Coleus forskohlii is a plant that grows in the mountains of Asia and is frequently used in Ayurvedic medicine (i.e. a particular school of alternative medicine of Indian origin). In addition to being effective in weight control, it also has several other health benefits. For instance, it is known to have a hypotensive effect and to promote muscle relaxation (therefore also to be taken into account for improving post-workout recovery). The active substance in coleus forskohlii is known as forskohline.

Function

Forskohline acts on the thyroid gland (which, to be briefly recalled, is the gland responsible for producing the hormones T3 and T4) by an indirect mechanism. More specifically, it activates the enzyme adenylate cyclase, which in turn promotes the activity of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). Finally, it is cAMP that acts on the thyroid gland, which, as a result of this stimulus, increases the production of tri-iodo-thyronine and thyroxine, which then trigger the metabolic acceleration process. 

Negative notes

Coleus forskohlii and forskohlina have no side effects.

Form and dosage

Forskohlina products are mainly found in tablet form, but soluble powder products are also available. As far as dosage is concerned, the dose that is most often used is between 100mg/day and 300mg/day, divided into two or three administrations, each between 50 and 100mg. Some research, however, such as that of Godard (2005), shows a significant improvement in body composition even with a dose of only 50mg/day, in two daily doses of 25mg each.