Honestly, I had little info on the weight loss effects of Forskolin before I learned about it from one of the episodes of “The Dr. Oz Show.”
Recently, I did a lot of research to find all the pros and cons of this belly fat reduction supplement that is becoming very popular.
I have thoroughly gone through many forskolin reviews and available research studies.
Obesity is becoming a widespread issue, which is probably why new weight loss products like the forskolin diet keep coming to market.
Most overweight and obese men and women have a preference for natural weight loss supplements over synthetic pills. This is why pure and natural Forskolin decoction enjoys good demand and generating much interest and attention from all quarters.
We all have the same question, “Is this weight loss solution going to reduce belly fat, as ‘Dr. Oz Show’ claims?” Can this ‘slim and trim” fuel live up to the expectations?
Can this “slim and trim” fuel live up to the expectations?
Here are the facts I could gather on this new entrant into the weight loss world.
What is Forskolin Extract?
Forskolin is an organic chemical that can be extracted from the roots of the herbal plant Plectranthus barbatus. As for generic classification, it is part of the “mint” family of plants.
It belongs to the coleus family; this plant is found in different subspecies in the Indian subcontinent, East Africa, and South America.
Since ancient times, this has been widely used in herbal medicines for treating a wide array of common diseases. Because of its excellent medicinal efficacy, it was considered a sacred plant in ancient India.
Since the 1980s, several academic and scientific studies have been conducted on Plectranthus barbatus plant extracts to determine their ability to burn belly fat.
Some research has proven the effectiveness of forskolin in shedding body fat mass to some extent. A few studies also did not find any significant weight loss results with it.
From ancient times, Indian coleus has been used to treat various diseases in the well-known Indian Ayurvedic medicine stream.
This Coleus plant extract has shown positive effects against various conditions such as asthma, glaucoma, hypertension, cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. In Ayurveda, it is used as an excellent remedy for fighting obesity.
Forskolin And Weight Loss
Several Forskolin reviews are out there vouching for magical weight loss results. Do not take all those claims for granted.
One of the most effective weight loss effects of Forskolin discovered by researchers is its ability to burn fat deposits in animal and human cells.
This extract makes it possible for fatty acids to be released from adipose tissue. This boosts thermogenesis, which speeds up the burning of fat stored in fat cells.
All preliminary studies also demonstrated its ability to burn fat while preserving lean muscle. It was a promising discovery that prompted much more experimental research into Forskolin’s healthy natural weight loss potential. Apparently, forskolin appears to work for weight loss.
The subsequent studies by different groups identified that the Forskolin diet increases cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) compound levels in the cells, which promotes an active form of hormone-sensitive lipase in the body cells. It leads to the natural release of fat from the fat cells to be burned off to meet the body’s energy needs.
This coleonol (Plectranthus barbatus) extract has the unusual ability to communicate with the neurons that control cellular activity through the adenylate cyclase enzyme, which increases the levels of cAMP compounds that regulate the body cells.
If the cAMP level is raised to optimal levels, it will have several positive health benefits. It will help reduce the chances of a blood clot in cells, minimize allergic reactions, and improve the thyroid’s functioning to increase lipolysis (burning fat).
One of the primary reasons for obesity is decreased cAMP levels in the cells. Our body can fight obesity successfully by increasing the cAMP that compels adipocyte tissues to release fat quickly. Forskolin, used as a diet supplement, is considered suitable for fat reduction because of its ability to increase the levels of the cAMP compound in fat cells.
Scientific Evidence
What conclusions do the research studies and reviews on Forskolin weight loss effects reach?
An excellent natural fat burner should effectively burn the stored fat without inflicting any loss or disintegration of lean muscle or bone mass. Most fat-burning substances fail to live up to this standard.
Recently, a few studies were done on Forskolin to find out how well it helps you lose weight.
A study conducted at the University of Kansas by the Department of Health in 2005 came out with the most relevant findings on Plectranthus barbatus. This study carefully examined the effect of this herbal extract on body composition, testosterone, metabolic rate, and blood pressure in overweight and obese individuals.
According to some research, it may increase the cellular concentrations of cyclic AMP leading to a net increase in hepatic glucose production.
It was found that in the process of weight loss efforts with diet supplements, the lean muscles can be protected by maintaining the presence of the testosterone steroid hormone at an optimal level.
Taking a leaf out of this study’s results, Dr. Oz empathized with the ability of Forskolin to help in shedding belly fat without losing lean muscle. It may promote weight loss to some extent.
The study also claimed the positive outcomes of this supplement in increasing bone mass.
The forskolin diet is a boon, especially for women who suffer from weight gain and osteoporosis after menopause.
According to the study’s results, taking a 250-mg forskolin dietary supplement twice a day will help a person keep their lean muscles and increase bone mass while they gradually lose body fat.
The experimental study conducted by the University of Kansas consisted of 30 obese men. For 12 weeks, 15 of them were given a placebo, while the other 15 took the forskolin diet supplement.
It was a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial study, a high standard accepted for all good clinical research.
None of the participants were told which group they belonged to avoid the natural psychological influence on weight loss results.
The study’s weight loss result with the Forskolin diet supplement was very positive and encouraging.
The 15 men on supplements showed a significant weight reduction, with body muscle mass remaining intact or enhanced in some cases. The increase in bone mass was noticed at varying levels.
Another study on Coleus Forskohlii, conducted by a team of researchers for the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition in 2005, was done in a double-blind and randomized manner. In this study, 23 females supplemented their diet with ForsLean.
The results from this study on Coleus Forskohlii did not show any significant weight loss results. Some women in the group experienced weight gain rather than shedding pounds. There were no clinical side effects with supplements, either.
Contradictory Facts
Curiously enough, some Forskolin reviews disagree with its weight loss benefits.
I have gone through several reviews and customer feedback on this natural supplement.
There are mixed claims about the benefits of this diet pill.
One of the customers said, “I have taken Forskolin for three months (3 bottles) and have not lost an ounce.”
Another user, Lindsey Coleman, said, “This is an absolutely useless diet pill that does not work.” I had this pill for 60 days, but I haven’t lost the weight I wanted to. “I hardly lost 4 pounds in 2 months, which is probably because of the modified food plan I had followed.”
I have also found a few customer feedbacks supportive of the official claims made on this diet supplement.
One said, “I’m experiencing a solid energy boost after having this pill.”
Others have reported a slight reduction in appetite and fewer food cravings after taking this pill.
Many of the forskolin reviews that attest to its efficacy appear to be sales promotional materials promoted by vested interest groups.
Weight loss supplements can support a calorie deficit by:
- Significant appetite suppression
- Reduced uptake of sugar and bad fats
- Increased fat-burning or metabolic rate
According to studies or research reviews, Forskolin does not produce any significant impact on any of these things.
Health Benefits Of Forskolin
Coleus forskohlii is indeed like a magical plant, as it has so many medicinal qualities attributed to it.
A pure extract of Forskolin has several health benefits. As we said before, Plectranthus barbatus is a natural remedy for several ailments in Indian and East African herbal treatments.
Just recently, only this plant extract gained popularity as a belly fat burner.
Regarding the weight-loss effects, the value of the herbal plant extract lies in its ability to stimulate the activities of the enzyme adenylate cyclase. This enzyme is required to produce cAMP compounds, which aid in rapidly releasing and burning stubbornly stored fats in body cells.
Research suggests that Forskolin works to trim body weight through fat loss.
Some other studies and reviews proved the efficiency of this diet supplement in curing asthma attacks and glaucoma.
Some studies have also shown that Forskolin increases testosterone levels, which helps in muscle development and sexual libido enhancement. However, these findings have yet to get any scientific backing.
Most effective herbal medicines used for hypothyroidism treatments contain Forskolin extract as a prominent ingredient.
The natural extract is taken orally as a supplement to improve the memory and reasoning abilities of the individual.
“When taken by mouth, forskolin is also used to treat allergies, skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, obesity, painful menstrual periods, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), urinary tract infections (UTI), bladder infections, advanced cancer, blood clots, sexual problems in men, trouble sleeping (insomnia), and convulsions.”
Side Effects
What are the possible side effects of forskolin extract for weight loss?
The FDA banned many diet pills in the past for their dangerous side effects.
None of the clinical trials on this supplement detected any Forskolin side effects. None of the users has complained of any adverse effects so far.
It is used for centuries in various flok medicines; mainly used to promote fat burning and men took it to raise testosterone levels
But, just like with any other supplement, some people might feel a little uneasy when they first start taking it.
Minor and isolated cases of forskolin-related adverse effects have included a rapid or irregular heartbeat rate and bowel discomfort.
This supplement is not recommended for patients with polycystic kidney disease.
Every diet pill should be avoided by a pregnant or nursing woman. You should not take this supplement without consulting your physician if you are taking regular medication.
All may not like the smell and taste of Coleus forskohlii extract, which is bitter and slightly pungent in raw form.
There is hardly any reason we should be worried about side effects, as Coleus forskohlii extract has been used for centuries as a primary ingredient in several herbal remedies. If there were any serious adverse effects, they would have come to light by now.
Avoid taking forskolin if you face any potential health issues after consuming the first few doses.
How To Use It Effectively?
The recommended dosage is at most 60 mg of pure forskolin extract per day, or one 125 mg pill twice daily before meals.
All standard supplement dosages contain 20 percent pure extract (50 mg of pure forskolin in a 250 milligrams pill). An overdose could have adverse effects on health.
It is also suggested that the individual drink at least eight glasses of water per day.
Suppose you are looking for excellent results with this supplement. In that case, combine it with low-carb diets and sufficient physical exercise (30 minutes of aerobic exercise daily is an excellent option for a woman).
Remember that all fat-burning supplements are only extra boosters to aid in weight loss, along with a balanced diet and regular exercise.
Where Can I Buy Pure Forskolin Diet Pill?
You can buy pure, natural Forskolin dietary pills or capsules online.
You must be very careful about purchasing this supplement online or over the counter.
Be cautious while ordering it online. As natural diet supplements become more popular, many bogus companies begin to sell substandard products that will not help you achieve the promised results. Beware of the fake and duplicate products sold online.
A customer may also miss out on the pure natural Forskolin supplement if she seeks a lower-cost brand.
Should You Use Forskolin?
Most of the reviews and customer feedback are not in support of the lofty claims made about this diet supplement.
Forskolin may bring added health benefits for women who suffer from weight gain and osteoporosis after menopause. But this is not fully substantiated by any reliable studies.
This diet pill is very promising because it protects lean muscle mass and aids in the removal of excess fat from body cells. Most other diet pills also remove fat and build lean muscles.
Besides making you shed fat, it can also give you other health benefits, as discussed above.
With this weight loss supplement, only a few people lost enough weight to be happy, and many others wanted more.
More scientific research and clinical trials are needed to ensure this product’s suitability as an effective belly fat burner.
It is more of a chance to try this product for 60 days to see its effects than to have 100% guaranteed results. You can’t rely 100% on any diet pill.
Forskolin supplementation can be effective for weight management when used along with a healthy diet and exercise program.
The only hope is that, as it has worked for many, it might also work for you.
Again, you must follow a healthy diet and sufficient physical exercise (at least 30 minutes of active jogging or aerobic dance exercises) along with this supplement to achieve the best results.
You should give up some foods and drinks like soda, high-calorie diets, polyunsaturated fats, etc., to start your weight loss mission with Forskolin supplements on the right footing.
Being a proven natural remedy, you need not worry about this product’s side effects.
It would help if you also considered the weight-loss supplement from a long-term diet plan perspective rather than wanting to see fast weight-loss results.