Table of Contents
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.
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.
Join The Discussion - 112 comments
Hattie
April 2, 2019
Hi David,
I would like to start taking the combination of Artichoke Extract, Forskolin and ALCAR but I am also using 200mg of 5-HTP (twice a day) and B-complex+zinc. Not sure if you can advise on this, but do you think they would work well together or is it all a bit too much? I came across Forskolin while researching ways to feel more alert and focused. I tend to zone out or forget what I do/say etc. Very rarely I feel like I’m actually “present” and motivated/alert while I’m doing something (reading, writing etc.) and it would be great to feel that way everyday.
Many thanks in advance
David Tomen
April 2, 2019
Hattie, 200 mg of 5-HTP twice per day is a LOT of 5-HTP. It is a direct precursor to the synthesis of serotonin in your brain.
Excess serotonin depresses dopamine which results in not feeling present, motivated or alert.
I highly recommend cutting your daily dosage of 5-HTP in half to start. And begin supplementing with a dopamine precursor like L-Tyrosine or NALT. Once you bring those two neurotransmitters back into balance you should see your motivation levels increase.
Artichoke Extract, Forskolin, and ALCAR when dosed correctly can have a profound effect on learning and memory. But will not provide any benefit without enough dopamine.
Marie S.
March 1, 2019
Hi! I would love to try Forskolin but I suffer from hypothiroidism and I have read that ALCAR may lower t3 so my question is, can I take Forskolin without ALCAR? any side effects from not taking it with Forskolin?
Thanks!!
David Tomen
March 2, 2019
Marie, Forskolin is a potent booster of Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) which decreases acetylcholine. ALCAR is used to increase acetylcholine to counteract this action. If you don’t then acetylcholine levels in your body and brain will decrease. And learning, memory and even reaction time could suffer.
I am severely hypothyroid but use ALCAR 3-times per day without any problem. I get my thyroid labs done regularly and my T3 levels are OK. Only advice I can offer is to get your labs done and increase your thyroid meds a bit if you need to.
And Forskolin is more effective if it’s stacked with Artichoke Extract for reasons detailed above in the review.
Bamboo
March 20, 2018
Interaction with Dexamphetamine?
David Tomen
March 20, 2018
As far as I can tell from reviewing the drug interaction literature Forskolin should be safe with Dextroamphetamine. I use it with methylphenidate without any issues. Please let us know if you find something otherwise.
Angie Harmon
February 18, 2018
Hello,
I am about to start Forskolin MD brand with ACV for overall health and aid in weight loss. I have severe anxiety disorder and panic. I take xanax 4mg a day (awful stuff I want off) and zoloft (awful too). My pharmacist says there should be no interactions with all 4 of these. Reading this I am concerned now about taking forskolin for fear of creating an imbalance in my chemicals. What are your thoughts?
David Tomen
February 18, 2018
Angie, I do not see any evidence of a direct drug interaction with Forskolin and the pharmaceuticals you are using. But please read the “Side Effects” section of this review because Forskolin can potentiate the effects of Xanax and Zoloft. And it will reduce your acetylcholine levels so you’ll need to use a supplement to boost that neurotransmitter. Or you will experience the side effects of not enough acetylcholine.
If you want to get off the pharmaceuticals for anxiety and panic disorder, please read this post > https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-social-anxiety/. It will give you some ideas on natural ways to tame anxiety and panic disorder.
Bethany Shupe
January 13, 2018
Will foreskolin hurt fertility or decrease chances of getting pregnant?
David Tomen
January 14, 2018
Bethany, I haven’t seen any evidence that Forskolin has any effect on female fertility. But because it boosts cAMP, it does have an effect on hormones. One example of which I’m aware is increasing sperm production in males. So if you are looking to get pregnant, I wouldn’t use Forskolin because we just don’t know.
Derek
September 18, 2017
Hi David,
Can you combined a MAO-B like Ginkgo biloba say 40mg to that CILTEP Stack? Also, is Pterostilbene synergistic in the same stack?
David Tomen
September 18, 2017
Derek, Ginkgo shouldn’t be a problem with the CILTEP stack because there’s nothing in CILTEP that directly boosts dopamine. Same with Pterostilbene which does increase dopamine release only because its antioxidant action helps repair neurons.
Derek
September 19, 2017
Thank you for the advice David. I’ve been researching and contemplating over those questions to build a motivation / concentration stack. So would adding a small dose of L-Phenylalanine or L-Tyrosine be overkill or too excitatory?
David Tomen
September 20, 2017
Derek, it’s difficult to say because everyone’s body and brain is unique. I personally prefer NALT over L-Tyrosine as explained here > https://nootropicsexpert.com/n-acetyl-l-tyrosine/#n-acetyl-l-tyrosine-nalt-vs-l-tyrosine-whats-the-difference. But others prefer using Phenylalanine. All you can do is try one and see how it works for you. If you’re not satisfied with the result then try the other. But please read the dosage recommendations and side effects for each before you do.
Chris
December 23, 2016
Sounds good, I just ordered some artichoke extract. Thanks for all of the advice, Merry Christmas!
Chris
December 16, 2016
Hi David, does forskolin need to be cycled? Is it possible to grow resistant to its effects?
David Tomen
December 16, 2016
Chris, I use forskolin every day and do not cycle it. I’m not sure why you’d want to cycle it. If you come across any research to the contrary please let me know. The effects of forskolin are subtle. But combined with Artichoke Extract and a choline supplement, my memory is better than it has been for a long time. I didn’t realize that until months after I started using this stack.
Chris
December 23, 2016
Hi David, thanks for your reply. I have been using forskolin for about a month now, and it has been giving me tremendous benefits as well. However, I ran out of it for 4 days and experienced pretty heavy withdrawal (brain zaps, anxiety, mood swings, etc). I know it was due to the forskolin because I am not using any other supplements. Any idea to why this occurred?
David Tomen
December 23, 2016
First thing I’d look at is the quality of the Forskolin supplement you’re using. How pure is it?
Next, you must understand Chris that you’re messing with your brain chemistry. Forskolin not only increases cAMP but also the enzyme PDE4. And you are affecting acetylcholine in your brain as well. Please read through the post again carefully until you get a grasp on what Forskolin is doing in your brain.
I highly recommend you combine Forskolin with Artichoke Extract to inhibit PDE4. And use ALCAR to raise your acetylcholine levels. That should solve your problem. I’ve been out of Forskolin for a few days before and never had a problem. Likely because I was using ALCAR.
Finally, are you using any other prescription meds? Forskolin induces CYP3A gene expression in your liver. Which means it boosts the effectiveness of many other supplements AND prescription meds. Please let me know how you make out. Forskolin is an amazing supplement if used properly.
Chris
December 23, 2016
Hi Dave, I take one 250 mg standardized 20% forskolin in the mourning and one in the evening, 30 minutes before meals. The brand I use is Nature Design. I understand the mechanism of action of forskoliln quite well, which is why I am shocked that it could have caused this intense of withdrawal. I am not taking any other prescription drugs or supplements currently. Do you really think that low levels of acetylcholine could cause that intense of withdrawal? Anyways, I am probably going to supplement CDP-choline as well as ALCAR. Thanks for your responses and advice.
David Tomen
December 23, 2016
Chris, honestly the only way to tell what’s going on with your neurotransmitters is to get them tested. Everyone’s body is different and I’ve never heard of anyone experiencing withdrawal symptoms with Forskolin. I’d suggest cutting back to only one capsule per day of that product. They don’t disclose on their bottle what percentage of ‘active’ ingredient you’re getting per capsule.
I’d try using one capsule and adding Artichoke Extract and ALCAR and see how your body reacts. From my experience you should see significant boosts in memory. Especially after using it for a few months. But knowing the mechanism of action with Forskolin and using it by itself, I’m pretty sure it’s resulting in some kind of imbalance.
You need the Artichoke Extract to inhibit PDE4. And BTW, I would be very careful about combining CDP-Choline with ALCAR. Too much choline can cause problems too. I’ve found ALCAR to be much safer and more forgiving than CDP-Choline or Alpha GPC.
Don’t forget that very low levels of acetylcholine can kill a person. That’s the reason I included this: “Forskolin as a neuroprotectant in chemical warfare” in this article.
Kat
May 2, 2024
Hello David,
You say too much choline can cause problems too. But, you do mention that taking 300mg of CDP choline is okay to include with ALCAR. I currently take a b-complex with 300mg CDP choline. I would like to start taking forskolin, along with artichoke or resevatrol, and ALCAR and caffine per your recommendation. Will this be okay? Also, how many mg of resevatrol is needed in place of artichoke? And, since you say artichoke affects progestrone in men causing low libido, does it do the same to women? Thank you so much for your professional advice.
David Tomen
May 2, 2024
Kat, there is no evidence that Artichoke Extract causes hormone problems in women. Dosage of Resveratrol is included in my Resveratrol review.
Kat
May 3, 2024
Thanks for all your help and information – I really appreciate it!
David Tomen
December 23, 2016
One more suggestion Chris. You may want to try a different brand of Forskolin as well. I’ve had good experience with Nature’s Way Forskohlii and I know their stuff is tested, pure and verified. I’m currently using Solaray Forskohlii with good results as well. But will likely switch back to Nature’s Way when this bottle is finished.