If you’ve tried to lose weight naturally, you probably hear about plenty of weight loss trends. One of the latest is forskolin. If you haven’t heard of it yet, you probably will. Its popularity has risen sharply in the past few years. Some scientific studies have been conducted, but results are mixed.
Is forskolin a promising supplement or just hype? Let’s break it down.
What is Forskolin, Anyway?
Foreskolin comes from a plant in the mint family called Coleus forskohlii. It’s long been known that peppermint can aid in weight loss. It has long been used in Ayurvedic medicine, and is said to improve general health and help with asthma. It is currently being studied for its potential role in treating cancer, glaucoma, and heart disease.
Proponents of forskolin for weight loss say that it helps create the enzymes lipase and adenosine, which help the body burn fat. Some sources say it increases the production of cyclic AMP, strengthening heart muscle.
Dr. Oz sang its praises in 2014, saying that it acts “like a furnace” to help the body burn fat. He added, however, that it does so in combination with exercise and a healthy diet.
Scientific Studies
One study on overweight men, published in Obesity Research, showed a loss of body fat, though not in overall weight. The men took 250 mg of 10% forskolin extract twice a day for twelve days. They also gained bone mass and testosterone. So, results looked positive. Keep in mind, however, the study sample included only 30 men. In another study, a small group of overweight women did not lose weight but also did not gain any.
It’s safe to say, more research is needed to draw strong conclusions. Since it’s still early in the process of studying this herb for modern use, some things remain unknown. Its safety is still being confirmed, and optimum doses need to be established. According to WebMD, it has caused negative side effects and it may interact with certain drugs.
Medical News Today points out, “while forskolin may raise fat burning capabilities, this is irrelevant without a nutritious diet and exercise to support the calorie deficit.” I have to echo this sentiment. As always, I advocate for an overall healthy lifestyle, which includes some supplements.
If you’re interested in trying forskolin, speak to your doctor. You might decide it’s worth trying in combination with other healthy choices.
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