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
Do people actually lose weight?
NIH’s review of earlier short trials found no effect on body weight. A 2026 study in 60 overweight adults reported improved weight and waist measurements after 12 weeks. It used quasi-randomized allocation and included manufacturer-employed authors. This positive result keeps the question open, but needs independent confirmation in a larger, rigorously randomized trial. 1 2
Earlier trials were unconvincing; a small 2026 quasi-randomized trial reported a benefit. 1 2
A separate clue about insulin
In a 2015 trial, 30 adults completed 12 weeks of extract or placebo while both groups followed a calorie-restricted diet. Insulin and insulin-resistance measures favored the extract. Waist and hip measurements improved in both groups, making it important to separate the diet’s effects from the supplement’s. These findings do not establish treatment for diabetes. 3
A small trial with calorie restriction found favorable insulin measures. 3
Effects by health goal
Open an effect to see the studies behind its rating. Bars show the size of the effect; the letter grades the evidence.
Organ Function1 effect
No study is linked to this rating.
Weight Management2 effects
No study is linked to this rating.
No study is linked to this rating.
Cardiovascular1 effect
No study is linked to this rating.
Gut Health1 effect
No study is linked to this rating.
Stress & Mood1 effect
No study is linked to this rating.
Energy1 effect
No study is linked to this rating.
Hair & Skin1 effect
No study is linked to this rating.
Other effects1 effect
No study is linked to this rating.
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