Forskolin is an extract from the tropical perennial plant Coleus which grows natively in India and some parts of Africa. The Indian Coleus is a plant that has a lot of mention in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. It is used for variety of problems. It has anti microbial and anti-inflammatory properties. It is used to treat infections like bladder infections, skin infections (ringworm, etc.). It is also used in treatment of Asthma and Bronchitis. Scientific investigations into the effects of the tropical Coleus plant and especially the compound Forskolin were originally done in 1970s.
It was found that intake of the compound Forskolin activated the enzyme Adenylyl cyclase and also increased the intra cellular levels of Cyclic Adenosine Mono Phosphate or the compound commonly known as cAMP. Both the Adenylyl cyclase enzyme and cAMP are essential compounds responsible for many biological processes. The cAMP is a second messenger that is responsible for intra cellular communication, transferring effects of hormones into the cells and feedback control of hormonal production. Forskolin is believed to have the potential to strengthen heart muscles, treat asthma, bronchitis, and treat infections like eczema, ringworm and so on. It is also believed to have a positive role in the treatment of colon cancer.
Recently, it has been shown on the Dr.Oz show to aid in weight loss treatments too. As it increases the lean mass and the rate of fat burn, it is marketed as a weight loss supplement that is natural.
How To Buy & Precautions
Since the time the herbal extract was made popular, it has been manufactured by different brands in different forms. The powder form is mostly recommended for patients suffering from asthma and respiratory problems. It is also available in the form of capsules or tablets. It is possible to buy medicines containing Forskolin as over the counter products or to order them online. But before you start taking this medicine, it is important to consult your physician to ensure that the drug will not affect your normal medications or complicate any existing illness.
Forskolin is a potent drug that has a wide range of healing properties. Thus, taking the drug for one purpose can also affect other areas. It is best to have the consultation and consume only the required dosage. For instance, the drug has the potential to bring down blood pressure levels. If you are already taking medications for high blood pressure and also consume Forskolin regularly, your blood pressure levels might drop down to serious levels.
If you are buying the medicine online, you have to ensure that the supplier or the online merchant is reputed, so that the quality of Forskolin is effective. As a general rule, it is recommended that the drugs you take with Forskolin should not have more than 18% of the compound. The compound could be between 10% and 18% and the strength of the drug should also determine the dosage. Also, the dosage will depend on the form of Forskolin consumed.
It is generally considered a safe drug even though no clinical trials have been conducted on long term effects. Up to 12 weeks of medicine is prescribed to be taken. It is advised that you stay away from the drug if you are pregnant. The drug has been traditionally used as an oral contraceptive. It is recommended that you do not take the drug if you have any surgery planned as the drug might also work as a blood thinner. Remember that coleus forskohlii or Forskolin should always be consumed only after having an initial consultation with a general medical practitioner.
