Nootropic profile
Forskolin
Forskolin is the active compound in Coleus forskohlii, a tropical plant used in Ayurvedic medicine. It directly activates adenylate cyclase to raise cyclic AMP (cAMP) levels, a key signalling molecule involved in memory formation, learning, and neural communication.
Best for
Educational only: this is not medical advice. Always check with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement.
What is Forskolin?
Forskolin is a labdane diterpene compound extracted from the roots of Coleus forskohlii (now classified as Plectranthus barbatus), a member of the mint family native to India, Nepal, and Thailand.
What it does for you
Community and editorial ratings, out of 5:
How to take it
- Typical dose: 125-250 mg of Coleus forskohlii extract standardised to 10-20% forskolin (providing 12.5-50 mg active forskolin)
- For cognition: 50 mg pure forskolin per day is commonly used in nootropic stacks
- CILTEP stack: Often combined with 900 mg artichoke extract (standardised to 5% cynarin) for synergistic cAMP elevation
- Timing: Best taken in the morning on an empty stomach for optimal absorption
- Cycling: Some users cycle 5 days on, 2 days off to maintain sensitivity
Watch out for
- Side effects: May cause low blood pressure, increased heart rate, headache, or gastrointestinal discomfort at higher doses.
- Blood pressure: Forskolin is a vasodilator and may lower blood pressure. Those on antihypertensive medications should exercise caution and consult a doctor.
- Blood thinning: May inhibit platelet aggregation. Avoid combining with anticoagulant medications without medical supervision.
- Pregnancy: Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data.
- Drug interactions: May interact with blood pressure medications, blood thinners, and calcium channel blockers.
The science, if you're curious.
- Forskolin directly stimulates adenylate cyclase independently of cell surface receptors, increasing intracellular cAMP levels across multiple tissue types...
- Elevated cAMP activates protein kinase A (PKA), which phosphorylates CREB (cAMP response element-binding protein), a transcription factor essential for...
- Increased cAMP levels influence the release and sensitivity of multiple neurotransmitters including dopamine, serotonin, and acetylcholine.
- cAMP signalling activates pathways involved in neuronal survival and resistance to oxidative stress, potentially protecting against age-related cognitive...
Where to find it
- Coleus forskohlii root: The primary natural source, traditionally consumed as a herbal tea or extract in Ayurvedic medicine
- Standardised extracts: Available as capsules standardised to 10-20% forskolin content
- Pure forskolin: Isolated compound available in supplement form, though less common and more expensive
- CILTEP formulas: Pre-made nootropic stacks combining forskolin with artichoke extract and other synergistic compounds
Frequently asked
Forskolin is the active compound in Coleus forskohlii, a tropical plant used in Ayurvedic medicine. It directly activates adenylate cyclase to raise cyclic AMP (cAMP) levels, a key signalling molecule involved in memory formation, learning, and neural communication.
The main benefits people report from Forskolin are: Cognitive Enhancement, Creativity, Focus, Longevity, Memory, Motivation.
Typical dose: 125-250 mg of Coleus forskohlii extract standardised to 10-20% forskolin (providing 12.5-50 mg active forskolin)For cognition: 50 mg pure forskolin per day is commonly used in nootropic stacksCILTEP stack: Often combined with 900 mg artichoke extract (standardised to 5% cynarin) for sy...
Side effects: May cause low blood pressure, increased heart rate, headache, or gastrointestinal discomfort at higher doses.Blood pressure: Forskolin is a vasodilator and may lower blood pressure. Those on antihypertensive medications should exercise caution and consult a doctor.Blood thinning: May i...
Forskolin directly stimulates adenylate cyclase independently of cell surface receptors, increasing intracellular cAMP levels across multiple tissue types...Elevated cAMP activates protein kinase A (PKA), which phosphorylates CREB (cAMP response element-binding protein), a transcription factor essen...
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