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Fsk3.0

Forskolin Research

Mostly mechanism / observational

8 peer-reviewed studies

What the evidence says

Mostly mechanism / observational

Most Forskolin studies are mechanism or observational rather than RCTs that measure a clinical effect — keep findings provisional.

Most evidence is from high-quality randomised trials published 2005–2024 with a typical study size of 285 participants.

Based on 8 studies · 7 RCTs · 308 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
Mostly mechanism / observational3 studies

Active research area

3 studies in the last 5 years

200520142024

1RCT2010

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

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2RCT2006

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

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3RCT2005

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

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4RCT2012

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

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5RCTn=285 · medium study2024

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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6Review2024

In plain English: Future research should explore the synergistic effects of these compounds, particularly in combination therapies aimed at addressing multiple pathogenic mechanisms in retinal health.

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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7RCTn=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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8RCT2021

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

Mostly mechanism / observational

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.

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.