Coleus Forskohlii
Coleus forskohlii is a plant of the mint family from India and the source of forskolin, found in its root. It has a long history in Ayurvedic medicine.
Also listed as Forskolin, Coleonol, 7-Beta-acetoxy-8 13-epoxy-1-alpha 6-Beta 9-alpha-trihydroxy-labd-14-en-11-one, Coleus Forskohlii Extract
What it is studied for
The strongest rated effects first. Bars show the size of the effect, the letter grades the evidence, and each rating lists the studies behind it.
Why is forskolin studied for weight loss?
Forskolin from Coleus roots increases a cell-signaling molecule called cAMP, which can stimulate fat breakdown. This explains the research interest; releasing fat from cells is not itself evidence of lasting weight loss. 1
Why people take it
SuppCo community snapshot, 2026-09-28. Reasons for use are not evidence that it works.
Questions people ask
Is forskolin the same as the whole extract?
Forskolin is a constituent of the root extract. The newer trial tested an extract standardized to 10%, not pure forskolin. 2
Was the newer weight-loss study fully randomized?
It was described as quasi-randomized, which limits how confidently its positive findings can be generalized. 2
Were diet changes part of the 2015 trial?
Yes. Both groups followed a calorie-restricted diet, and both improved waist and hip measurements. 3
Sources
- Dietary Supplements for Weight Loss: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals NIH Office of Dietary Supplements
- A 12-week, double-blind, quasi-randomized, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Coleus forskohlii (Forcslim) on body weight loss Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 2026