Forskolin

WHAT IS COLEUS FORSKOLII
Forskolin is an active ingredient from the herb Coleus Forskohlii. It is a compound being used now for fat burning as it has the ability to increase the release of heat from the body which requires additional calories to be burned. This means that it is an effective thermogenic compound. It is a herb that is quickly growing recognition in the supplement world for it's potent effects. Forskolin is a plant extract taken from the roots of the Coleus Forskohlii plant. It's use dates back several hundred years as a pickle or food spice in East Indian diets.

HOW DOES IT WORK?
Coleus has the unique ability to raise levels of the enzyme adenylate cyclase. This enzyme increases the conversion rate of ATP to cAMP in your body. Since cAMP is a key regulator of the metabolic rate and fat burning, your body can better utilize fatty acids for energy. In fact, it is so powerful, the government issued a patent on this product to the Sabinsa Corporation for use as an agent to increase the ratio of lean mass to fat tissue. 

When Coleus Forskohlii extract is combined with other nutrients specially aimed at fat burning, you can expect to lose a healthy 1-3 pounds of fat each and every week, until you reach your target weight. This being the aim of nearly every athlete embarking on a sound fat loss program. Coleus Forskohlii will also prevent the loss of lean muscle that is common during periods of weight loss.

Although the use of Forskolin as a method for promoting fat loss and gains in lean muscle has only recently been discovered, the early research is extremely promising. Not only does Forskolin speed up fat loss, it also helps to preserve (and even increase) lean muscle mass. The use of Forskolin for promoting fat loss while preserving lean muscle tissue is supported by a US Patent (# 5,804,596).

In one study, six overweight women were given forskolin extract twice daily for eight weeks. Participants were asked to maintain their normal diet and physical activity levels. Results showed that test subjects lost an average of 10 pounds without making significant changes to their diet or activity levels. Unlike stimulant-based supplements such as ephedrine, Forskolin caused no noticeable changes in heart rate and blood pressure or other commonly reported side effects (dry mouth, high blood pressure and nervousness). These of course are the major downfalls of such adrenalin producing chemicals that are now being superceded by more effective and safer compounds such as Forskolin.

In a study conducted by Dr. Richard Kreider, Forskolin was also shown to prevent the loss of lean muscle tissue that normally occurs on a low-calorie diet. According to Dr. Kreider, "... a thermogenic supplement containing coleus forskohlii can promote weight loss without the typical loss of muscle mass observed in weight loss studies."

Forskolin is suitable for anyone wanting to lose weight more quickly without the use of stimulants such as ephedrine or caffeine.

COMBINED WITH A GOOD THERMOGENIC COMPOUND
Coleus would make an excellent addition to any thermogenic based fat burning product. Aside from it's obvious fat burning benefits Coleus also lowers blood pressure while increasing the force at which your heart contracts - very positive cardiovascular beneifts. Obviously good to use when taking something like Ephedrine and caffeine which can often notably up the blood pressure - it may be possible to experience just as positive fat burning effects without these negative side effects.

COLEUS AND INSULIN PRODUCTION
There has been some research to show that coleus may also stimulate insulin production which will drive nutrients into muscle cells and is extremely important on zero carb diets where insulin secreation is suppressed. An addition of Alpha Lipoic Acid and D-Pinnitol would be extremely beneficial for this use in combined insulin management and restoration.

HOW MUCH AND HOW OFTEN SHOULD I USE COLEUS?
The studies to date show that Coleus Forskohlii extract (standardised to 20% Forskolin) is most effective at a dose of 100-150 milligrams per day.

Most effective doses of Coleus are standardized to around 20mg of FORSKOLII used upto three or four times a day, often combined with a thermogenic compound, with food or on an empty stomach.

Other non stimulant-based diet supplements, such as Guggulsterones can be combined with Forskolin to accelerate fat loss still further.