Forskolin is an herb related to mint. It is commonly used to help several health conditions ranging from asthma to depression, but it is the supposed weight loss benefits that make the herb a subject of interest for many. As of 2011, the effectiveness of Forskolin for weight loss is highly debated among health care professionals. This is mainly due to the lack of research and the inconsistent results of previous studies. It is generally believed Forskolin may be beneficial for weight loss in men and may help prevent further weight loss in women.
Only a small number of studies that focus on the use of Forskolin for weight loss have been performed, but what is known in 2011 suggests that it may be a valuable complementary supplement for weight loss. According to research, this herb increases the activity of enzyme Cyclic AMP or cAMP. It is this enzyme that influences all fundamental cell function including the breakdown of fats in the body and the stimulation of the thyroid, which may increase metabolism.
In one trial that tested the effectiveness of Forskolin for weight loss, the test subjects were all male. Those who did take Forskolin displayed significant signs of weight loss and an increase in muscle mass, while the placebo group showed an unexplained increase in muscle mass. Furthermore, the Forskolin group had unexplained higher levels of testosterone than the placebo group prior to the trial. These unexplained variables put the test in question as they may have had an influence on the results. The results also showed no increase of metabolic rates despite the fact it is one side effect for which Forskolin is supposedly known.
In a study that focused on the use of Forskolin for female weight loss, there were no signs of weight loss; however, there were also no signs of weight gain, which suggested that Forskolin may aid in preventing future weight gain. Another female-based study did note some weight loss in the patients. The contradicting results in the female groups imply to some doctors that using Forskolin for weight loss may be beneficial in some aspect to both genders, but more so for men. In fact, Forskolin is typically recommended to men more often than women.
The suggested Forskolin dose is a 250 mg tablet three times a day. Typically, the optimum amount of Forskolin in any weight loss supplement should be about 4% of the pill makeup. Overdose is rare, though it is recommended that people with cystic kidneys not take any form of Forskolin as it may enlarge cysts. People with ulcers are also advised to avoid Forskolin as it may increase gastric acid.