SupplementsHerbs & MushroomsForslean
Forslean
Coleus forskohlii extract, a source of forskolin
A root from the mint family that made headlines for fat loss. A few small studies are interesting, and that's about as far as the evidence goes so far.
- Builds up
- About 12 weeks
- In your body
- Not well known
- Per 1 capsule
- 500 mg
- 30-day supply
- $13.80One capsule a day, plus packing and delivery
What is forslean?
Coleus forskohlii is a plant in the mint family that grows in India, Nepal and Thailand, and its root has a long history in traditional Indian practice. The compound people care about is forskolin.
Forskolin raises a messenger inside your cells called cyclic AMP, or cAMP. In the lab that can help release stored fat, which is the reason it became a weight loss supplement. A lab effect doesn't always carry over to a whole person.
Forslean is a branded extract standardized to 10% forskolin. Each of our capsules has 500 mg, so about 50 mg of forskolin. The best-known study in men used 250 mg of this strength twice a day, the same 500 mg in total.
What it does
- Body compositionStudied for lean mass and body fat, in small trials.
- MetabolismForskolin raises cAMP, a messenger involved in using stored energy.
- Traditional useColeus root has a long history in traditional Indian practice.
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
What people take it for
Early daysBody composition in menIn about 30 overweight men over 12 weeks, it lowered body fat compared with a dummy capsule, without changing body weight.
MixedWeight in womenA small study in women didn't find real fat loss, though it may have helped stop weight gain.
Early daysTestosteroneFree testosterone rose in that one study of men. It hasn't been confirmed by much else.
How long it takes
The main studies measured body composition after 12 weeks. Don't judge it on the first couple of weeks, and don't judge it by the scale alone.
- First weeksLoose stools can show up early, the most common complaint
- About 12 weeksWhere studies measured body fat and lean mass
- After thatNot well studied, so check in with your doctor if you stay on it
How long it stays in your body
We couldn't find a solid human number for forskolin taken by mouth. Its effects inside cells are thought to be short-lived, and studies focus on months of daily use.
What's in a capsule
One capsule holds 500 mg of Forslean, standardized to 10% forskolin, so about 50 mg. The main study in men used 250 mg twice a day of this strength, the same daily amount.
Why the scale may not be the right test
The best-known study followed about 30 overweight men for 12 weeks. Those taking Forslean lost body fat and kept more lean mass than those on a dummy capsule, while their total weight stayed about the same. Their free testosterone rose too. It's interesting, but it's only one small study.
A similar study in women was less exciting. It didn't find meaningful fat loss, though it hinted the extract might slow weight gain. A newer 12-week study of a different coleus extract reported weight and waist improvements, and more work like it is needed before anyone can make a firm claim.
If you try it, measure more than your weight. Waist size, a body composition scan and your strength in the gym tell you more. Forskolin can also relax blood vessels and lower blood pressure, so people on heart medicines need to take that seriously and talk to their doctor first.
What it interacts with
- Blood pressure and heart medicinesForskolin can relax blood vessels and lower blood pressure, which could add to these medicines. Talk to your doctor first.
- Blood thinners and aspirinIt may slow clotting, which could add to bleeding risk. Ask first, and mention it before surgery.
- Diabetes medicinesEffects on blood sugar aren't clear. Ask first and watch your numbers.
- Any regular medicineThe label says to consult a healthcare professional if you take medication.
Goes well with
- CreatineBetter evidence for keeping lean mass and strength.
- CarnitineOften chosen by people focused on training and body composition.
- Soothing Fiber FormulaFiber helps with fullness, which matters for weight goals.
Side effects
- Loose stools and more frequent bowel movements are the most common.
- Lower blood pressure, which may feel like dizziness.
- A faster heartbeat has been reported with forskolin.
Check first if
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding: consult your healthcare professional first. It's best avoided.
- Low blood pressure or heart problems: talk to your doctor first.
- Polycystic kidney disease: forskolin may be a problem, so avoid it unless your doctor says otherwise.
- Stomach ulcers: forskolin may raise stomach acid, so ask first.
- Surgery coming up: tell your care team and stop in good time.
The blood tests that go with it
- Free testosteroneRose in the main study of men.
- Total testosteroneRead alongside free testosterone.
- Heart rateForskolin can raise it in some people.
- TriglyceridesA fat in your blood, often tracked with weight goals.
- HDL cholesterolRose in a newer coleus study.
- PlateletsPart of your clotting picture, useful if you bruise easily.
Work it out
Supplementation
Or start from a ready-made protocol.
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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Want it more precise? Get the app.
A page can only tell you about Forslean. The app tells you about you: whether it fits, when to take it, and whether it's working.
- Checked against your blood work and everything you already take
- On your daily timeline, around your sleep, training and meals
- Followed over time, so you can see what moved
ForsleanOPEN 09:00Forslean against your blood work, your sleep and what you already take.
AIYour weight hasn't moved, but your waist is down 3 cm in 12 weeks. That's the number that counts here.
ASK ABOUT FORSLEANFind the goal that's yours.
Your record, your routine and LifeFrom AI, pointed at the outcome that matters to you.
Questions
What is Forslean?
A branded extract of Coleus forskohlii root, standardized to 10% forskolin. It's the same type of extract used in the main studies.
Does forskolin burn fat?
It may help a little. A small study in overweight men found less body fat and more lean mass over 12 weeks. A study in women was less convincing.
How long does Forslean take to work?
The main studies measured results at 12 weeks. It's better to judge by waist size and body composition than the scale.
What are the side effects?
Loose stools are the most common. It can also lower blood pressure and sometimes raise heart rate.
What does it interact with?
Blood pressure and heart medicines and blood thinners are the main ones. Ask first if you take any medicine.
Who should not take it?
Ask first if you're pregnant, nursing, or have low blood pressure, heart problems, stomach ulcers or polycystic kidney disease.
Does forskolin raise testosterone?
Free testosterone rose in one small study of men. That's not enough to buy it for that reason.
Is it safe long term?
We don't know. Studies mostly stop at 12 weeks, so check with your doctor if you want to stay on it.
Sources
- Godard MP et al. Body composition and hormonal adaptations associated with forskolin consumption in overweight and obese men. Obes Res, 2005.
- Henderson S et al. Effects of Coleus forskohlii supplementation on body composition in mildly overweight women. J Int Soc Sports Nutr, 2005.
- Channangihalli Thimmegowda S et al. A 12-week study of a Coleus forskohlii extract. J Int Soc Sports Nutr, 2026.
Written by LifeFrom from these sources, and not yet reviewed by a clinician. Talk to your doctor before starting a supplement.
