Fat loss and weight management support
May help reduce body fat and support weight loss efforts
Forskolin
Ayurvedic herb extract that may support weight loss, fat burning, and metabolic health through cAMP activation
Scientific nameColeus forskohlii
FormulaC22H34O7
Molecular weight410.5 g/mol
CAS66575-29-9
70
absorption score
6
safety / 10
40
USD per month
5
documented interactions
Check it against something
Forskolin with:
- Amylase
- Ashwagandha
- Avocado Oil
- BCAA (Branched-Chain Amino Acids)
- Beetroot Powder
- Beta-Alanine
- Bifidobacterium lactis
- Bifidobacterium longum
- Bovine Collagen
- Caffeine
- Calcium
- Calcium Bone Formula
- Calcium Carbonate
- Casein Protein
- Chicken Collagen
- Choline (Bitartrate)
- Chondroitin Sulfate
- Coconut Oil
- Collagen Peptides
- Comprehensive Immune Support Complex
- Comprehensive Multivitamin-Mineral Complex
- Creatine HCL
- Creatine Monohydrate
- D-Mannose
- DHA
- Electrolyte Blend
- EPA
- Fish Oil (EPA/DHA)
- Folate (5-MTHF)
- Ginger
- Green Tea Extract (EGCG)
- Iron Fumarate
- Iron Sulfate
- Joint Mobility Formula
- Keratin
- Krill Oil
- L-Carnitine
- L-Citrulline
- Lactase
- Lactobacillus acidophilus
- Lactobacillus rhamnosus
- Lipase
- Magnesium Citrate
- Magnesium Glycinate
- Magnesium Oxide
- Marine Collagen
- Melatonin
- Modafinil
- Olive Oil Extract
- Omega-3 + Curcumin + Vitamin D Triple Anti-Inflammatory Formula
- Papain
- Protease
- Saccharomyces boulardii
- Turmeric
- Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin)
- Vitamin B12 (Methylcobalamin)
- Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
- Vitamin C (Sodium Ascorbate)
- Vitamin D3
- Whey Protein
- Zinc Gluconate
Nothing found
75
out of 100
Works better together
Compatible. Timing differs, so follow each supplement's own window.
What it does
mechanism and evidence for each claimLean body mass preservation
May help preserve muscle mass during weight loss
Metabolic rate enhancement
May increase metabolic rate and energy expenditure
Thyroid function support
May support healthy thyroid hormone production
Cardiovascular health support
May support heart health and blood pressure
Others take these for the same thing
Same goal, different mechanism — check any of them against this one
Ashwagandha
Stress management & energy
300-600mg
A
75%
Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin)
Energy & nerve support
250-1000 mcg
A
70%
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
Heart health & cellular energy
100-200mg
A
10%
Phosphorus
Bone health & energy metabolism
700-1250mg
A
80%
Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide)
Energy & skin health (no flush)
100-1000 mg
A
88%
Berberine for Advanced Glucose Control and Metabolic Support
Blood sugar control & metabolic support
1500mg daily (500mg x3)
A
60%
Every pair we checked
12 combinations scored by the engine
Forskolin + Creatine Monohydrate
No documented interaction either way
No known interaction
70
Forskolin + Vitamin D3
No documented interaction either way
No known interaction
70
Forskolin + Calcium Carbonate
No documented interaction either way
No known interaction
70
Forskolin + Whey Protein
No documented interaction either way
No known interaction
70
Forskolin + Lactase
No documented interaction either way
No known interaction
70
Forskolin + Bovine Collagen
No documented interaction either way
No known interaction
70
Forskolin + DHA
No documented interaction either way
No known interaction
70
Forskolin + Turmeric
No documented interaction either way
No known interaction
70
Forskolin + Fish Oil (EPA/DHA)
No documented interaction either way
No known interaction
70
Forskolin + Green Tea Extract (EGCG)
Enhanced fat burning and metabolic benefits
Works better together
75
Forskolin + Caffeine
Enhanced thermogenesis and fat burning
Works better together
75
Forskolin + L-Carnitine
Enhanced fat oxidation and energy production
Works better together
75
Dosage
Daily125-500mg
Weight loss250-500mg daily
Metabolic support250-500mg daily
Cardiovascular support125-250mg daily
Body composition250-500mg daily
When to expect it
First Effects4-6 weeks for initial metabolic and weight effects
Peak Benefits12-16 weeks for sustained weight and body composition benefits
Deficiency DevelopmentReturn to baseline metabolism and weight
Toxicity OnsetRare, mainly cardiovascular effects
How to measure it
MarkerThyroid function, body composition, or metabolic markers
OptimalImproved metabolic markers and body composition
Deficient belowNot applicable for supplement
FrequencyMonitor thyroid and cardiovascular parameters if using long-term
What people actually reported to the FDA
CAERS, 17 reports naming it as the suspectMost reported effects
Named as the suspect
17 reports
of 17 that mention it at all
Serious outcome
83%
hospitalisation, emergency room or worse
Other Serious or Important Medical Event8
Hospitalization4
Visited Emergency Room4
Reports are voluntary and unverified — they record what someone experienced while taking something, not what the compound caused. Counts skew towards products people take a lot of, and a serious outcome is more likely to be reported than a mild one, so these are not rates. How we filter them →
What actually reaches you
The label counts the carrier, your body does not
Absorption
High 70 of 100 · absorbs well relative to other forms
Delivered daily
218.8 mg
Cost per 100 mg delivered
$0.61 comparative — uses the absorption score, not a measured percentage
Works better with
+
Green Tea Extract
Enhanced fat burning and metabolic benefits
Both support fat oxidation through different pathways · level C
+
Caffeine
Enhanced thermogenesis and fat burning
Both increase cAMP levels and metabolic rate · level C
+
L Carnitine
Enhanced fat oxidation and energy production
Carnitine transports fatty acids released by forskolin · level CWhat not to take with Forskolin
!
Beta Blockers
May counteract cardiovascular effects
Beta-blockers oppose some cAMP-mediated effects · moderate significance
!
High Calorie Diet
Excess calories may overwhelm fat-burning benefits
Caloric surplus reduces effectiveness of fat loss · major significanceMedication interactions
Discuss these with a pharmacist before combiningMay enhance blood pressure lowering effects
What to do: Monitor blood pressure closely
May enhance anticoagulant effects
What to do: Monitor bleeding parameters
May affect heart rate and rhythm
What to do: Consult cardiologist before use
Available forms
ForsLean (Standardized 10% Forskolin): Patented extract, Standardized, Research backed, Quality controlled
Standardized Forskolin Extract (20% Forskolin): Higher potency, Good standardization, More affordable, Widely available
Coleus Root Extract: Traditional form, Complete spectrum, Natural, Lower cost
Whole Coleus Root Powder: Natural form, Traditional use, Lowest cost, Complete plant
Food sources
Fresh coleus leaves
Traditional preparation, very low forskolin · 20
Forskolin extract supplements
125-500mg per capsule · 70-80
Coleus root tea
Traditional preparation, low potency · 25
Not found in common foods
Supplementation required for therapeutic doses · N/A
Too little
- Not essential - but symptoms addressed by forskolin:
- Slow metabolism and weight gain
- Difficulty losing fat and poor body composition
- Low energy and sluggish metabolism
- Poor thyroid function
- Cardiovascular issues
- Difficulty breaking weight loss plateaus
Too much
- Generally safe but potential concerns:
- Low blood pressure and dizziness
- Rapid heart rate and palpitations
- Possible increased bleeding
- Headaches with high doses
Who benefits most
weight-loss-fat-burning
May support fat loss and weight management efforts
250-500mg daily
body-composition-muscle-preservation
May help preserve lean mass during weight loss
250-500mg daily
slow-metabolism-thyroid
May support metabolic rate and thyroid function
250-500mg daily
cardiovascular-support
Traditional use for heart health support
125-250mg daily
plateau-weight-loss
May help break through weight loss plateaus
250-500mg dailyWhere to buy it
Look for Forskolin at 125-500mg per serving. The form that matters here is ForsLean (Standardized 10% Forskolin).
Find on Amazon
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
What else affects it
Beyond other supplements
!
High calorie diet
Excess calories may overwhelm fat-burning benefits
Caloric surplus reduces effectiveness of fat lossHow it works
- Activates adenylyl cyclase increasing intracellular cAMP levels
- cAMP activation stimulates hormone-sensitive lipase for fat breakdown
- May increase thyroid hormone production and release
- Enhances protein kinase A activity affecting metabolism
- Vasodilation effects may improve circulation
- May increase thermogenesis and energy expenditure
Key findings
what the evidence supports- Limited evidence for weight loss and fat burning
- Some promising studies on body composition
- Generally safe but cardiovascular effects need monitoring
- More research needed for definitive weight loss claims
Sources: NIH Examine.com · data reviewed 2026-08-02
Compiled by Denis, who maintains this database and holds no medical qualification — every figure here is sourced or derived, never asserted. How we calculate it →
Common questions
What are the benefits of Forskolin?
Documented effects: Fat loss and weight management support; Lean body mass preservation; Metabolic rate enhancement; Thyroid function support. May help reduce body fat and support weight loss efforts
How much Forskolin should you take per day?
The common daily range is 125-500mg. By goal — weight loss: 250-500mg daily; metabolic support: 250-500mg daily; cardiovascular support: 125-250mg daily; body composition: 250-500mg daily.
When is the best time to take Forskolin?
Morning with meals. First effects are typically reported within 4-6 weeks for initial metabolic and weight effects.
What are the side effects of Forskolin?
At excessive doses: Generally safe but potential concerns:, Low blood pressure and dizziness, Rapid heart rate and palpitations, Possible increased bleeding, Headaches with high doses. Safety rating at normal doses is 6 out of 10.
What should you not take with Forskolin?
Separate it from Beta Blockers, High Calorie Diet by two to four hours. May counteract cardiovascular effects
Does Forskolin interact with medications?
Documented interactions with blood-pressure-medications, blood-thinners, heart-medications. Discuss these with a pharmacist before combining.
How do you know if you need Forskolin?
The marker is Thyroid function, body composition, or metabolic markers, optimal range Improved metabolic markers and body composition. Common deficiency signs: Not essential - but symptoms addressed by forskolin:, Slow metabolism and weight gain, Difficulty losing fat and poor body composition, Low energy and sluggish metabolism.