Coleus Forskohlii and Forskolin Mechanism of action.

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FAQ:Frequently asked questions about Coleus forskohlii(Forskolin).

Coleus Forskohlii Extract CAS 66575-29-9 66428-89-5 photo picture image What is it?
 Forskolin is a plant extract taken from the roots of the Coleus Forskohlii plant. It's use dates back several hundred years as a pickle or food spice in East Indian diets.

 Who should use it?
 Forskolin is suitable for anyone wanting to lose weight more quickly without the use of stimulants such as ephedrine or caffeine.

 How does it work?

 Although the use of Forskolin as a method for promoting fat loss and gains in lean muscle has only recently been discovered, the early research is extremely promising. Not only does Forskolin speed up fat loss, it also helps to preserve (and even increase) lean muscle mass. The use of Forskolin for promoting fat loss while preserving lean muscle tissue is supported by a US Patent (# 5,804,596).

 In one study, six overweight women were given forskolin extract twice daily for eight weeks. Participants were asked to maintain their normal diet and physical activity levels. Results showed that test subjects lost an average of 10 pounds without making significant changes to their diet or activity levels. Unlike stimulant-based supplements such as ephedrine, Forskolin caused no noticeable changes in heart rate and blood pressure or other commonly reported side effects (dry mouth, high blood pressure and nervousness).

 In a study conducted by Dr. Richard Kreider, Forskolin was also shown to prevent the loss of lean muscle tissue that normally occurs on a low-calorie diet. According to Dr. Kreider, "... a thermogenic supplement containing coleus forskohlii can promote weight loss without the typical loss of muscle mass observed in weight loss studies."

 Blood Conditions:anti-platelet action, combined with Ginger and Turmeric
 Cardiovascular Conditions:
 cerebrovascular disease (vasodilation), combined with Ginkgo biloba
 congestive heart failure, combined with Craetagus, Astragalus, Panax Ginseng and/or Convallaria
 hypertension (high blood pressure), combined with Craetagus
 ischemic heart disease, combined with Craetagus and/or Salvia miltiorrhiza,thrombosis
 Gastrointestinal Conditions:digestive insufficiency,stimulates upper digestive function, combined with Gentian
 Glandular Conditions:hypothyroidism
 Eye Conditions:glaucoma (internally and externally)
 Respiratory Tract Conditions:asthma,chronic obstructive airway disease (bronchodilation)
 Reproductive Conditions:poor fertility
 Skin Conditions:psoriasis
 Other:weight loss

 How should I use it?

 The studies to date show that Coleus Forskohlii extract (standardised to 20% Forskolin) is most effective at a dose of 100-150 milligrams per day.

 What results should I expect?

 When Coleus Forskohlii extract is combined with other nutrients (see below) you can expect to lose 1-3 pounds of fat each and every week, until you reach your target weight. Coleus Forskohlii will also prevent the loss of lean muscle that is common during periods of weight loss.

 What should I use it with?

 Other non stimulant-based diet supplements, such as Guggulsterones can be combined with Forskolin to accelerate fat loss still further.

 Dosage and Administration:

 Commonly coleus extracts come in standardized dosage of about 15% forskolin. Some medical professionals have recommended taking 50-100 mg of standardized coleus extract two to three times per day but these amounts have not been confirmed by clinical research. Most studies have used injected forskolin so the amount to take orally to have the same effect is still unkown.

 How much is usually taken?

 Coleus extracts standardized to 10 to 18% forskolin are available. While some doctors expert in herbal medicine recommend 50 to 100 mg two to three times per day of standardized coleus extract, these amounts are extrapolations and have yet to be confirmed by direct clinical research.12 Most studies have used injected forskolin, so it is unclear if oral ingestion of coleus extracts will provide similar benefits in the amounts recommended above. Until ophthalmic preparations of coleus or forskolin are available, people with glaucoma should consult with a skilled healthcare practitioner to obtain a sterile fluid extract for use in the eyes.

 Typical dosage recommendations are in the range of 100-300mg/day of a Coleus forskohlii extract (10-20% forskolin), taken in 2-3 divided doses (raw root powders may have only 0.2%-0.3% forskolin).There is very limited information from clinical studies on the safe and effective dosages of forskolin. Based on the human studies for weight loss, 50 to 100 mg of forskolin taken in divided doses during the day appears to be an appropriate dose for the conditions discussed above.

 Side effects and Cautions:

 Few adverse effects of coleus have been reported. It should be avoided in people with ulcers, because it may increase stomach acid levels. Direct application to the eyes may cause transitory tearing, burning, and itching. The safety of coleus in pregnancy and breast-feeding is unknown.

 There isn't much research on Coleus forskohlii's safety, but so far it hasn't caused any adverse reactions in people.If you are pregnant or nursing, though, forskolin is not recommended.

 Those with severe liver or kidney disease should probably avoid it until more research has demonstrated its safety.

 If you have ulcers, it is not recommended since it can increase stomach acid levels.Don't put it directly in your eyes since it can cause tearing, burning, and itching.

 Caution should be used in a patient with ulcers as forskolin can increase stomach acid levels. Caution should also be used in a patient with low blood pressure due to forskolin's hypotensive effects.Because of forskolin's effect on platelet aggregation, Coleus forskohlii should be used with caution or avoided in patients with bleeding disorders or on blood-thinning medication.Coleus forskohlii extracts have not been studied in pregnant or lactating women.

 Are there any drug interactions?

 Certain medicines may interact with coleus. Refer to drug interactions for a list of those medicines.

 There is some evidence that forskolin may enhance the effects of beta-agonists such as albuterol. Forskolin may also act synergistically with epinephrine, ephedrine and pseudoephedrine. It is possible that the use of forskolin may decrease the needed dosages of beta-agonists. Anyone taking these drugs should consult their physician if they want to also use forskolin.

 Because forskolin inhibits platelet aggregation and clotting, it may enhance the effects of anti-clotting medications such as warfarin, clopidogre, aspirin, enoxaparin, and dalteparin. Anyone taking any anti-clotting medications or supplements should consult their physician before adding forskolin to their regimen.

 Be cautious if you are taking blood-pressure medications such as beta-blockers, clonidine, or hydralazine, or blood-thinning drugs such as Coumadin (warfarin), heparin, or Trental (pentoxifylline).

 Because forskolin has an inhibitory effect on platelet aggregation, it should be avoided or used with caution in conjunction with anticoagulant medications.Caution should be used when giving forskolin with antihypertensive agents as it may have a potentiating effect on these drugs.

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Reference:

citations1.Coleus Forskohlii and Forskolin Mechanism of action.

last edit date:20th,June.2009.