Forskolin - How Does It Work?
Forskolin contains some unique functional elements; key among them is the presence of a tetrahydopyran derived heterocyclic ring. This ring is synthesized after the formation of the trans-fused carbon ring systems are formed by a carbocation mediated cyclization. The remaining tertiary carbocation is quenched by a molecule of water. After deprotonation, the remaining hydroxyl group is free to form the heterocyclic ring. This cyclization can occur either by attack of the alcohol oxygen onto the allylic carbocation formed by loss of diphosphate, or by an analogous SN2' like displacement of the diphosphate. This forms the core ring system A of forskolin. The remaining modifications of the core ring system A can putatively be understood as a series of oxidation reactions to form a poly-ol B which is then further oxidized and esterified to form the ketone and acetate ester moieties seen in forskolin extract. However, because the biosynthetic gene cluster has not been described, this putative synthesis could be incorrect in the sequence of oxidation/esterification events, which could occur in almost any order. Applied with rolipram, forskolin provides a route further explanation needed] to inhibition of colon cancer cell growth and survival.These two drugs also work together to induce long-term potentiation in neuronal populations. Forskolin is a vasodilator. To date, there have been more than two clinical studies examining the effectiveness of forskolin as a weight loss aid. Only one has been subject to peer-review and published in a medical journal.
This clinical study also observed forskolin's role in significantly increasing lean mass, bone mass, and testosterone in the overweight and obese men involved.[5] This research has led to companies marketing forskolin as a bodybuilding supplement. Forskolin may be helpful in controlling the underlying cause of glaucoma.The sometimes successful use of forskolin to reduce intraocular pressure may be due to its unique ability to stimulate adenylate cyclase activity and increase cAMP which regulates and activates critical enzymes required for the cellular energy required to move fluid out of the eye.
This clinical study also observed forskolin's role in significantly increasing lean mass, bone mass, and testosterone in the overweight and obese men involved.[5] This research has led to companies marketing forskolin as a bodybuilding supplement. Forskolin may be helpful in controlling the underlying cause of glaucoma.The sometimes successful use of forskolin to reduce intraocular pressure may be due to its unique ability to stimulate adenylate cyclase activity and increase cAMP which regulates and activates critical enzymes required for the cellular energy required to move fluid out of the eye.