Coleus Forskohlii, what it is, and its health benefits

What is Coleus Forskohlii?

Coleus Forskohlii, or simply forskolin, is an active compound found in the roots of the plant Plectranthus barbatus. This plant, native to Nepal, India, and Thailand, has been used since ancient times to treat heart disorders such as high blood pressure and chest pain (angina), as well as respiratory disorders like asthma.

But it’s worth highlighting its property to treat and fight hypothyroidism. Forskolin boosts the thyroid’s natural function, which is crucial for long-term fat loss.

Why is Coleus Forskohlii used?

The most notable benefits of Forskolin may be linked to:

This herbal extract can enhance our daily vitality

Properties of Coleus Forskohlii

Coleus Forskohlii has been traditionally used in Ayurvedic Medicine and, according to several studies, is a potential remedy for treating the following conditions or pathologies:

Regulating Blood Pressure

Hypertension is an increasingly common and serious condition that can cause potentially fatal diseases such as heart attack, stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure. Hypertension mainly results from an unhealthy lifestyle. In most cases, managing high blood pressure involves a proper diet, exercise, stress management, and certain herbal extract remedies.

This is the case of forskolin, one of the oldest uses being to treat heart diseases like hypertension

Eye Health

Glaucoma is an eye disease where the pressure of the fluid inside the eyeball rises, posing such a risk that if untreated, the patient may lose part of their field of vision or even go blind in the worst case. It’s one of the main causes of blindness in the elderly. The disease usually affects both eyes, although one may show more severe signs and symptoms than the other. Glaucoma is caused by elevated intraocular pressure. Forskolin can reduce intraocular pressure. Although clinical experience is limited, oral Forskolin seems to offer significant potential for glaucoma or intraocular hypertension patients and could be a major breakthrough in non-pharmacological treatment of this condition.

Topical application of 1% Forskolin eye drops produced significant decreases in intraocular pressure

Asthma

Asthma causes inflammation of the airways, reducing the ability to breathe normally. Treatments include inhalers, anti-inflammatories, and bronchodilators, especially in more severe cases. These treatments aim to raise the metabolic regulator (explained below) cAMP by inhibiting the enzyme phosphodiesterase, which breaks down cAMP. Forskolin relaxes smooth muscle, facilitating bronchodilation, reducing airway resistance, and increasing expiratory volume, all important indicators of lung function.

Coleus Forskohlii can serve as a natural remedy against asthma

Forskolin for Weight Loss

Following a strict diet can slow down our metabolism, making fat loss harder. Also, some people show abnormal thyroid gland behavior, meaning they may suffer from hypothyroidism. An underactive thyroid is a main reason people experience the “yo-yo effect” after finishing a diet and regain more fat.

On the other hand, these people show symptoms of tiredness, adding to factors that work against doing physical activities

How does Coleus Forskohlii work?

Forskolin activates an enzyme called adenylyl cyclase, which increases levels of a cellular regulator called cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), linked to energy metabolism. In fact, it regulates thyroid gland activity. Normally, a stimulating hormone like epinephrine binds to receptors on the cell membrane to activate adenylyl cyclase, which regulates cAMP. However, forskolin can directly activate cAMP and raise its levels.

Increase of cAMP

The rise in cAMP leads to a series of physiological and biochemical effects, including inhibition of platelet activation (reducing the chance of blood clots), reduced histamine release (lowering allergic symptoms), relaxation of arterial vessels and other soft tissues (lowering blood pressure), increased thyroid function, and increased lipolysis (fat burning).

Coleus Forskohlii is currently considered a supplement to help lose fat

Energy Metabolism

Stimulating cAMP promotes greater use of fatty acids stored in our reserves, thus potentially boosting basal metabolism, which is the minimum energy needed to maintain vital functions, increasing energy expenditure at rest. This also affects physical effort, as we’ll have more energy substrate available.

Improving energy metabolism will help encourage healthy habits, like doing physical activities

How to take Coleus Forskohlii?

The dose of Coleus Forskohlii can range between 100 and 500 mg per day, and it’s important to look for a product containing 10% forskolin.

Who is recommended to take Coleus Forskohlii?

Thanks to its properties on the metabolic regulator cAMP, Coleus Forskohlii can be useful for many people with various conditions, like the ones we’ve described:

Side Effects of taking Coleus Forskohlii

Using Coleus Forskohlii is completely safe, although people taking medication to control blood pressure or beta-blockers should consult their doctor first, as well as those on medication for other conditions.

The benefits of Coleus Forskohlii are very promising, and there’s growing interest in its many health applications

Where to buy Coleus Forskohlii?

At HSNstore.com, you can find products containing Coleus Forskohlii.

Related Posts

• Best Tips for Losing Weight
• Glucomannan and the Diet for Weight Loss
• Herbs to Treat Diabetes
• Benefits of Tribulus Terrestris