Forskolin

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Chemical structure of forskolin

Forskolin is a labdane diterpene that is produced by the Indian Coleus plant (Plectranthus barbatus). Forskolin is commonly used to raise levels of cyclic AMP (cAMP) in the study and research of cell physiology. Forskolin resensitizes cell receptors by activating the enzyme adenylyl cyclase and increasing the intracellular levels of cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate (cyclic AMP or cAMP). Cyclic AMP is an important signal carrier that is necessary for the proper biological response of cells to hormones and other extracellular signals. It is required for cell communication in the hypothalamus/pituitary gland axis and for the feedback control of hormones.

[edit] Potential Medical Use

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 obesrved forskolin's role in significantly increasing lean mass, bone mass, and testosterone in the subjects involved.^[1] This research has lead to companies marketing forskolin as a Bodybuilding supplement.
Forskolin may be helpful to control 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 cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) which regulates and activates critical enzymes required for the cellular energy required to move fluid out of the eye.
Increase skin's natural resistance to burning under UV light (see links below)
Stimulate a tanning response when applied topically.

Forskolin can also be used to promote nerve repair by increasing cAMP concetrations. Forskolin can activate or upregulate the proliferation of Schwan cells in culture, together with Fibroblast growth factor or Transforming Growth Factor-Beta. Furthermore, Forskolin is known to act via G-protein-coupled receptors.

Various experimental studies are underway in using Forskolin as an adjuct treatment for diseases such as Parkinsons and/or nerve damage caused by trauma/accident.