Forskolin (Coleus forskohlii) is the only known supplement to naturally boost cAMP (Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate) in your brain. cAMP is important for neural signaling within brain cells.
As a secondary messenger in neurons, cAMP produces proteins needed for neuron and synapse growth. This process is called Long-Term Potentiation (LTP).
LTP is the process where synaptic connections get stronger in response to electrical stimulation in the brain. This process happens naturally through life experience. It’s a critical part of synaptic plasticity. And how experience is recorded through learning and memory.
Forskolin is a chemical compound extracted from Coleus forskohlii (Plectranthus barbatus), a perennial plant native to India, Burma and Thailand.
Forskolin is used in Western homeopathic medicine to treat allergies, skin conditions, obesity, PMS, irritable bower syndrome, urinary tract infections, bladder infections, cancer, blood clots, male infertility, insomnia and convulsions.
Some healthcare providers even use Forskolin intravenously (IV) for heart failure.
Here we’re going to explore how Forskolin benefits your brain.
Forskolin helps:
- Neural signaling: Forskolin activates the enzyme adenylate cyclase which increases cAMP (Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate) levels in brain cells. cAMP is a signal carrier required for intracellular communication. Increasing cAMP levels helps boost cognition, long-term memory, and alertness.
- Cerebral Circulation: Forskolin works as a vasodilator which increases blood flow in your brain. Improved blood flow increases nutrient and oxygen delivery to brain cells.
- Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF): Forskolin stimulates the TRKb receptor which helps potentiate BDNF. Both cAMP and BDNF can activate mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK/ERK) which plays a role in long-term potentiation (LTP).[ii] LTP helps create long-term memory.
Table of Contents
Overview
Forskolin is a chemical compound found in the Coleus forskohlii plant, a member of the mint family which grows as a perennial on the plains of India and lower Himalayas.
Coleus forskohlii was used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine to improve mood and for general health and wellness. As folk medicine, the herb was used to treat central nervous system disorders, problems of the heart, lung function, skin and gastrointestinal issues.
Researchers and holistic medical practitioners use the extract Forskolin to boost cerebral blood flow, lower blood pressure, treat hypertension, asthma and congestive heart failure.
As a nootropic, Forskolin is the only known supplement to naturally raise cAMP levels. Forskolin activates the enzyme adenylate cyclase which increases intracellular levels of cAMP (Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate).[iii]
cAMP was discovered in 1956 and its production is now known to be the final common pathway for many hormones and transmitter agents.
To put this in practical perspective, hormones and neurotransmitters do not enter the cell. Instead, they activate a receptor on the cell membrane that is part of the adenylate cyclase enzyme complex.
The production of cAMP in a cell is catalyzed by this complex. The cyclic AMP (cAMP) then activates cAMP dependent protein kinase (PKA), which results in changes in the cell’s function.[iv] Based on input from the relevant hormone or neurotransmitter.
The elevation of cAMP along with PKA is required for long-term potentiation (LTP). This increase in neuroplasticity is how long-term memories are formed and encoded in your brain.
Researchers have found that increases in cAMP rapidly activates the Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) receptor TrkB and induces BDNF-dependent long-term potentiation at the Schaffer collateral-CA1 synapse in the hippocampus.[v]
In simpler terms, Forskolin boosts cAMP levels which affects long-term potentiation (LTP). LTP is an integral part of the process in developing and encoding long-term memories.
How does Forskolin work in the Brain?
Forskolin boosts brain health and function in several ways. But two in particular stand out.
- Forskolin enhances memory. Forskolin as a nootropic has the unique ability to activate the enzyme adenylate cyclase (AC). The activated AC enzyme then converts to cAMP (Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate), a secondary messenger used for intracellular communication.[vi]
cAMP helps stimulate the production of CREB (cAMP response element-binding protein). An increase in CREB enhances Long-Term Potentiation (LTP).
LTP is the connection between brain synapses. Strengthening in response to stimulation by neurons on either side. A major component in both learning and memory.
Memories are stored at a cellular level. And retrieved at a cellular level. This well-travelled pathway is strengthened by boosting cAMP with Forskolin.[vii]
- Forskolin increases cerebral circulation. Coleus forskohlii has traditionally been used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure), congestive heart failure and angina (reduced blood flow to the heart).
Forskolin is very effective in lowering blood pressure. And scientists believe this ability to boost blood flow is related to Forskolin’s cAMP-elevating ability.
Researchers recruited 7 patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). DCM is a condition in which the heart’s ability to pump blood is decreased due to the left heart ventricle being enlarged and weakened. Forskolin administration dramatically improved left ventricle function. And increased overall cardiovascular performance.[viii]
Another group of scientists set out to study the effects of Forskolin on cerebral circulation. In this study, rabbits were anesthetized and measuring devices were attached to blood vessels entering and coming out of the brain.
The study found that Forskolin was an effective cerebral vasodilator. Enlarging blood vessels in the brain boosted blood flow. Allowing for more efficient delivery of nutrients and oxygen to brain cells.[ix]
How things go bad
Environmental factors like the food we eat, exposure to toxins, polluted air, ADHD, illness, stress and aging changes our brain chemistry.
↓ Mood and motivation declines
↓ Memory and recall decline
↓ Long-term memory fades
All of these changes are contributing factors to poor quality of life. And as they progress, to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, dementia and Parkinson’s.
Forskolin benefits
Research from hundreds of studies, and feedback from neurohackers have shown that Forskolin can:
- Improve memory by boosting cAMP activity in the brain
- Boost catecholamines (dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine) in the brain
- Boost cerebral circulation
Forskolin is fat-soluble and quickly enters your brain after you take it. Once in your brain, it boosts cAMP activity. cAMP is involved in the Long-Term Potentiation process of preserving memories.
Forskolin combined with Artichoke extract is even more effective. Forskolin effectively boosts cAMP levels but also increases PDE4 in the brain. PDE4 is a cAMP inhibitor and will counteract increases by Forskolin if left unchecked.
Inhibiting PDE4 with Artichoke Extract, and boosting cAMP with Forskolin also potentiates dopamine release in the brain. Boosting processes in this stream of chemical reactions in the brain increases learning and memory.[x] Without the side effects of stimulating dopamine production through the use of drugs like Adderall or Ritalin.
How does Forskolin feel?
Many neurohackers report that Forskolin with Artichoke Extract improves mood. It motivates you to want to learn, and to get things done. Some say it works as good as Modafinil.
The general consensus is:
- Improved long-term memory
- Increased ability to retain information
- Increased ability to study
- Improved mood and motivation
Forskolin Clinical Research
Forskolin as a nootropic
cAMP responsive element binding protein (CREB) is a protein that modulates the transcription of genes. Increases in cAMP triggers the activation of CREB.
And this transcription factor is a big part of intracellular signaling. It regulates everything from the production of new sperm cells in men (spermatogenesis), to the circadian rhythms that control your sleep and awake cycles, to memory formation.
Forskolin increases cAMP which triggers the activation of CREB. Researchers have found through animal studies that CREB is required for a variety of complex forms of memory, including spatial memory and social learning.[xi]
Forskolin reduces anxiety
Benzodiazepines (Benzos) like Valium are a class of psychoactive drug used to treat anxiety, insomnia, agitation, muscle spasms, alcohol withdrawal and before medical and dental procedures to keep the patient calm.
Benzodiazepines come with a whole host of negative side effects including addiction, cognitive impairment, decreasing effectiveness (tolerance) and nasty withdrawal symptoms.
Scientists have been studying non-GABAergic substances that elevate cAMP, and have anti-anxiety activity. So they took a look at Forskolin.
In one animal study, researchers compared the effects on anxiety of Forskolin compared to diazepam (Valium). And found that Forskolin produced significant anti-anxiety activity in both stressed and unstressed animals.
Diazepam had an anti-anxiety effect on the unstressed animals. But did not work for stressed animals. The researchers noted that the anti-anxiety activity of Forskolin was accompanied by a significant elevation of cAMP levels. There’s cAMP again…
The researchers concluded that Forskolin was a better option for treating anxiety. This non-receptor mediated anti-anxiety action through cAMP elevation was preferable to the adverse reactions people get from using receptor-mediated drugs like Benzos.[xii]
Forskolin as a neuroprotectant in chemical warfare
If you ever find yourself in a warzone, you may want to have a bottle of Forskolin with you.
Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is the primary cholinesterase in your body. This enzyme catalyzes the breakdown of acetylcholine (ACh) once ACh is used in the synaptic cleft during neurotransmission. This is how it works…
During neurotransmission, ACh is released from the first neuron into the synaptic cleft of the 2nd neuron where it binds to ACh receptors. And does its job of passing on the neural signal.
Once ACh has done its job, AChE which is also located in that synaptic cleft, steps in and breaks down acetylcholine (ACh) by liberating the choline. The liberated choline is taken up again by another neuron, and ACh is synthesized by combining the free recycled choline with Acetyl-CoA through the action of choline acetyltransferase.
Chemical warfare agents like Sarin gas, and insecticides like malathion, act to inhibit AChE. Which means they shut down this recycling process needed for acetylcholine production in the brain.
Researchers have demonstrated that Forskolin is a very effective AChE promoter. Forskolin activates AChE and up-regulates its expression. Using mouse models, the scientists showed that Forskolin boosted AChE expression outside and inside the affected brain cells.
They concluded that Forskolin can sufficiently upregulate cellular AChE production and protect cells against chemical warfare agents like Sarin.[xiii]
Forskolin works to protect your brain from damage caused by insecticides too. So if your using an insecticide in the house or out in your garden, you may want to protect your brain by dosing with Forskolin first.
Forskolin Recommended Dosage
Recommended dosage for Forskolin is 250 mg of Coleus forskohlii at 10%, or 125 mg of Coleus forskohlii at 25%.
For boosting cAMP in a CILTEP stack: 4 mg Forskolin extract per day along with 900 mg of Artichoke Extract for PDE4 suppression.
NOTE: You will not get the full nootropic benefit of using Forskolin if you dose it on its own. Forskolin has a tendency to boost cAMP and PDE4 levels. And PDE4 suppresses cAMP. Artichoke Extract helps control PDE4.
And don’t worry about measuring out an accurate 4 mg for this CILTEP stack. I’ve been using 250 mg of Forskolin (10% ForsLean®) with 900 mg of Artichoke Extract (6%) with great success.
For counteracting Forskolin’s effect on Acetylcholinesterase: 800 mg Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR) – (200 mg of ALCAR for every 1 mg of Forskolin) per day.
Many users of this stack report it helpful to supplement with 500 mg Phenylalanine, a B-Vitamin Complex and caffeine (coffee or preferably green tea).
Forskolin Side Effects
Forskolin induces CYP3A gene expression in your liver. Which means, like grapefruit juice, Forskolin needs to be used cautiously as it will amplify the effects of other nootropics in your stack. And prescription meds.[xiv]
Acetylcholinesterase is upregulated by cAMP which makes you sleepy. This means that available Acetylcholine (ACh) in your brain drops. You can counteract this with Acetyl-l-Carnitine (ALCAR), which calms the upregulation of Acetylcholinesterase.
The most common side effect with Forskolin is diarrhea because increased cAMP affects the smooth muscle in your gastrointestinal tract. Things move through your intestines faster with Forskolin. But this side effect usually happens at much higher than recommended doses of Forskolin.
Forskolin reduces blood pressure. So if you’re on high blood pressure meds or have naturally low blood pressure you should avoid using Forskolin.
Type of Forskolin to Buy
Forskolin is usually marked as “Forskolin” or “Coleus forskohlii” on the bottle.
Forskolin typically comes in 125 mg capsules of Coleus Forskohlii (25% Forskolin), or 250 mg capsules of Coleus Forskohlii (10% Forskolin).
Look for a Coleus forskohlii or Forskolin supplement with the percentage of Forskolin extract clearly marked on the label.
ForsLean® by Sabinsa Corporation is a branded and patented form of Coleus forskohlii that’s been used most often in human trials. So we prefer a supplement that uses ForsLean® as their source of Forskolin.
Researchers in India reported that Forskolin concentration can change significantly depending on where the Coleus forskohlii is grown.[xv] And why we prefer a standardized version like ForsLean®.
Nootropics Expert Recommendation
Forskolin Extract 125 – 250 mg per day
I recommend using Forskolin as a nootropic supplement.
Your body does not make Forskolin on its own. So to get its benefits you must take it as a standardized supplement.
Forskolin on its own as a supplement for cognition and memory is not very effective because it increases PDE4 (a cAMP reducer) along with boosting cAMP. So the nootropic effects cancel each other out.
But Forskolin is especially helpful when combined with Artichoke Extract. It helps boost memory, increases motivation and the desire to learn. And helps improve mood while controlling anxiety.
We suggest dosing Forskolin 125 – 250 mg per day with 900 mg of Artichoke Extract taken in the morning. Stack this with at least 800 mg of ALCAR to keep your acetylcholine levels up.
We’ve also found that combining this stack with caffeine is helpful. The L-Theanine in green tea comes with the caffeine boost we need. Without the side effects of coffee.
And finally, we are making the effects of normal dopamine function more effective with this stack. It triggers the desirable downstream processes that increase learning and memory.
The chemical dynamics of the dopamine are preserved. And we don’t get the negative side effects of using a stimulant like Adderall or Ritalin.
This Forskolin/Artichoke Extract stack increases mental endurance for encoding long-term memories.
[i] Dubrey M.P., Srimal R.C., Nityanand S., Dhawan B.N. “Pharmacological studies on coleonol, a hypotensive diterpene from Coleus forskohlii” Journal of Ethnopharmacology Volume 3, Issue 1, January 1981, Pages 1-13 (source)
[ii] Patterson S.L., Pittenger C., Morozov A., Martin K.C., Scanlin H., Drake C., Kandel E.R. “Some forms of cAMP-mediated long-lasting potentiation are associated with release of BDNF and nuclear translocation of phospho-MAP kinase.” Neuron. 2001 Oct 11;32(1):123-40. (source)
[iii] Seamon K.B., Daly J.W. “Forskolin: a unique diterpene activator of cyclic AMP-generating systems.” Journal of Cyclic Nucleotide Research. 1981;7(4):201-24. (source)
[iv] Ding X., Staudinger J.L. “Induction of drug metabolism by forskolin: the role of the pregnane X receptor and the protein kinase a signal transduction pathway.” Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapy. 2005 Feb;312(2):849-56. Epub 2004 Sep 30. (source)
[v] Patterson S.L., Pittenger C., Morozov A., Martin K.C., Scanlin H., Drake C., Kandel E.R. “Some forms of cAMP-mediated long-lasting potentiation are associated with release of BDNF and nuclear translocation of phospho-MAP kinase.” Neuron. 2001 Oct 11;32(1):123-40. (source)
[vi] Huang Y.Y., Li X.C., Kandel E.R. “cAMP contributes to mossy fiber LTP by initiating both a covalently mediated early phase and macromolecular synthesis-dependent late phase.” Cell. 1994 Oct 7;79(1):69-79. (source)
[vii] Cooke S.F., Bliss T.V.P. “Plasticity in the human central nervous system” Journal of Neurology May 2006 (source)
[viii] Kramer W., Thormann J., Kindler M., Schlepper M. “Effects of forskolin on left ventricular function in dilated cardiomyopathy.”Arzneimittelforschung. 1987 Mar;37(3):364-7. (source)
[ix] Wysham D.G., Brotherton A.F., Heistad D.D. “Effects of forskolin on cerebral blood flow: implications for a role of adenylate cyclase.”Stroke. 1986 Nov-Dec;17(6):1299-303. (source)
[x] Almeida L.E., Murray P.D., Zielke H.R., Roby C.D., Kingsbury T.J., Krueger B.K. “Autocrine activation of neuronal NMDA receptors by aspartate mediates dopamine- and cAMP-induced CREB-dependent gene transcription.” Journal of Neuroscience 2009 Oct 7;29(40):12702-10. (source)
[xi] Silva A.J., Kogan J.H., Frankland P.W., Kida S. “CREB and memory.” Annual Review of Neuroscience. 1998;21:127-48 (source)
[xii] Malik R., Gilhotra N. “A NOVEL NON–RECEPTOR AND NON- GABAERGIC ANTIANXIETY-LIKE ACTIVITY OF FORSKOLIN: SYNERGY WITH DIAZEPAM” International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Vol. 7, Issue 2. 2015 (source)
[xiii] Curtin B.F., Pal N., Gordon R.K., Nambiar M.P. “Forskolin, an inducer of cAMP, up-regulates acetylcholinesterase expression and protects against organophosphate exposure in neuro 2A cells.”Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry. 2006 Oct;290(1-2):23-32 (source)
[xiv] Ding X., Staudinger J.L. “Induction of drug metabolism by forskolin: the role of the pregnane X receptor and the protein kinase a signal transduction pathway.” International Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapy. 2005 Feb;312(2):849-56. Epub 2004 Sep 30. (source)
[xv] Tamboli E.T., Singh M., Kamal Y.T., Garg M., Parveen R., Mujeeb M., Ahmad S. “Metabolic diversity in Coleus forskohlii Briq. of Indian subcontinent.” Natural Product Research. 2013;27(19):1737-42 (source)
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Does forskolin help with narcolepsy type 2? If so, do I need Artichoke extract and when do you recommend taking?
Thank you in advance!
It does not help with narcolepsy. This study (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2104495/) shows Forskolin was able to restore long-term potentiation needed to form long-term memory that was degraded from the use of Modafinil which is used to treat narcolepsy.
Whenever I take a capsule of Forslean or Forslean + artichoke extract my libido dies (worse with the latter). I am also very pale when I wasn’t a few years ago, and have ED. Any ideas on what is happening when I take the supplements? Thanks alot
Artichoke extract (Luteolin) is a progesterone inhibitor which is going to have a negative effect on testosterone and libido. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3851288/
hi,
What is an alternative to stacking with Artichoke if I’m allergic to ragweed and artichoke is a member of the ragweed family.
Any other suggestions for stacking with Forskolin to enhance it’s benefits?
I take forskolin 10% right now, 200mg. I love it but i’m intrigued by the artichoke addition and how it can enhance the effects.
Thx.
Niki, do a search for “best natural pde4 inhibitors” and see what turns up. I believe there are some in Chinese Medicine.
Great article thanks.
What ForsLean powder do you recommend?
Thank you
Chris, this one: https://geni.us/rtm1 (Amazon)
Hello, I don’t know if this link is still active enough but i really hope so, because I have a question. I know that forskolin stimulates CAMP production. I also know that it tends to reduce anxiety complaints (don’t understand how, really). And what I also know is that in people with migraines, CAMP levels are typically elevated. So …. how about when you have migraines or cluster headache, is forskolin contra-indicated?
Froukje, unless I am reading this wrong, this study (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11298662/) shows that the benefits of Forskolin on cAMP is not experienced in those with cluster headaches. Correct me if I am wrong please.
Hi Dave,
Given that you say that Forskolin “boosts catecholamines (dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine) in the brain” without the side effects of ADHD stimulants, and makes the effects of normal dopamine function more effective”…. would Forskolin be an effective nootropic to take alongside ADHD stimulant meds?
I also saw that you said that “Forskolin induces CYP3A gene expression in your liver” and was similar to grapefruit juice in this regard. I know that grapefruit juice can have quite the negative impact on ADHD stimulant meds so would that mean it would likely have a similar detrimental impact?
Would taking it towards the end of your ADHD stimulant meds duration be a wiser idea?
Thanks 🙂
James, Forskolin potentiates dopamine release in the brain so will likely potentiate ADHD stimulants. That would be a bigger factor than how it induces CYP3A. I’ve not heard of anyone using Forskolin like this and it’s likely because it’ll throw off how stimulants work. If you already have a stack support ADHD and stimulant use then I’d forget about using Forskolin. No reason to complicate things.
Would it be okay to stack CDP-Choline with Forskolin? Or would this increase acetylcholine too much?
Thank you for all your research, David! This has helped me so so much! You’re the first place I go when I’m looking for information on nootropics.
Jack, Forskolin may potentiate the effects of CDP-Choline but only you will be able to tell if it potentiates it too much. You’ll find out through testing.
I suggest adding ALCAR to your stack if you haven’t already because you need it as a cofactor in acetylcholine synthesis. Along with thiamine and Vitamin B5. So a good bioactive B-Complex will help as well.
Have you heard of 9-ME-BC and Bromantane to help heal dopamine receptors?
Tom, I have not. If you have any peer-reviewed clinical studies that explain and prove how they help the human brain please respond here with links to those studies and I’ll take a look.
Excuse my ignorance in this but is this work in the same mechanism of action as L-Tyrosine and NALT? Don’t they do the same thing as this? Can you supplement NALT with this stuff? Would it have a negative effect if so? Thank you
Bob, I do not understand your question. Forskolin helps the dopamine pathway but is an herb and not an amino acid like L-Tyrosine which is a direct precursor to the synthesis of dopamine.
Greetings David, i have been following your posts for a while now, could you give any advice on stacking sulbutiamine and forskolin?
High regards. Graham.
Graham, two very different supplements. Just follow dosage recommendations for each and you’ll be fine.
BTW the Natures Way Forskolin you recommended has silica and mg stearate.
Also I think I may have gotten the info of Forskolin not for HTN from that ND liver detox program. i kind of refresh my mind. Thank u anyhow for all the trouble.
I can slowly picture u on your daily task answering these millions inquirers all over the world jotting lines @ our free time.
Hope u don’t quit serving us or bored with some of our lamentations.
Marcie, if I recommended Nature’s Way Forskolin it was because they are one of the few companies who use the patented ForsLean®. And I know they test all of their products before sale.
Sometimes I’ll choose a supplement that contains magnesium stearate if there is no other option available. The way I look at it is if magnesium stearate is in one supplement I use there is little harm in using it. It would be another thing altogether if it was in every supplement I used. That would be toxic.
I just visited this review and I forgot where I got the info that forskolin contraindicated with hypertensive people.
It appears u don’t agree with it. Thank u David.
Forskolin reduces blood pressure which could be a problem if you are on high blood pressure meds or have naturally low blood pressure.
Hi David,
Got to this blog because of Artichoke I heard from an ND promoting for Liver detox. I enjoyed all your post. Love it so much and so much to comprehend the mechanism and physiology each works.
My question is: Why are we with HTN taking anti BP drugs discouraged of taking Forskolin a natural element? Drop the drug and switch. Not good?
i am going to do this though. Tired of prescription with all SE. Besides I like the other good things Forskolin does! Hope my body reacts favorably.
Any thoughts? Thx. Love u so much for all these info you share. God bless.
Marcie, would you please clarify who it is that is discouraging you from using Forskolin? and why?
Hi . What are your thoughts on taking this stack in the afternoon when a prescription stimulant is starting to wear off
Tamar, if you are referring to the CILTEP stack I think a far better option to prevent a stimulant crash is 500 mg L-Tyrosine, 500 mg ALCAR and 300 mg Alpha GPC.
I have some forskolin tablets from the Protein Lab and I’m a bit confused about the dosage as it states:
Coleus Forskohlii Extract 20%
Forskolin 25:1 extract 10mg providing 250mg per tablet
What does the 20% represent exactly, is it 20% of 10mg (in which case I should take 2 tablets)? or 20% of 250mg?
Or should I just go with the figure of 10mg and go with half a tablet if I’m aiming for 4-5mg (to be used as part of a CILTEP stack)?
Don’t concern yourself with trying to decipher ratios, mg, and %.
Scroll up to the section called “Dosage Notes” and you’ll notice the daily recommended dosage of Forskolin extract (25%) is 125 mg. If their supplement is in tablet-form and one tablet is 250 mg then you’d want to cut it in half for 125 mg.
Also, in that same section in the 4th paragraph I share my experience with extracts. And determining how much to use in the CILTEP stack.
David,
Haven’t tried the combination of artichoke extract and forskolin yet but want to order them. Just wanted to clarify:
Are you saying your recommended dose for forskolin alone is 25mg (125mg at 20%), but when taken with artichoke extract is only around 4mg? I was looking at ordering “Nature’s Way” which is 25mg, but will that be too much when taken with artichoke extract, let’s say 25mg (500mg at 5%.)
I already take a b-complex, ALCAR, with moderate caffeine intake from coffee or tea, so I should be good there.
As always thanks for the great information!
Brent, I think I mentioned that discrepancy somewhere above or in the Artichoke Extract review. And the conclusion I arrived at if I recall correctly is a few mg more of Forskolin is not going to make any difference.
Those dosages you are quoting are taken from the ‘original’ CILTEP stack. I was just using that as a reference.
Hey, thank you for this information. Could you link where to purchase forkolin with forslean. I’m having trouble finding any reliable sources that included the patented version. Thank you!
James, I’ve used this one by Nature’s Way a few times and it contains Forslean: https://amzn.to/3mkqnis
Thank you so much for the information. I started with 400 mg Aniracetam and 300 mg Alpha GPC to avoid the racetam headache. Added 500 mg L Carnatine, 1000 mg Artichoke Extract and 250 mg (20% standardized) Forskolin and have felt calm focus. It’s been great, but wake up with headache now. Should I not be using L Carnatine with Alpha GPC?
Deborah, L-Carnitine cannot cross the blood-brain barrier and that my be your problem. You need Acetyl L-Carnitine (ALCAR) for this stack to work.
In the article, you refer to ‘Forskolin activates AChE and up-regulates its expression. ‘ but on October 29, 20 you refer to “Or we use an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor such as Forskolin” in one of your replies. Aren’t those contradictory?
I believe that my AChE receptors were damaged after getting ear tubes under general anesthesia as a child. As a result, I developed hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) and also something called post orgasm illness syndrome which causes irritability, dark circles, mood disorder, allergic type symptoms, etc. after orgasm. Anticholinergic antihistamines seemed to help for awhile, but I went off of the about 6 years ago after 30 years of use. I’ve felt lousy since then and some urine testing shows high levels of organophosphates and other toxins in my system. Even back on the anticholinergics, piracetam and sodium butyrate still haven’t gotten me fully back on track. Will Coleus Forskolli help me to get my ACHe activity up and running to help remove any excess acetylcholine and organophosphate building from my brain and/or repair the AChe receptors? I haven’t tried atropine treatment yet. How bout Galantamine?
Any assistance would be great.
Aaron, that was a mistake on my part and I went back and corrected. Not sure how that happened. Likely late in the day and I had no business trying to answer questions! So thank you.
If you are looking for some way to upregulate acetylcholinesterase rather than inhibit it then Forskolin is a good choice. Galantamine is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor which I think you are trying to avoid.
Now I’m confused from re-reading your question. Do you want more or less acetylcholine in your brain?
Definitely trying to lower acetylcholine in the brain. I have low cholinesterase/pseudocholinesterase (confirmed in Nov ’20) since I was a kid (probably due to general anesthesia for ear tubes) so I’ve had issues with hyperhidrosis and allergies for decades. Was taking chlorpheniramine and glycopyrrolate/oxybutynin for awhile, but was told to stop due to potential dementia risk. I know those drugs/antihistamines were causing issues for me (memory, etc). Given my low AChE, and the fact that I love to eat animal protein, lowering ACh is definitely important. Piracetam seems somewhat effective. Would I be fine with just taking Forskolin or do I need artichoke extract as well? Is there a combo supplement of those two on the market? Thanks!
Aaron, all you need is Forskolin.
Racetam: Deplete ACh
Forskoli: Upregulate AChE
Very helpful and concise summary. 🙂
Forskolin supplements gave me horrible insomnia. I did not use the artichoke supplement with it, was taking if for weight loss not nootropic effect. Gave me the worse insomnia I’ve ever had. None of the good effects of stimulants but all of the bad. Forskolin makes Adderall look like Ambien……..Another horrible nootropic that did the same thing to me is vinpocetine….stay sfay from that stuff. Awful. Even after you stop taking it, it takes about 6 days for the bad effects to go away. Maybe these supplements just affect me differently, I don’t know but they cause my brain to do bizarre and unpleasant things and completely mess up my sleep cycle.
Reese, that is a highly unusual reaction to Forskolin. Because if anything it should make you feel sleepy instead of causing insomnia.
Both Forskolin and Vinpocetine activate cAMP. So you must have something strange going on with cAMP or how glutamate works in your brain to get this type of reaction.
Hi David
I have another question also, and it concerns caffeine combination
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1690138
Caffeine inhibits forskolin-stimulated cyclic AMP accumulation in rat brain
“The most common side effect (which is still relatively rare) is diarrhea, due to its ability to increase the rate at which food moves through your digestive tract.
I should note, though, that this isn’t an issue for most people who are dieting, because restricting calories decreases gut motility. In other words,
dieting cancels out this effect for most people.
Regardless, if you run into this problem, you may want to stop taking forskolin, or at least >stop taking it with caffeine<
How do they mean? caffeine will worse Colleus induced "rate at which food moves through your digestive tract."
And what does dieting mean? (unspecified what diet)
And here is the other possible? issue (1) with my plan to combine Forskolin with Cacao
Theobromine and caffeine (1) the major alkaloids in seeds of Theobroma cacao L
https://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0101-20612015000200279&lng=en&nrm=iso
since Theobroma cacao L also are suppose to activate cAMP
(one condition might be that it is a PDE-inhibitor) and at the same time cacao contains caffein (1)but stil activates cAMP in mice, im getting unsure wheter caffeine will really deactivate cAMP in Colleus?
I see 3 potential scenarios If combining Colleus and Cacao in the same drink
1: Either the caffein in Cacao might deactivate Both colleus and its own cAMP enchanting properties?
2: Or it will synergy boost cAMP to new levels
3: Or it will deactive Colleus cAMP activation but add its own cAMP activation
What do you believe?
Martin, the first study says, “Caffeine potently inhibited forskolin-stimulated cyclic AMP accumulation in “slices of rat cerebral cortex”.” What makes you think it’ll do the same in a human whole brain that is alive and working?
I do not spend any time trying to dissect studies like these because most of the time they are completely irrelevant to the main mechanisms of action in the human brain which is demonstrated in dozens of studies.
Thats a good point
But also the study about upregulation cholinesterase you
are refering to?
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16924422/
are
“N2a cells are a fast-growing mouse neuroblastoma cell line”
However i believe its true and i hope its true in living human brains, but i think it may happen only in diseases that mimics pesticid attacks, both neuroblastoma and dementia might do that?
And i did today find a secondary rat-study that supports the upregulation they call it “anticholinergic”
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16924422/
And as i told you i have found several downregulation mouse studies also
Martin, I understand your concern regarding these studies. But the thing is they are done with mice and rats and often just using a cell line in a petri dish.
I’ve found the “rubber hits the road” when you try this with real people (i.e. humans). And see what happens.
The thing is these supplements are generally safe and non-toxic when used at recommended dosages. And if they’re not contraindicated with any meds you happen to be using.
It’s safe to try these supplements just to see if they work like the studies and reports by neurohackers say they do.
And if all goes well you try them daily for a week or two. And then you’ll know if anything is upregulated or downregulated depending on how you feel.
Im not worried for Colleus being toxic,
i want to increase cholinesterase
And what where the signs in human of healthy increased cholinesterase? whas it feeling more sleepy? or something more to?
Martin, Cholinesterase is a family of enzymes that are involved in the synthesis of acetylcholine. We don’t attempt to increase the enzyme cholinesterase with nootropics. We use nootropics to either increase acetylcholine directly. With supplements such as Alpha GPC or CDP-Choline along with the necessary cofactors like ALCAR and the B-Vitamins.
Or we use an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor such as Huperzine-A which inhibits this enzyme directly. When you inhibit acetylcholinesterase it forces more acetylcholine to be available.
Too much or too little acetylcholine can make you feel sleepy.