Ayurvedic
Coleus Forskohlii (Forskolin)
Also known as: Forskolin, Forskohlii, Plectranthus barbatus, Coleus Forskohlii Extract
Coleus forskohlii is a traditional Ayurvedic plant whose root extract contains forskolin, a diterpene alkaloid that activates adenylyl cyclase and increases cAMP levels. Research suggests potential effects on body composition, metabolic rate, and cardiovascular function, though clinical evidence remains limited.
Last reviewed June 2026 · Evidence graded from peer-reviewed research, not editorial opinion. Educational only — not medical advice.
Every Coleus Forskohlii (Forskolin) product we have scored
| # | Product | Score | Per serving |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pure Encapsulations Thyroid Support Complex | 86 A- | $1.25 |
| 2 | MegaFood Thyroid Strength | 85 A- | $1.00 |
| 3 | Nutricost Coleus Forskohlii Capsules | 82 A- | $0.73 |
| 4 | Bluebonnet Nutrition THYROID BOOST | 76 B+ | $1.05 |
| 5 | Herb Pharm Coleus Forskohlii | 72 B | $0.11 |
Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing. Per-serving cost is list price divided by servings per container. No brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Common questions
How much Coleus Forskohlii (Forskolin) should I take?
The typical range is 50-100mg forskolin (from 250-500mg 20% extract) 2x daily. 8-12 weeks
When should I take Coleus Forskohlii (Forskolin)?
Before meals. Either way.
Which form of Coleus Forskohlii (Forskolin) is best?
Standardized extract — 10-20% forskolin. Other forms in the catalog: Capsules, Standardized extract (10-20% forskolin), Tablets, Powders.
Is Coleus Forskohlii (Forskolin) safe?
Commonly reported: Flushing, Rapid heart rate, Low blood pressure. Serious warnings: May worsen hyperthyroidism, Low blood pressure risk, Heart rate effects. Kidney stone concern (theoretical)
Which Coleus Forskohlii (Forskolin) supplement scores highest?
Pure Encapsulations Thyroid Support Complex, at 86/100. Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing — no brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Primary uses
- Thyroid stimulation
- Metabolic support
- Body composition
- Body composition support
- Metabolic rate enhancement
- Cardiovascular health
- Thyroid function support
How it works
- Increases cAMP
- May stimulate thyroid hormone release
- Traditional metabolic support
- Fat metabolism effects
Dosage
- Typical range
- 50-100mg forskolin (from 250-500mg 20% extract) 2x daily
- Timing
- Before meals
- With food
- Either way
- Duration
- 8-12 weeks
- Special populations
- Metabolic support, hypothyroid
Forms
- Standardized extract
- Capsules
- Standardized extract (10-20% forskolin)· 70/100
- Tablets· 70/100
- Powders· 70/100
Safety
Common side effects
- Flushing
- Rapid heart rate
- Low blood pressure
Contraindications
- Hyperthyroidism
- Low blood pressure
- Heart conditions
- Bleeding disorders
Products containing Coleus Forskohlii (Forskolin)
Top-scoring supplements in our catalog that list Coleus Forskohlii (Forskolin) on the label. Each product is graded on Formulate's ingredient-level rubric — dose accuracy, form, transparency, and third-party testing.
Evidence notes
Some evidence for thyroid and metabolism, more research needed
Grade C: Mostly observational or small trials; mechanism is plausible but unproven at scale.
Related in Ayurvedic
Check a full stack
Formulate's free interaction checker lets you paste in any combination of supplements and medications at once — every pairing flags severity, timing, and cited evidence.
Open the checkerWhere does Coleus Forskohlii (Forskolin) fit in your stack?
Answer two questions and get a stack graded on research — every ingredient scored on the evidence behind it, not the marketing.
Build my stack2 questions · free · no account needed to start
Also on iPhone — get the free app
Evidence-based supplement guides, no spam
We send a short digest when new guides drop — nothing else. No affiliate pushes, no sponsored content, unsubscribe anytime.
Medical disclaimer. This page is educational and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare provider. Individual needs and risks vary — consult a professional before starting, stopping, or combining supplements, especially if you are pregnant or nursing, taking medication, or managing a health condition.