Forskolin stimulates the production of cyclic AMP, which increases testosterone and the thyroid's secretion of T4. Boosted T4 increases fat burning, breaks down triglycerides, increases protein synthesis in skeletal muscle, and activates thermogenic brown adipose tissue (BAT). Various studies validate these effects.
ONE MIND-BLOWING FORSKOLIN STUDY
Scientists recruited 30 overweight subjects, 15 of which received 250 mg of 10% forskolin extract twice a day and 15 of which served as the placebo group. After 12 weeks, the forskolin group had the following results:
How Does Forskolin Do That?
The scientists noticed that forskolin increased levels of cAMP (cyclic adenosine monophosphate). cAMP is an interesting compound because it acts as a kind of chemical switch that turns all kinds of body cells on and off.
For instance, increased levels of cAMP can cause the Leydig cells of the testicles to produce more testosterone, which in itself can lead to additional lean body mass. Increased levels of cAMP can also lead to the increased production of hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL), which leads to the release of free fatty acids to be used as fuel by the body.
This same chemical also upregulates the thyroid, causing some researchers to compare forskolin's effectiveness with thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).
As far as the reduced blood pressure seen in the test subjects, forskolin has long been credited with having a vasodilatory effect, which in itself reduces blood pressure. After all, when the pipes are wider, it's easier for fluid to get through them, and the pump doesn't have to work as hard.
Does Forskolin Keep Working?
Most compounds that exhibit a fat-burning effect do so by initiating a chemical reaction through receptors – a chemical group or molecule that receives signals from other chemicals or other stimuli in general. In most cases, receptors generally get de-sensitized to the original signal. Eventually, the signal either fails to initiate a response, or you need a stronger and stronger signal to get through.
But this isn't the case with forskolin because it's a "post-receptor agent." That means the fat-burning response shouldn't diminish over time. It should be just as effective the last day you take it as it was the first.
Does It Work For Women?
It does. While it won't increase their testosterone (at least by any mechanism I can see), it will activate cAMP, which will stimulate the thyroid and increase the release of free fatty acids through increased production of the enzyme HSL.
Reference:
1. Godard MP, Johnson BA, Richmond SR. "Body composition and hormonal adaptations associated with forskolin consumption in overweight and obese men." Obes Res. 2005 Aug;13(8):1335-43.
ONE MIND-BLOWING FORSKOLIN STUDY
Scientists recruited 30 overweight subjects, 15 of which received 250 mg of 10% forskolin extract twice a day and 15 of which served as the placebo group. After 12 weeks, the forskolin group had the following results:
- Significantly elevated free testosterone levels (an increase of 16.77 +/- 33.77%, compared to -1.08 +/- 18.35% in the placebo group).
- Increased lean body mass.
- Increased metabolic rate.
- Significantly decreased body fat percentage and fat mass (as determined by DEXA).
- Lowered blood pressure.
How Does Forskolin Do That?
The scientists noticed that forskolin increased levels of cAMP (cyclic adenosine monophosphate). cAMP is an interesting compound because it acts as a kind of chemical switch that turns all kinds of body cells on and off.
For instance, increased levels of cAMP can cause the Leydig cells of the testicles to produce more testosterone, which in itself can lead to additional lean body mass. Increased levels of cAMP can also lead to the increased production of hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL), which leads to the release of free fatty acids to be used as fuel by the body.
This same chemical also upregulates the thyroid, causing some researchers to compare forskolin's effectiveness with thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).
As far as the reduced blood pressure seen in the test subjects, forskolin has long been credited with having a vasodilatory effect, which in itself reduces blood pressure. After all, when the pipes are wider, it's easier for fluid to get through them, and the pump doesn't have to work as hard.
Does Forskolin Keep Working?
Most compounds that exhibit a fat-burning effect do so by initiating a chemical reaction through receptors – a chemical group or molecule that receives signals from other chemicals or other stimuli in general. In most cases, receptors generally get de-sensitized to the original signal. Eventually, the signal either fails to initiate a response, or you need a stronger and stronger signal to get through.
But this isn't the case with forskolin because it's a "post-receptor agent." That means the fat-burning response shouldn't diminish over time. It should be just as effective the last day you take it as it was the first.
Does It Work For Women?
It does. While it won't increase their testosterone (at least by any mechanism I can see), it will activate cAMP, which will stimulate the thyroid and increase the release of free fatty acids through increased production of the enzyme HSL.
Reference:
1. Godard MP, Johnson BA, Richmond SR. "Body composition and hormonal adaptations associated with forskolin consumption in overweight and obese men." Obes Res. 2005 Aug;13(8):1335-43.