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FORSKOLIN
Centuries Old Natural
'Ayurvedic'Medicine
Forskolin, a natural
extract, has been used for centuries
in traditional Ayurvedic medicine
in India. It is a smooth
muscle relaxant and anti-spasmodal
agent.
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FAQ's
1. How does Forskolin act?
Forskolin activates adenylate cyclase, an
enzyme, resulting in increase of "cyclic
adenosine monophosphate" (cAMP) in
cells. Cyclic AMP (pertaining to a class
of substances that are known as “second
messengers,”) is one of the most important
cell-regulating compounds and activates
many other enzymes that are involved in
diverse cellular functions. Though hormones
and neurotransmitters also activate adenylate
cyclase, forskolin appears to be able to
activate adenylate cyclase by itself. Thus,
forskolin can increase cyclic AMP without
the assistance of hormones or neurotransmitters.
2. What are the effects of Cyclic
AMP?
Increased cellular cyclic AMP results in
a range of physiological and biochemical
effects. They include inhibition of platelet
activation (resulting in decreased likelihood
of blood clots), reduced release of histamine
(resulting in decreased allergy symptoms),
increased force of contraction of the heart,
relaxation of the arteries and other smooth
muscles, increased thyroid function, and
increased lipolysis (fat burning).
A number of diseases are characterized,
in part, by decreased intracellular levels
of cyclic AMP. These include: asthma, eczema,
psoriasis, angina, obesity and hypertension.
In addition to its adenylyl cyclase-stimulating
actions, forskolin also appears to have
actions that are not due to this mechanism,
but are due to its ability to alter a number
of membrane transport proteins.
3. How does Forskolin affect Asthma
and Allergies?
Drugs used to treat asthma and allergies
inhibit the enzyme phosphodiesterase, which
breaks down cAMP. By inhibiting the enzyme,
these drugs increase Camp levels. Forskolin
supplementation is known to directly increase
cAMP Forskolin and therefore it can be used
by itself, or in addition to phosphodiesterase-inhibiting
drugs in the prevention and treatment of
these conditions.
Being an effective smooth muscle relaxer,
Forskolin, affects bronchodilation, decreases
airway resistance, increases vital capacity
and forced expiratory volume (important
indicators of pulmonary function).
Forskolin’s anti-spasmodic action
on various smooth muscles in the body makes
it useful to relieve intestinal colic, uterine
cramps, painful urination, angina and hypertension.
4. How does
Forskolin affect Cardiovascular health?
Forskolin has been traditionally used to
treat hypertension, congestive heart failure
and angina. Forskolin’s ability to
elevate cAMP levels are believed to lower
blood pressure while simultaneously increasing
contractility of the heart. This action
results in relaxation of the arteries and
increased force of contraction of the heart
muscle.
Studies
One study involved seven patients with dilated
cardiomyopathy—a particularly difficult
condition to treat. Forskolin administration
dramatically improved left ventricular function
and overall cardiovascular performance.
Forskolin also increases cerebral blood
flow, indicating that it may be beneficial
in cerebral vascular insufficiency and in
enhancing post-stroke recovery. The platelet
aggregation-inhibiting effects of forskolin
also add to its value in cardiovascular
disorders.
5. How does Forksolin
alleviate Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a cause of visual loss. It is
characterized by nerve damage (usually associated
with increased intraocular pressure), loss
of visual field, glare and sometimes pain.
It is one of the leading causes of blindness
in the elderly.
Studies have shown that topical application
of one percent forskolin eye drops resulted
in significant decrease in intraocular pressure
for up to five hours. The cAMP-elevating
effects of forskolin are believed to be
the cause of this significant improvement.
Since no commercial forskolin eye drops
have been developed yet, oral forskolin
appears to offer relief for sufferers of
glaucoma or intraocular hypertension. These
studies may indicate a major advancement
in treatment of this condition.
6. How does Forskolin
alleviate Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is characterized by a relative
decrease in cAMP compared to another second
messenger, cyclic guanine monophosphate
(cGMP). This imbalance results in a tremendous
increase in cell division. In psoriasis,
cells divide about 1,000 times faster than
normal. Forskolin helps to alleviate psoriasis
by normalizing the cAMP /cGMP ratio.
7. How does Forskolin help Depression?
Depression is believed to be due to an imbalance
of neurotransmitters in the brain —
most commonly either serotonergic (inhibitory)
or dopaminergic (stimulatory). The response
to various antidepressants depends on which
neurotransmitter system has deviated farthest
from the “norm.” If the serotonergic
neurotransmitters are most deficient, serotonin
precursors like 5-HTP or L-tryptophan, or
the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
(SSRI) like Paxil, Prozac, or Zoloft are
most likely to be of help. If the dopaminergic
(i.e., catecholamines like epinephrine or
noradrenaline) neurotransmitters are deficient,
catecholamine precursors like the amino
acids L-Phenylalanine or L-Tyrosine, or
monoamine oxidase inhibitors like GeroVital
(GH3) or Deprenyl are most likely to help.
Studies
German scientists have been working with
a different approach to elevating catecholamines,
using a class of drugs that stimulate both
the presynaptic as well as the postsynaptic
components of catecholamanergic transmission.
This novel approach uses a drug, rolipram,
which acts by increasing cAMP (an action
similar to that of forskolin), and inhibiting
phosphodiesterase. Although the researchers
stopped short of recommending forskolin
for the treatment of depression, they stated
that “elevated brain cAMP levels are
closely linked to antidepressant activity
in animal models of depression.”
8. How does Forskolin aid Weight
Loss?
In vitro studies show that forskolin stimulates
lipolysis (breaking down of fats) in fat
cells. Additionally, scientists at the Penn
State University College of Medicine have
found that many obese people have lower
than normal cAMP production. Based on these
findings and in vitro studies, scientists
theorized that forskolin might be an effective
weight loss agent, especially for those
with impaired cAMP production.
Studies
Six overweight women took 25 mg of forskolin
(250 mg capsules of 10% standardized forskolin
extract) twice daily for eight weeks. At
the end of the eight-week trial, the participants
lost a mean of ten pounds, and reduced their
percentage of body fat by nearly 8%. Blood
pressure levels also were lower during the
trial. These preliminary results indicate
that forskolin may be a safe, useful adjunct
to losing weight and maintaining normal
body composition.
9.
How does Forskolin affect Hypothyroidism?
Forskolin increases thyroid hormone production
and stimulates thyroid hormone release.
This mechanism of stimulating the thyroid
to enhance metabolism may be one way in
which forskolin promotes normal body weight.
Forskolin’s effects in normalizing
thyroid function may also contribute to
its antidepressant effects, as depression
is a common feature of hypothyroidism.
10. How does Forskolin affect Cancer
Metastases?
Scientists at Brown University confirmed
that forskolin is a potent inhibitor of
platelet aggregation, as well as being a
potent inhibitor of tumor colonization in
mice. They suggested that forskolin could
find a place in the prevention of tumor
metastases.
11.
How does Forskolin affect Immune Enhancement?
Forskolin also exhibits potent immune system
enhancement by activating macrophages and
lymphocytes.
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