Forskolin is a compound present in the Coleus forskohlii plant. Forskolin is of interest nutritionally, because it might cause cellular changes to cyclic AMP levels, and this may change cellular metabolism to cause an increase in fatty acid oxidation. These effects have made forskolin of interest as a weight loss supplement. Because of its potential to influence body weight, forskolin supplements have been investigated in healthy overweight humans. In one study subjects received 250 mg of 10 % forskolin extract twice a day for 12 weeks. Forskolin was shown to significantly decrease body fat percentage and fat mass compared to the control group who received a placebo. Forskolin also resulted in an increase in body mass, suggesting that bone density had increased. The free serum testosterone levels of the subject also increased, and this may have explained the increase in bone mass as well as the slight but not significant increase in lean mass. Therefore forskolin extract may be useful as a weight loss supplement and may significantly improve body composition in overweight individuals.
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Godard, M. P., Johnson, B. A. and Richmond, S. R. 2005. Body composition and hormonal adaptations associated with forskolin consumption in overweight and obese men. Obesity research. 13(8): 1335-1343
