RESEARCH MONOGRAPH · KDC-MN-177

Forskolin

May 9, 2026 Kodiac biolabs Research Revised May 30, 2026 2 min read

Our opinion on this compound

72/100

Real cAMP activator with research applications way beyond what the weight-loss supplement world uses it for

Forskolin is a labdane diterpene from Coleus forskohlii (now Plectranthus barbatus) roots, and it's one of the more important pharmacological tools in cell biology because it's a direct activator of adenylate cyclase with broad isoform selectivity. So you can use it to acutely raise intracellular cAMP in basically any cell type, which is invaluable for studying cAMP-dependent signaling without going through receptor-specific agonists.

That research-tool use case is where forskolin actually shines and where most of the legitimate scientific value sits. In cell culture you can use micromolar forskolin to dissect downstream PKA, EPAC, and CREB signaling, and it's been the workhorse for that for decades.

The clinical/supplement story is a different conversation. The cAMP-via-adenylate-cyclase mechanism does have plausible downstream effects on lipolysis, smooth muscle relaxation, intraocular pressure, and a few other targets, which is what drove forskolin into supplement use mostly for body composition and ocular health. The human evidence is thin and mostly underwhelming. There are a handful of small trials showing modest body composition effects at supplemental doses of standardized Coleus forskohlii extract, and the effect sizes are not striking. The ophthalmic application (forskolin eye drops for glaucoma) has more support in Indian clinical literature than in Western trials.

Sourcing is uneven. Bulk Coleus forskohlii extracts vary in forskolin content from maybe 1% up to 20% depending on extraction. Forskolin itself as a chemical reagent is widely available from Sigma/Tocris/Cayman in high purity for research use, which is the form you want for actual cAMP studies. Supplement-grade extracts are not equivalent.

Bioavailability is poor orally, which is part of why supplement claims dont always replicate. There's some interest in nanoformulated or aqueous forskolin (Forsdolol, others) to address this.

Safety profile is generally OK at supplemental doses, with some theoretical concerns around blood pressure effects (forskolin is a vasodilator) and anticoagulant interactions.

What we like: it's an absolutely essential research tool for cAMP biology and one of the most useful pharmacological probes available. What we dont like: the supplement industry repositioning of forskolin as a weight-loss compound mostly oversells what is actually a fairly thin clinical signal in body composition.

Treat it as a research reagent first, supplement second.

Evidence: 50
Mechanism: 88
Reliability: 80
Safety: 75
Sourcing: 78
Value: 70
Signal: 60
Staying power: 75

Plain-language summary Intrigue 55 / 100

Forskolin is a diterpene from the Coleus forskohlii plant root. It directly activates adenylyl cyclase, raising intracellular cAMP. Used in research as a cAMP elevator and as a supplement for weight loss (with limited evidence). Not stocked by Kodiac. This monograph is provided for research and educational reference.

Intrigue 0–100 blends mechanism novelty, evidence strength, and translational potential. Kodiac editorial, not peer-reviewed.

Coleus forskohlii diterpene

A labdane diterpene from Coleus forskohlii root with adenylate cyclase activation activity, used for cardiovascular and metabolic applications.

Abstract

Forskolin (CAS 66575-29-9; molecular formula C22H34O7; molecular weight 410.50) is a labdane diterpene isolated from the root of Coleus forskohlii (Plectranthus barbatus), a perennial plant native to India. The compound is a direct activator of adenylate cyclase (independent of receptor activation), elevating intracellular cAMP across many cell types. Pharmacology includes positive inotropy (cardiac), vasodilation, lipolysis, and bronchodilation. Forskolin has been studied for hypertension, cardiovascular dysfunction, glaucoma, and obesity (the latter primarily in dietary supplement form). Reported research dose ranges in the literature are described in the source publications.

Mechanism of action

Direct adenylate cyclase activator; cAMP elevation across many cell types. Receptor-independent.

Reported research dose ranges

Reported research dose ranges in the literature.

References

Kanne H, et al. Pharmacology of forskolin. Curr Pharm Biotechnol 2013.

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KDC-MN-177

The full reference document is provided strictly for research use only. It reports research dose ranges from the published literature, not instructions for use in humans or animals.

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FOR RESEARCH USE ONLY. Not for medical, diagnostic, or therapeutic purposes. Not for human consumption. All information is provided for research and educational purposes only.

Kodiac sells research compounds for investigative use only.

Forskolin

Abstract

Mechanism of action

Reported research dose ranges

References

Read the full monograph

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Abstract

Mechanism of action

Reported research dose ranges

References

Read the full monograph

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