Forskolin - Dissolving fat? Myths and Truths

Several years ago, a certain plant-derived ingredient was introduced on an American health information TV program as a "lightning in a bottle" or "miracle flower" that can help people lose fat while maintaining muscle mass. The host of this program is a doctor who is extremely famous and influential in the United States. Since he praised it highly, the ingredient has been attracting a great deal of attention as a promising star for dieters since the broadcast. Forskolin is a fat-melting agent that does not reduce muscle mass. Forskolin melts fat without reducing muscle mass, helps you lose weight without exercising, and clears up that bloated belly in no time... If that were true, there would be no more ideal way to lose weight. Now, what is the truth?

What is Forskolin?

Coleus forskohlii is a native herb of the Perilla family that grows wild in Thailand, Nepal, India, and other parts of the world. In these regions, the root is brewed and drunk as a tonic, and it has also been used in Ayurveda, the traditional Indian medicine, as a remedy for heart and respiratory problems, as well as skin problems. Forskolin is a substance found in the root of coleus forskohlii.

Benefits of Forskolin

♦ For respiratory health

In traditional medicine, coleus forskolin is an herb used to relieve symptoms of asthma and breathing disorders. Forskolin is involved in the dilation of the bronchioles, which makes breathing easier and improves lung capacity. Currently, drugs with cromoglicic acid and beclomethasone (a steroid) as active ingredients are used to treat asthma, but several studies have shown that forskolin is more effective than cromoglicic acid and not significantly different from beclomethasone in improving symptoms. It is exciting to know that forskolin, a natural and gentle ingredient, can improve asthma.

♦ For cardiovascular health

In traditional medicine, Coleus forskohlii was used to treat heart disease, including hypertension. A study conducted in India showed that oral intake of coleus forskohlii extract actually reduced blood pressure in more than 75% of test subjects.

♦ Prevention of glaucoma/reversing the progression of glaucoma

Glaucoma symptoms may also be effectively and naturally improved by forskolin. An Italian study showed that oral supplementation of glaucoma patients with visual field disturbances caused by elevated intraocular pressure with supplements containing forskolin and rutin reduced intraocular pressure.

♦ Hopes for the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease

Research on the link between forskolin and Alzheimer's disease is just beginning, but studies in rats have shown that forskolin reduces plaque and inflammatory activity in the brain, which may be a cause of Alzheimer's disease.

Is Forskolin the Magical Ingredient that Smashes Up Fat?

Finally, the main question! Forskolin affects lipid metabolism, but how much can it help you lose weight? Here are three studies conducted on the link between forskolin and weight loss.

≪ Studies and outcomes ≫

♦ Tests conducted on a group of obese men

250 mg of coleus forskolin extract (containing 10% forskolin) taken orally twice daily for 12 weeks showed no weight change, decreased body fat, increased bone mass, and increased free testosterone in blood.

♦ Test conducted on a group of obese women.

The description and duration of intake were the same as for the male group. The results were... No change in body weight, no change in body fat, no change in metabolic markers, blood lipids, and testosterone levels. Fatigue, hunger and satiety levels were decreased.

♦ Tests with rats.

Forskolin supplementation in addition to a " weight-gaining" diet for 10 weeks resulted in no change in body weight.

■ Conclusion: The weight loss benefits that celebrity doctors rave about on TV are... The answer is "??"

Although it did not result in weight loss, it appears to have a positive effect on body composition for the male population. The results of studies in women and rats also suggest that forskolin may help control weight gain. But is it a fat-flushing ingredient? Is it an ingredient with miracle slimming effects? It is difficult to affirm at this time that it is.

If forskolin is to be incorporated into a diet plan that may prevent weight gain but may not achieve miraculous weight-loss benefits, it should be combined with a "steady diet" of exercise and calorie burning, while being careful about the quantity and content of the food you eat.

References

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16749416/ , https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/147323001003800229#:~:text=This%20single,for%202%20months , https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22131759/ , https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22731245/#:~:text=Oral%20administration%20of%20forsk , https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29367103/#:~:text=,2018%20Feb , https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27251043/ , https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18500958/ , https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24497741/

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.