So far, only two small studies have investigated the effects of
forskolin on weight loss in humans.
Both of them were randomized controlled trials, the gold standard
of scientific research in humans.
The largest trial recruited 30 overweight and obese men, who were
then randomly assigned to two groups:
Forskolin group: 15 men were supplemented with 250 mg of Coleus forskohlii extract (10% forskolin) twice a day for 12 weeks.
Placebo group: 15 men took the same amount of dummy pills (placebo).
Compared to the placebo group, men who took forskolin lost significantly more fat, but total body weight did not change.
This is how body composition changed during the course of the study:
Additionally, there was a significant increase in free testosterone in the forskolin group. Testosterone can stimulate the release of fat from fat cells, which may partly explain the fat loss observed in the study.
A rise in testosterone can also promote an increase in muscle mass. In fact, there was a trend towards an increase in lean body mass in the forskolin group, but it was not statistically significant.
In the other study, 23 overweight women received the same dose of Coleus forskohlii (500 mg/day) for 12 weeks.
In contrast to the previous study, forskolin supplementation did not have any significant effects on fat loss, but the results suggested that forskolin may protect against weight gain.
In conclusion, 12-week supplementation with forskolin does not cause weight loss, but it may improve body composition in men and prevent weight gain in women.
All that being said, the current evidence is not strong enough to make any recommendations. More research is needed.
BOTTOM LINE:Two studies have investigated the effect of forskolin on weight loss. In one of them, supplementation caused significant fat loss, but body weight remained constant. GET YOUR FREE E-BOOK ON PALEO DIET WITH 300 AWESOME RECIPES
The Indian coleus plant (which contains Forskolin) has been a part of traditional herbal medicine for centuries.
It has been used to treat conditions such as heart disease, asthma, bronchitis and constipation.
In humans, forskolin supplements may also:
Widen the air passages in the lungs, helping to relieve asthma.
Increase bone mineral density, lowering the risk of osteoporosis.
Stimulate testosterone formation, promoting the maintenance of muscle mass.
There are also studies in test tubes or laboratory animals indicating other benefits.
BOTTOM LINE:Forskolin has been a part of traditional herbal medicine for ages. Limited evidence suggests that it may help alleviate asthma, increase bone density and stimulate testosterone formation. GET YOUR FREE E-BOOK ON PALEO DIET WITH 300 AWESOME RECIPES
Based on the current evidence, it is clear that forskolin does not cause weight loss.
However, one study in men indicates that it may raise testosterone levels and improve body composition, as in making you lose fat while increasing muscle mass.
At this point, the evidence is way too limited to reach any meaningful conclusions.
As a general rule, it is a good idea to be skeptical of all weight loss supplements. Some of them show promise in early studies, only to be proven completely ineffective in larger, higher quality studies.
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