Forskolin Extract

(NEW: Currently we offer 10%, 20%, up to 98% pure Forskolin)

Coleus forskohlii is a perennial herb in a large genus of mints. It is an important traditional Ayurvedic herb that has been a part of Indian medicine for centuries. Coleus is the source of a unique substance known as forskolin. In the 1970s, researchers isolated a chemically active ingredient in the herb and called it forskolin. Coleus forskohlii is a very popular dietary supplement for cardiovascular diseases and bladder infections. It is also used as a cosmetic ingredient for creams (face, hand, hair and tanning) and lotions (eye). The demand for the Coleus extracts has been steadily increasing due to additional indications and novel applications in cosmetics. However, due to limited availability of acreage for cultivation and the small scale agricultural practices in Asia, the supply of Coleus extracts has not kept up with the demands. Additional sources for high quality Coleus extracts are needed.

• PhytoPharmacon has identified another plant source that produces high levels of active constituent for- skolin (plant grown in North Carolina produces 3 times the biomass and 2 times the forskolin than the plants grown in India)
• A patent that covers the germplasm and the agronomy practices has been published.
• PhytoPharmacon has conducted field studies for 3 years with reproducible results and have supplied Coleus extracts in kilogram quantities to major cosmetic company.

PhytoPharmacon uses modern extraction and analytical techniques to produce the quality forskolin extract available. Each batch of coleus extract is analyzed and guaranteed to contain 95%. and 98% Forskolin.

Forskolin acts primarily by activating the enzyme adenylate cyclase, which results in increased cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) in cells. Cyclic AMP belongs to a class of substances known as "second messengers" and is one of the most important cellregulating compounds. Among its many roles, cAMP activates numerous other enzymes involved in diverse cellular functions. Hormones and neurotransmitters also activate adenylate cyclase, but Forskolin appears to be able to activate adenylate cyclase by itself. Thus, Forskolin can increase cyclic AMP without the assistance of hormones or neurotransmitters.

Pharmaceutical Use:

Coleus has been traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine for a variety of conditions, including hypertension, asthma, eczema, psoriasis, congestive heart failure, and angina. The effects of Forskolin have been intensively researched in in vitro, animal, and human clinical studies.

Asthma, Eczema, Allergies Many drugs used to treat asthma and allergies are designed to increase cAMP levels. Usually they inhibit the enzyme (phosphodiesterase) that breaks down cAMP. This mechanism is the "flip side" of Forskolin’s ability to act directly to increase cAMP. Thus, Forskolin can be used by itself, or in addition to phosphodiesterase-inhibiting drugs in the pre-vention and treatment of many allergic conditions, including asthma. Scientists have discovered that a cAMP deficiency is strongly associated with many allergic conditions. Eczema sufferers have been found to have significantly low levels of cAMP in their skin, for example, whilst low levels of this chemical in the lungs has been linked to those with asthma . Forskolin is proving to be so promising in this area because of its ability to safely increase levels of cAMP in the body. A conventional way of treating asthma and skin allergies is with steroids, which also increase levels of cAMP but have unpleasant sideeffects, including stomach upset, fluid retention and weight gain. In addition, forskolin, like traditional antihistamine drugs, is able to block histamine a chemical which worsens allergies but without causing their sideeffects of nausea and drowsiness. Forskolin is an effective smooth muscle relaxer, resulting in bronchodilation, decreased airway resistance, and increased vital capacity and forced expiratory volume, which are important indicators of pulmonary function.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is characterized by a relative decrease in cAMP compared to another second messenger, cyclic guanine monophosphate (cGMP). This imbalance results in a tremendous increase in cell division. In psoriasis, cells divide about 1,000 times faster than normal. For skolin helps to alleviate psoriasis by normalizing the cAMP /cGMP ratio. Forskolin and Evening Primrose Oil may both be considered as additional substances to be added to regimen to treat this particularly vexatious disease.

Congestive Heart Failure & Angina

Coleus forskohli has traditionally been used to treat hypertension, congestive heart failure, and angina. Treating these conditions may be among the most useful uses for Forskolin. Forskolin's basic cardiovascular action is to lower blood pressure, while simultane ously increasing the contractility of the heart. This is believed to be due to Forskolin's cAMP-elevating ability, which results in relaxation of the arteries, and increased force of contraction of the heart muscle.

One study involved seven patients with dilated cardiomyopathy, a particularly difficult condi-tion to treat. Forskolin administration dramatically improved left ventricular function and overall cardiovascular performance.

Forskolin also increases cerebral blood flow, indicating that it may be beneficial in cerebral vascular insufficiency and in enhancing post stroke recovery. The platelet aggre-gation-inhibiting effects of Forskolin also add to its value in Cardiovascular disorders.

Other Pharmaceutical Uses:

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a cause of visual loss characterized by nerve damage (usually associated with increased intraocular pressure), loss of visual field, glare, and sometimes pain. It is one of the leading causes of blindness in the elderly. Unfortunately, there is very little in the armamentarium of alternative health care practitioners that is effective in preventing or treating this poorly understood condition. However, a number of studies have shown that topical application of one percent Forskolin eye drops resulted in significant decreases in intraocular pressure for up to five hours. Researchers believe that it is the cAMP-elevating effects of Forskolin that result in this significant improvement.

Depression

Depression is believed to be due to an imbalance of neurotransmitters in the brain—most commonly either serotonergic (inhibitory) or dopaminergic (stimulatory). The response to various antidepressants depends on which neurotransmitter system has deviated farthest from the "norm." If the serotonergic neurotransmitters are most deficient, serotonin precursors like 5-HTP or L-tryptophan, or the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) like Paxil, Prozac, or Zoloft are most likely to be of help. If the dopaminergic (i.e., catecholamine's like epinephrine or noradrenaline) neurotransmitters are deficient, catecholamine precursors such as the amino acids L-Phenylalanine or L-Tyrosine, or monoamine oxidase inhibitors such as GeroVital (GH3) or Deprenyl are most likely to help.

German scientists have been working with a different approach to elevating catecholamines, using a class of drugs that stimulate both the presynaptic as well as the postsynaptic components of catecholamanergic transmission. This novel approach uses a drug, Rolipram, which acts by increasing cAMP (an action similar to that of Forskolin), and inhibiting phos-phodiesterase. Although the researchers stopped short of recommending Forskolin for the treatment of depression, they stated clearly that "elevated brain cAMP levels are closely linked to antidepressant activity in animal models of depression."

Cosmetic Use:

Cellulite

Cellulite is the consequence of damaged skin. It’s appearance has been described as tiny holes that appear in the collagen of damaged skin where fats, toxins and fluids then wedge themselves, causing the skin to cave in. Many dermatologist suggest that hormones are the blame for the damage. They suggest that hormones attack the collagen, causing it to harden. This inhibits blood supply and eventually the skin becomes weak and damaged. Fat cells then push and poke through, causing those tell-tale lumps and bumps.

Forskolin has also been reported to increase cellular acetyl cholinesterase and protect neuronal cells from organophosphate toxicity. A landmark study published in Obesity Research revealed that a cream containing forskolin (the active ingredient in the herb coleus forskohlii) can dramatically cellulite. In study this cream caused women to lose up to about an inch of flab from treated thighs, compared to thighs rubbed with a placebo cream. Forskolin helps skin optimize its naturally existing energy for a smoother look.