muscle mass, improve thyroid levels, and improve their metabolism. However, the article Effects of Coleus Forskohlii Supplementation on Body Composition and Hematological Profiles in Mildly Overweight Women stated that forskolin isnt effective for losing weight, but more so for maintaining weight. In the Dr. Oz show the guest speaker talks about how it can really work for anyone but they do also need to diet and exercise. It isn't a magic pill, it just helps jump start the metabolism a little more and you still need to put in hard work.

__**Usage/Dosage**__
Forskolin is used primarily for weight loss, but has other benefits for other health issues, also. Dose:Take 125 mg that contains 20% forskolin in the morning. Anything less will have a reduced impact on fat burning. Its recommended to start off slow and work up to the 125 mg or more. (Oz, 2012)

A common dosage range is 50 to 100 mg, 2 or 3 times a day. An extract standardized to 10 to 20% forskolin is preferred. Fluid extracts of two to four milliliters taken three times per day are used as well.

__**Warning/Side effects**__
// "**This product has not been evaluated by FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease."** //

Breathing problems or tightness in your throat or chest Other possible side effects:
 * Chest pain
 * Skin hives, rash, or itchy or swollen skin
 * Tremor (shaking)
 * Dry, itchy skin
 * Cough

Individuals with severe liver or kidney disease should most likely avoid forskolin until more research has demonstrated its safety. Forskolin can increase stomach acid levels so if you have ulcers it is not recommended to take. Don't put it in your eyes since it can cause tearing, burning, and itching

If you are pregnant or breast feeding you should not use this product. If you have low blood pressure you should not take Forskolin. You should consult your doctor before taking forskolin if you are on blood thinning medicine. You should stop taking forskolin 1-2 weeks before surgery.

(Oz, 2012)

**Dr. Oz-Forskolin**
media type="youtube" key="lS2zYgTc1wc" width="425" height="350" "Ignites the metabolism"- Dr. Oz

(Oz, 2012)

__**References**__
Henderson, S. (2005). Effects of coleus forskohlii supplementation on body composition and hematological profiles in mildly overweight women. //journal of the international society of sports nutrition//, //2//(2), 54-62. Retrieved from http://www.jissn.com/content/2/2/54

Godard, M. (2012). Body composition and hormonal adaptations associated with forskolin consumption in overweight and obese men. //Obesity Research//, //13//(8), 1335-1343. Retrieved from http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1038/oby.2005.162/pdf

Oz, M. (Performer) (2012). Miracle flower to fight fat [Television series episode]. In Wagner, S. (Executive Producer), //The Dr. Oz Show//. New York City: Harpo Productions. Retrieved from http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/miracle-flower-fight-fat

Forskolin. (2013). Wikipedia. Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forskolin

//Forskolin//. (2009). Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-1044-FORSKOLIN.aspx?activeIngredientId=1044&activeIngredientName=FORSKOLIN

//Coleus forskohlii//. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.nutros.net/nsr-0204x.html