<body><h1>Coleus Forskohlii Extract</h1><p><br></p><p> syn. Forskolin</p><p> syn. Pashanabhedi </p><p><br></p><p> image</p><h2> Description: </h2><p> Coleus forskohlii, also known as plectranthus barbatus or Indian coleus, is an herbal plant of the mint family. It has a long history of use in traditional Indian (Ayurvedic) medicine, where it has been applied to treat such conditions as heart disease, convulsions, spasmodic pain, and painful urination.231 Modern studies confirm this is a pharmacologically active plant, and suggest its extracts might have beneficial properties with regard to a number of health conditions including asthma,232 arterial disease,233 heart disease,234 obesity,235 and glaucoma.236 Research is ongoing. In the field of sports nutrition, coleus forskohlii extracts are promoted to increase testosterone levels in men, and support enhanced strength and muscle mass gains. </p><p> </p><p> image</p><p> Forskolin has been identified as the pharmacologically active principle in this plant, although its exact mode of action is unknown. It is understood to stimulate cellular adenylate cyclase and increase the production of cyclic AMP (3′,5′-adenosine monophosphate), a secondary messenger involved in imparting many receptor-dependant functions.237 This may allow forskolin to heighten cellular responsiveness to certain hormones and signaling ligands, many of which have activities integral to the metabolism and utilization of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. Forskolin is also believed to exert a number of noncyclic-AMP dependent activities, although the exact nature of these pathways is less understood.238</p><p> Sport supplement extracts of coleus forskohlii are typically standardized for forskolin content. They can vary significantly with regard to percentage of active forskolin, likely due to different plant origins and extraction methods. While clinical studies do suggest that forskolin can increase cyclic-AMP, the biological value of this (in the context of performance enhancement) remains unknown. Data confirming clear ergogenic value in experienced exercising adults is presently lacking.</p><h2> Promoted Benefits:</h2><p> Coleus forskohlii extract is promoted to increase testosterone levels, facilitating gains in lean muscle mass and strength. </p><h2> Clinical Studies: </h2><p> Coleus forskohlii extract has been shown to improve a metabolic marker (testosterone levels) often linked to positive changes in body composition or performance in human placebo-controlled studies . It has a Clinical Support Rating of 3 (3/5).</p><p> The most widely referenced and relevant placebo-controlled study of coleus forskohlii extract involved its supplementation by a group of inactive (sedentary) overweight men.239 Subjects consumed 500 mg of extract per day (standardized for 10% forskolin) for a period of 12 weeks. There was no exercise as part of this study. The supplementation of coleus forskohlii extract resulted in a very slight but statistically significant increase in serum free testosterone levels (+3.47%) compared to placebo (-4.11%). There was also a statistically strong trend toward increased total testosterone (+16.77% versus -1.08%) and lean body mass gains (+3.71 kg versus +1.57 kg). The most notable change reported in this study was actually a reduction in fat mass (-4% versus -1%).</p><p> The positive hormonal adaptations subsequent to coleus forskohlii extract use were minor, and are of unknown value to sports performance. Further research is needed to determine if coleus forskohlii extract can provide ergogenic value to healthy exercising adults.</p><h2> Empirical Evidence: </h2><p> Coleus forskohlii extract is widely available as a stand-alone nutritional supplement. The feedback on its use as a sport supplement has been very mixed. Some users do claim to notice positive changes, usually with regard to body composition (lean mass) over time. Some also concurrently report improvements in muscle endurance and strength. An equally strong percentage of users, however, fail to notice any performance or body composition benefit from taking this supplement. Whether this inconsistency is the result of individual variances in sensitivity to coleus forskohlii extract, the context of its use, or a complete lack of ergogenic efficacy remains unclear. Coleus forskohlii extract has an Empirical Evidence Rating of 3 (3/5).</p><p> </p><h2> Effective Dosage: </h2><p> An effective dosage of this supplement is unknown. Based on clinical studies showing minor testosterone elevations, a dosage of 50 mg per day (active forskolin) is commonly used. </p><p> </p><h2> Side Effects / Safety: </h2><p> Coleus forskohlii extract was well tolerated during clinical studies, with no significant side effects. Mild gastrointestinal side effects (nausea, diarrhea etc.) are sometimes noted when initiating use or taking higher doses.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p></body>
