forskolin

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum: 

• Activates cAMP: forskolin activates the enzyme adenylyl cyclase, which increases the production of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) in the body. cAMP is a messenger molecule that plays a role in many cellular processes, including metabolism, hormone production, and gene expression. 
• Muscle Relaxation: forskolin has been shown to relax smooth muscle, which can help to dilate blood vessels and improve blood flow. It has also been used to treat conditions such as asthma and hypertension, which involve abnormal smooth muscle contraction. 
• Lipolysis: forskolin has been found to stimulate the release of stored fat from fat cells, a process called lipolysis. This effect has led to its use as a weight loss supplement. 
• Anti-inflammatory: forskolin has been found to have anti-inflammatory properties and has been used to treat conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. 
• Antiplatelet: forskolin has been shown to inhibit platelet aggregation, which can reduce the risk of blood clots and improve circulation. 

The spectrum of forskolin’s actions makes it an interesting natural compound with potential therapeutic benefits for a wide range of health conditions. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined  

Hypotension 

Bleeding 

Tachycardia 

Black Box Warning

None

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication / Caution: 

• Blood pressure medications: forskolin may lower blood pressure, so it should not be used with blood pressure-lowering medications without the supervision of a healthcare professional. 
• Bleeding disorders: forskolin may increase the risk of bleeding, so people with bleeding disorders should use caution when taking it. 
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: There is insufficient information about the safety of forskolin during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so it is recommended to avoid its use during these times. 
• Surgery: forskolin may increase bleeding during and after surgery. Therefore, it should be discontinued at least 2 weeks before any planned surgical procedures. 
• Gastrointestinal disorders: forskolin may increase stomach acid, which could worsen symptoms of acid reflux, peptic ulcer disease, or other gastrointestinal disorders. 
• Interactions with medications: forskolin may interact with certain medications, including anticoagulants, antihypertensives, and calcium channel blockers. People taking these medications should consult with their healthcare provider before using forskolin. 
• Cardiovascular disease: forskolin may increase heart rate and may not be safe for individuals with cardiovascular disease. 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy warnings:     

Pregnancy category: N/A 

Lactation: Excreted into human milk is unknown 

Pregnancy Categories:         

Category A: Studies that were well-controlled and met expectations revealed no risk to the fetus in either the first or second trimester. 

Category B: There were lack of studies on pregnant women and no evidence of risk to the foetus in animal experiments.   

Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.    

Category D: adequate data available with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.   

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.    

Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category

Pharmacology

Pharmacology: 

forskolin is a natural compound found in the roots of the Coleus forskohlii plant. It has been studied for its potential pharmacological effects, particularly in the areas of weight loss and cardiovascular health. 

Pharmacodynamics: 

forskolin works by activating an enzyme called adenylate cyclase, which increases levels of a molecule called cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) in cells. This, in turn, activates various signaling pathways in the body, including those involved in regulating metabolism and blood pressure. 

Weight Loss: forskolin has been studied for its potential to promote weight loss by increasing cAMP levels in fat cells, which may lead to the breakdown of stored fat. Some studies suggest that taking forskolin supplements may lead to modest weight loss in overweight and obese individuals. 

Pharmacokinetics: 

Absorption 

forskolin is poorly soluble in water, which may limit its bioavailability.  

Distribution 

Once absorbed, forskolin is distributed throughout the body via the bloodstream. It has a high affinity for adipose (fat) tissue, which may contribute to its weight loss effects. 

Metabolism 

forskolin is metabolized primarily in the liver by the cytochrome P450 enzyme system. The major metabolite is desacetylforskolin, which is less potent than forskolin itself. 

Elimination and Excretion 

forskolin and its metabolites are excreted primarily in the urine, with a small amount eliminated in the feces. 

Adminstartion

Administration: 

forskolin is a natural supplement derived from the roots of the Coleus forskohlii plant. It has been traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat various health conditions, including asthma, hypertension, and heart disease. 

As a supplement, forskolin is usually taken orally in capsule form. The recommended dosage of forskolin varies depending on the purpose of its use and the individual’s health status. However, a typical dose of forskolin ranges from 100 to 500 milligrams per day. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: forskolin 

Why do we use forskolin? 

forskolin is used for a variety of purposes, including: 

• Weight Loss: forskolin has been studied for its potential to aid in weight loss by increasing the production of cyclic AMP (cAMP), a molecule that helps regulate metabolism and fat burning. 
• Asthma: forskolin may help improve breathing in people with asthma by relaxing the muscles in the airways and increasing airflow to the lungs. 
• Glaucoma: forskolin eye drops have been studied as a potential treatment for glaucoma, a condition that causes damage to the optic nerve and can lead to vision loss. 
• Heart Health: forskolin may help lower blood pressure and improve heart health by relaxing blood vessels and increasing the production of nitric oxide, a molecule that helps dilate blood vessels. 
• Skin Health: forskolin has been studied for its potential to treat skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema by reducing inflammation and promoting skin healing.