Benefits weight loss & menstrual cramps
Forskolin is an extract from the plant, Coleus forskohli. Coleus has been traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine for a variety of conditions, including hypertension, asthma, eczema, psoriasis, congestive heart failure, and angina. The effects of forskolin have been intensively researched in in vitro, animal, and human clinical studies.
Forskolin acts primarily by activating the enzyme adenylate cyclase, which results in increased cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) in cells. Cyclic AMP belongs to a class of substances known as “second messengers,” and is one of the most important cell-regulating compounds. Among its many roles, cAMP activates numerous other enzymes involved in diverse cellular functions. Hormones and neurotransmitters also activate adenylate cyclase—but forskolin appears to be able to activate adenylate cyclase by itself. Thus, forskolin can increase cyclic AMP without the assistance of hormones or neurotransmitters.
Increased cellular cyclic AMP results in a broad range of physiological and biochemical effects, including inhibition of platelet activation (resulting in decreased likelihood of blood clots), reduced release of histamine (resulting in decreased allergy symptoms), increased force of contraction of the heart, relaxation of the arteries and other smooth muscles, increased thyroid function, and increased lipolysis (fat burning).
Many drugs used to treat asthma and allergies are designed to increase cAMP levels. Usually they inhibit the enzyme (phosphodiesterase) that breaks down cAMP. This mechanism is the “flip side” of forskolin’s, which acts directly to increase cAMP. Thus, forskolin can be used by itself, or in addition to phosphodiesterase-inhibiting drugs in the prevention and treatment of many allergic conditions, including asthma.
Forskolin is an effective smooth muscle relaxer and has tremendous anti-spasmodic action on various smooth muscles in the body, making it useful to relieve intestinal colic, uterine cramps, painful urination, angina, and hypertension. Forskolin’s basic cardiovascular action is to lower blood pressure, while simultaneously increasing the contractility of the heart. This is believed to be due to forskolin’s cAMP-elevating ability, which results in relaxation of the arteries, and increased force of contraction of the heart muscle. Forskolin also increases cerebral blood flow, indicating that it may be beneficial in cerebral vascular insufficiency, and in enhancing post-stroke recovery. The platelet aggregation-inhibiting effects of forskolin also add to its value in cardiovascular disorders.
Psoriasis is characterized by a relative decrease in cAMP compared to another second messenger, cyclic guanine monophosphate (cGMP). This imbalance results in a tremendous increase in cell division. In psoriasis, cells divide about 1,000 times faster than normal. Forskolin helps to alleviate psoriasis by normalizing the cAMP /cGMP ratio.
Vitro studies have shown that forskolin stimulates lipolysis (breaking down of fats) in fat cells. Additionally, scientists at the Penn State University College of Medicine have found that many obese people have lower than normal cAMP production. Based on these findings and in vitro studies, scientists theorized that forskolin might be an effective weight loss agent, especially for those with impaired cAMP production.
Forskolin also has demonstrated the ability to increase thyroid hormone production and stimulate thyroid hormone release. This mechanism of stimulating the thyroid to enhance metabolism may be one way in which forskolin promotes normal body weight. Forskolin’s effects in normalizing thyroid function may also contribute to its antidepressant effects, as depression is a common feature of hypothyroidism.
Dosage:
1 to 2 capsules twice per day.
| Product Specifications: |
Serving Size: 2 Capsules
Servings Per Container: 60 |
| Amount Per Serving | | |
| ForsLean®† Coleus forskohlii root extract | 200mg | * |
| (10% forskolin) |
| *Daily Value not established |
Other Ingredients:
Microcrystalline cellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (vegetarian capsule) and magnesium stearate.
Contains no added sugar, starch, salt, wheat, gluten, corn, coloring, dairy products, flavoring or preservatives.
Keep container tightly closed in a cool, dry and dark place. Keep out of reach of children. |
