What Is Forskolin?
If you’re into working out, you may have heard of a supplement called Forskolin. The supplement is derived from a plant, Soleus forskohlii, that has been used for a very long time in the treatment of conditions related to the heart. It has a history of being used in traditional medicines as a way to treat asthma, to treat high blood pressure, and to treat angina, or chest pain.
Forskolin is used in modern medicine, as well. In fact, it’s used to treat a range of different conditions, from allergies to psoriasis and eczema, irritable bowel syndrome, sexual dysfunction in males and more.
Under the most severe conditions, this might be delivered intravenously as a treatment for heart failure. The powdered form of Forskolin is inhaled to treat asthma.
Method of Action
Forskolin does have known effects on the circulatory system. It causes the blood vessels to get wider, which can contribute to lowering blood pressure. It is also known to increase the power of the heartbeat.
Use as a Supplement
The use of Forskolin as a supplement has largely concentrated on weight loss and increasing lean body mass. This has made it particularly popular with bodybuilders and with people who are looking to shed a few pounds.
There have been scientific studies done that have backed up these claims regarding Forskolin. According to one published by the National institutes of Health, a 12 week study using 250 mg of 10% Forskolin extract, taken twice daily, was observed to have positive alterations on body composition, to increase bone mass and to increase free testosterone in obese males. According to the results of the study, the substance does have positive potential for managing obesity.
The increase in lean body mass and bone density, of course, are things that bodybuilders and other athletes will generally be very interested in.
Publicity
Forskolin appeared on the Dr. Oz show where he endorsed it as a potentially very useful weight loss product. It has also gotten a lot of publicity all over the Internet, as herbal supplement makers have started to offer it as a product aimed at those who are looking for something to help them burn fat.
The publicity surrounding the supplement has centered on the potential for this particular substance to burn fat without destroying muscle, allowing people to get rid of stubborn fat deposits, particularly around the belly. It is also been advertised as a way to clear up the skin.
If you’re interested in trying out the supplement, make sure you find a source for high quality extracts and be certain that any supplements to buy are pure and not full of fillers.
http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-1044-forskolin.aspx?activeingredientid=1044&activeingredientname=forskolin
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16129715
http://www.doctoroz.com/slideshow/dr-oz-s-rapid-belly-melt-plan
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