Evidence supporting the use of: Forskohlii root
For the health condition: Weight Loss
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Coleus forskohlii (now known as Plectranthus barbatus), and specifically its active compound forskolin, has been marketed for weight loss. The scientific basis for this use is modest and primarily stems from a handful of small clinical trials. Forskolin is thought to stimulate the enzyme adenylate cyclase, increasing levels of cyclic AMP (cAMP) in cells, which may enhance lipolysis (fat breakdown) and thermogenesis.
A few human studies have investigated forskolin’s effect on body composition. One randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in overweight and obese men found that 12 weeks of forskolin supplementation (250 mg of 10% forskolin extract twice daily) resulted in a significant decrease in body fat percentage, but not in total body weight compared to placebo. Another study in overweight women did not find significant effects on weight loss but noted a reduction in fatigue and appetite.
Overall, the evidence is limited by small sample sizes, short study durations, and sometimes conflicting results. Meta-analyses and systematic reviews generally conclude that forskolin may have a mild effect on body fat reduction, but not enough to recommend it as a reliable or primary weight loss intervention. Its use for weight loss has some scientific rationale, but robust clinical validation is lacking, justifying a moderate evidence rating.
Other ingredients used for Weight Loss
7-Keto-DHEAacetyl l-carnitine
akkermansia muciniphila
alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
apple
ashwagandha
black tea
chia seed
coleus forskohlii
conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)
forskohlii root
garcinia
glucomannan
guarana
hydroxycitric acid
inulin
l-leucine
matcha
medium chain triglycerides (MCT)
monkfruit
prune
quinoa
rye
saffron
sardines
black ginger
soybean
almond fruit
whey protein
jiaogulan
yerba mate
amaranth
millet seed
algae
kidney beans
cocoa
chickpea protein
brown rice protein
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)
1,3,7-Trimethylpurine-2,6-dione
3-desoxy-7-KETO-DHEA
Adrenergic amines
Ascophyllum nodosum
Adzuki bean
Algal protein
Animal protein
Beta-hydroxybutyrate
Beef Protein
Bean
BCAA
Cowpea
California chia
Cardarine
Capsinoids
chlorogenic acid
Capsiate
Chicken
Caralluma fimbriata
Cha de bugre
Diacylglycerol
Dihydrocapsiate
Deoxycholic acid
Egg
Evodiamine
Ecdysteroids
Ephedrine
Fish
Foxtail millet
Fucoxanthin
Forskolin
Garbanzo bean
Pistachio
Quinoa Protein
yohimbine
Other health conditions supported by forskohlii root
Allergies (respiratory)Angina
Asthma
Diabetes
Fat Metabolism (poor)
Heart (weakness)
Hypertension
Inflammation
Weight Loss