Forskolin
Research reviewed: Up until 03/2026
Forskolin (Coleus forskohlii extract (Labdane diterpene)) is a dietary supplement with 7 published peer-reviewed studies involving 680 participants, researched for Body Composition, Testosterone Support, Cardiovascular Health and 1 more areas.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Body Composition
ModerateTestosterone Support
ModerateCardiovascular Health
ModerateIntraocular Pressure
StrongResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
Body Composition
To evaluate Coleus forskohlii (forskolin) supplementation on body composition in overweight men.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To evaluate Coleus forskohlii (forskolin) supplementation on body composition in overweight men.
Dose
250 mg/day Coleus forskohlii extract (10% forskolin)
Participants
30 overweight to obese men
Duration
12 weeks
Results
Forskolin significantly decreased body fat percentage (-4.3% vs +0.1% placebo) and increased lean body mass. Bone density also improved. The cAMP-mediated lipolysis mechanism is proposed as the primary mechanism.
How They Measured It
DXA body composition (fat mass, lean mass), BMI
To assess Coleus forskohlii supplementation for prevention of weight gain in overweight women.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To assess Coleus forskohlii supplementation for prevention of weight gain in overweight women.
Dose
250 mg/day Coleus forskohlii extract (10% forskolin)
Participants
23 overweight women
Duration
12 weeks
Results
Coleus forskohlii prevented weight gain in overweight women and reduced metabolic rate decline associated with hypocaloric dieting. Lipid profiles did not change significantly.
How They Measured It
Body weight, body fat, metabolic rate, lipid panel
Testosterone Support
To evaluate the effect of forskolin on serum testosterone in men.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To evaluate the effect of forskolin on serum testosterone in men.
Dose
500 mg/day Coleus forskohlii (10% forskolin)
Participants
30 healthy men
Duration
8 weeks
Results
Forskolin supplementation significantly increased serum testosterone levels by 33% compared to placebo. LH levels were also elevated, suggesting stimulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis via cAMP.
How They Measured It
Serum total and free testosterone, LH, FSH
Cardiovascular Health
To assess forskolin on cardiac function and blood pressure in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy.
Study Type
Randomised, controlled trial
Purpose
To assess forskolin on cardiac function and blood pressure in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy.
Dose
Intravenous forskolin at low and high doses
Participants
20 patients with dilated cardiomyopathy
Duration
Acute administration
Results
Intravenous forskolin dose-dependently increased cardiac output and LVEF while reducing systemic vascular resistance. The positive inotropic effect via cAMP was confirmed in patients with impaired cardiac function.
How They Measured It
LVEF, stroke volume, systemic vascular resistance, blood pressure
To investigate the vasodilatory and hypotensive mechanisms of forskolin.
Study Type
Animal study
Purpose
To investigate the vasodilatory and hypotensive mechanisms of forskolin.
Dose
1 mg/kg IV forskolin
Participants
Sprague-Dawley rats
Duration
Acute
Results
Forskolin produced dose-dependent vasodilation and blood pressure reduction via adenylate cyclase-stimulated cAMP elevation in vascular smooth muscle. The mechanism is distinct from nitric oxide pathways.
How They Measured It
Vascular tone assays, blood pressure monitoring, cAMP levels in vascular tissue
Intraocular Pressure
To assess topical and oral forskolin supplementation on intraocular pressure in glaucoma patients.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To assess topical and oral forskolin supplementation on intraocular pressure in glaucoma patients.
Dose
10 mg oral Coleus forskohlii extract twice daily
Participants
50 patients with primary open-angle glaucoma
Duration
12 months
Results
Forskolin supplementation significantly reduced intraocular pressure compared to placebo. As an adjunct to standard glaucoma therapy, it produced additional 10-15% reductions in IOP beyond medication effects.
How They Measured It
Intraocular pressure (Goldmann applanation tonometry)
To evaluate the effect of combined oral supplements including forskolin on IOP in ocular hypertension.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, controlled
Purpose
To evaluate the effect of combined oral supplements including forskolin on IOP in ocular hypertension.
Dose
Forskolin 15 mg in combination with other nutrients
Participants
66 patients with ocular hypertension
Duration
12 months
Results
The forskolin-containing supplement significantly reduced mean IOP by 2.87 mmHg versus control and maintained visual field scores. The combination approach was well tolerated.
How They Measured It
IOP, visual field testing, optic nerve imaging
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Forskolin research
There are currently 8 peer-reviewed studies on Forskolin (Coleus forskohlii extract (Labdane diterpene)), involving 680 total participants. Research covers Body composition, Testosterone support, Cardiovascular health and 1 more areas. The overall evidence strength is rated as Very Strong.
The evidence is currently rated as "Very Strong Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (6 human studies, 1 animal study), and reported outcomes.
Forskolin has been researched for: Body composition, Testosterone support, Cardiovascular health, Intraocular pressure. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 6 out of 8 studies are human trials. The remaining 1 is an animal study. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
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