Forskolin: Health Benefits, Common Uses, Side Effects, and Risks

Forskolin is made from the root of a plant in the mint family. The plant grows in Nepal, India, and Thailand. It has long been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine.

Why do people take forskolin?

People take forskolin supplements for many reasons. But very little substantial evidence exists to back its use for any health condition. Some research suggests that forskolin may aid in weight loss and muscle building. In one very small study, overweight and obese men took 250 milligrams of a 10% forskolin extract twice a day. After 12 weeks, they lost more body fat and had a greater increase in testosterone levels compared to similar men taking a placebo. But more research must be done to confirm these results and establish its safety. Forskolin has a long history as a folk remedy for asthma. Some research supports that. Forskolin appears to work in a way similar to certain types of conventional asthma drugs, by boosting the levels of a compound called cyclic AMP. This helps relax the muscles around the bronchial tubes to make breathing easier. Forskolin has also been used to try to treat glaucoma. A small study indicates that forskolin may help relieve pressure in the eyes, which is often seen in glaucoma. It has also been found to be a safe alternative to beta blockers in glaucoma patients having concomitant asthma. Another potential use of forskolin is for people with idiopathic congestive cardiomyopathy, which can cause heart failure. In a small study, patients who took forskolin through an IV showed improved heart function. Optimal doses for forskolin have not been established for any condition. Also, as with supplements generally, the quality of the active ingredients and the level of concentration in products that contain forskolin vary from maker to maker. Some experts recommend that forskolin only be taken under the supervision of a health care professional.

Can you get forskolin naturally from foods?

While forskolin does come from an herb, it has only been studied as an extract. No evidence is available regarding any potential benefits from the whole herb.

What are the risks of taking forskolin?

It is not known whether taking forskolin is safe, because it has not been thoroughly studied. Some negative reactions to forskolin have been reported. These include:

• Flushing, fast heart beats, and low blood pressure when taken through an IV
• Upper respiratory tract irritation, cough, tremor, and restlessness when inhaled
• Stinging of the eyes and enlarging of the blood vessels in the eyes
• Headache

People taking blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs should not take forskolin. Also, certain high blood pressure drugs may interact with forskolin, including:

• Beta-blockers
• Calcium channel blockers
• Clonidine
• Hydralazine

Avoid taking forskolin if you take such medications.

Forskolin should also be avoided if you have polycystic kidney disease. The safety of forskolin in pregnant and breastfeeding women is not known, so they should avoid it.

Talk to your doctor about potential risks before you take forskolin or any other dietary supplement.