Forskolin
Forskolin is a diterpene from Coleus forskohlii sold as a fat-loss and body-composition supplement. It directly activates adenylate cyclase, raising cyclic AMP and, in theory, promoting lipolysis and thermogenesis; human trials show modest and inconsistent body-composition effects.
01 Overview
Forskolin bypasses cell-surface receptors to directly stimulate adenylate cyclase, increasing intracellular cyclic AMP. Because cAMP drives hormone-sensitive lipase and can influence thyroid hormone release, it has been marketed heavily as a thermogenic and testosterone-support ingredient.
The best-known human study reported reduced fat mass and increased free testosterone in men, but it was small and results have not been robustly replicated. Its effects are real mechanistically but modest and variable in practice.
02 Mechanism
Directly activates adenylate cyclase, raising intracellular cyclic AMP, which stimulates hormone-sensitive lipase (lipolysis) and can modulate thyroid and steroidogenic signalling.
03 Dosing
| Tier | Dose | Route | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supplement | 50–250 mg/day | Oral | 10-20% forskolin extract, divided doses |
04 Effects
| Effect | Magnitude | Evidence | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fat mass reductionSmall study showed reduced body fat in men; not robustly replicated. | Modest, inconsistent | Observational | |
| Increased free testosteroneReported rise in free testosterone in one small trial; unconfirmed. | Observational |
05 Side effects
| Effect | Severity | Frequency | Evidence | Countermeasures |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gastrointestinal upsetLoose stools and stomach discomfort. | Mild | Uncommon | Anecdotal | |
| Hypotension and flushingLowered blood pressure, flushing and headache from vasodilation. | Mild | Uncommon | Clinical |