Forskolin extract 20% | Coleus forskohlii

Forskolin extract 20% | Coleus forskohlii

Properties: Forskolin is a compound found exclusively in Indian nettle – a plant that has been used for millennia in traditional medical systems of Africa, India, and South America. The results of modern scientific studies clearly confirmed that forskolin is entirely responsible for the benefits of Coleus forskohlii extract administration. What are these benefits exactly?

The most visible effect is the reduction of body mass. This effect is a result of accelerated metabolism of lipid cells induced by forskolin. Under its influence they begin to transform resources into energy that eagerly feeds the organism’s demands. Researchers have proven that even after a few weeks of regular supplementation the body weight drops by 25%. 

The next benefit applies only to the male half of the population, but will definitely be noticed by both genders. This is, of course, the ability of forskolin to improve the male sexual performance and stimulate the libido. On one hand, this substance increases the functioning of the testicles, which leads to higher testosterone levels (which directly translates to stronger libido) and better semen quality. On the other hand, it dilates the blood vessels, which increases the blood flow into cavernous bodies. As a result, it becomes easier to reach and maintain full erection – even if pharmacological treatment fails. 

This last effect of forskolin has another, more general meaning. The dilation of blood vessels leads to a decrease of blood pressure. It is important, since the majority of society struggles with hypertension. Other common health problems relate to the heart and the liver. Indian nettle extract can be helpful in these conditions too. It improves the blood flow in coronary vessels, which deliver oxygen and nutrients to the heart, thereby improving its functioning and preventing its diseases. Forskolin supplementation benefits the liver as it upregulates the secretion of multiple enzymes crucial for maintaining its proper health. Moreover, it supports the process of organism detoxification.  

There are many more traditional applications of C.forskohlii extract. Not all of them have been proven scientifically, and some may never be. Quite likely not all of them will be related to the presence of forskolin. Nevertheless, what we have learned already is more than enough to confirm the uniqueness of Indian nettle. And it is due to forskolin.

Occurrence: Forskolin is a biologically active compound present in Indian nettle plants. Indian nettle (Plectranthus barbatus; synonym: Coleus forskohlii) is a perennial plant from the Lamiaceae family. It is related to peppermint, salvia, and melissa, however its fragrance resembles camphor a lot. Naturally, it grows in subtropical terrains, especially in Southeast Asia and South America. In contrast to other plants from the Lamiaceae family, the main herbal material is the root. 

In the traditional Indian medical system – Ayurveda – this nettle has been used for over 3000 years as a remedy to a cardiovascular system malfunction (such as heart failure, arterial hypertension) or digestive tract ailments. Ancient Sanskrit scriptures mention it as a tonic for the body, especially the heart and lungs. Indian nettle has been also used in folk medicine of Brazil or tropical Africa.

Biochemistry: Indian nettle contains numerous biologically active compounds, which include: forskolin, barbatusin, plectrin, crocetin, dialdehydes, organic acids (including rosmarinic and betulinic acids). Its properties stem mainly from forskolin found in the plant’s root. From a chemical point of view, it is an organic compound belonging to the group of diterpenes. It is well absorbed from the digestive tract. In the organism it increases the level of cAMP (cyclic adenosine monophosphate) – a nucleoside that is a signal transmitter in the cell. Thereby, it affects many biochemical reactions.

Fun fact: The Lamiaceae family also includes the Plectranthus glabratus plant. The popular name of this plant is “mosquito” because its strong smell effectively repels mosquitoes.