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Fsk3.0

Forskolin Research

Too few graded studies

9 peer-reviewed studies

What the evidence says

Too few graded studies

Forskolin doesn't have enough studies with structured effect-size data yet to pool a verdict. Browse the studies below for individual findings.

Most evidence is from high-quality randomised trials published 2005–2026 with a typical study size of 23 participants.

Based on 9 studies · 8 RCTs · 23 total participants

Confidence

Moderate confidence

By outcome

Weight managementWeak/inconsistent — favorable body-composition change in one men's RCT, no fat loss in women · 8-12 weeks
Too few graded studies4 studies

Active research area

4 studies in the last 5 years

200520152026

1RCT2010

Huerta M, Urzúa Z, Trujillo X, González-Sánchez R, Trujillo-Hernández B · J Int Med Res (2010)

No plain-language summary recorded for this citation — open the paper to read its abstract.

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2RCT2006

González-Sánchez R, Trujillo X, Trujillo-Hernández B, Vásquez C, Huerta M, Elizalde A · J Int Med Res (2006)

No plain-language summary recorded for this citation — open the paper to read its abstract.

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3RCTCited 82×2005

Godard MP, Johnson BA, Richmond SR · Obes Res (2005)

No plain-language summary recorded for this citation — open the paper to read its abstract.

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4RCT2012

Vetrugno M, Uva MG, Russo V, Iester M, Ciancaglini M, Brusini P · J Ocul Pharmacol Ther (2012)

No plain-language summary recorded for this citation — open the paper to read its abstract.

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5RCT2026

In plain English: Forcslim demonstrated significant anti-obesity effects, including reductions in body weight, waist circumference, and improvements in the lipid profile.

Channangihalli Thimmegowda S, Hussain Mirza FH, Venkataraman R, Nagarajaiah RB. · Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition (2026)

Results Compared to the placebo group, the Forcslim group showed significant reductions in waist circumference (-1.83 cm; p < 0.01) and body weight (-1.93 kg; p < 0.001).
Significant improvements in anthropometric parameters were observed exclusively in the Forcslim group.
Furthermore, triglyceride (TG) levels were significantly reduced ( p < 0.01), while high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels showed a significant increase ( p = 0.001).

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6RCT2024

In plain English: This study suggests that forskolin can contribute potentially to improve chronic olfactory dysfunction post COVID-19.

Abdelazim MH, Alsenani F, Alnuhait M, Alshammari AS, Altemani AH, Althagafi EA, Waggas DS, Abdelazim AH, Alharbi A. · European archives of oto-rhino-laryngology : official journal of the European Federation of Oto-Rhino-Laryngological Societies (EUFOS) : affiliated with the German Society for Oto-Rhino-Laryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (2024)

Moreover, the discrimination and identification scores notably improved within the forskolin group.
Conversely, no significant alterations were observed in the threshold scores.
Conclusion This study suggests that forskolin can contribute potentially to improve chronic olfactory dysfunction post COVID-19.

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7Review2024

In plain English: This review consolidates preclinical and clinical studies, highlighting the potential of EGCG and forskolin as adjunctive or alternative treatments for retinal diseases.

Rusciano D. · Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) (2024)

Forskolin, a diterpene from Coleus forskohlii, increases cyclic AMP (cAMP) levels, which helps lower intraocular pressure (IOP) and provides neuroprotection.
Both compounds target critical pathways involved in retinal disease progression, including oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and inflammation, offering complementary therapeutic benefits.
This review consolidates preclinical and clinical studies, highlighting the potential of EGCG and forskolin as adjunctive or alternative treatments for retinal diseases.

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8RCTCited 50×n=23 · very small study2005

In plain English: A randomized study evaluated Coleus forskohlii supplementation on body composition.

Henderson S et al. · J Int Soc Sports Nutr (2005)

Mixed body-composition effects
Did not consistently produce fat loss

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9RCTCited 4×2021

In plain English: A randomized trial examined a forskolin-containing treatment in vitiligo (a non-weight use).

Diehl C et al. · Dermatol Ther (2021)

Forskolin-containing regimen helped repigmentation in vitiligo
A dermatological use, unrelated to weight loss
Shows cAMP-mediated activity

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View in Research Library

Forskolin Research

Too few graded studies

Forskolin compared with beclomethasone for prevention of asthma attacks: a single-blind clinical trial.

Forskolin versus sodium cromoglycate for prevention of asthma attacks: a single-blinded clinical trial.

Body composition and hormonal adaptations associated with forskolin consumption in overweight and obese men.

Oral administration of forskolin and rutin contributes to intraocular pressure control in primary open angle glaucoma patients under maximum tolerated medical therapy.

A 12-week, double-blind, quasi-randomized, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Coleus forskohlii (Forcslim) on body weight loss

Efficacy of forskolin as a promising therapy for chronic olfactory dysfunction post COVID-19

Health Benefits of Epigallocatechin Gallate and Forskolin with a Special Emphasis on Glaucoma and Other Retinal Diseases

Effects of coleus forskohlii supplementation on body composition and hematological profiles in mildly overweight women.

A new, innovative, and safe treatment in vitiligo: Results of a randomized, double-blinded, parallel-group study.