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Coleus forskohlii
This "power" herb has an active ingredient in it called forskolin. It has been
used in ayruvedic medicine for many years. Forskolin's basic mechanism of action
is that it increases the amount of cyclic AMP (adenosine monophosphate) in cells
by activating an enzyme called adenylate cyclase. Cyclic AMP (cAMP) is one of
the most important secondary messengers in the cell. It is considered to be one
of the most important cell regulating compounds.
Under normal circumstances, cAMP forms by adenylate cyclase activation due to
hormonal stimulation at the cell receptor site. However, forskolin seems to
bypass this reaction and allows for an increase in intracellular cAMP to occur.
Why is it important to increase cAMP levels? Well, there are several benefits of
this to athletes including relaxation of the arteries and smooth muscles,
lowering blood pressure, enhanced insulin secretion (which can help drive
carbohydrates and protein into muscle cells for energy and recovery), increased
thyroid hormone function (which can help enhance metabolic rate), and
significantly increase lipolysis (fat burning). Forskolin also seems to benefit
other cellular enzymes as well.
The breakdown of fat for fuel (lipolysis) is actually regulated by cAMP.
Forskolin has been shown to not only enhance lipolysis but it may also inhibit
fat storage from occurring. This is very good news for individuals trying to
lose bodyfat and get lean. Another way that forskolin may allow for fat loss to
occur is by stimulating thyroid hormone production and release. Thyroid hormone
controls metabolism and can enhance metabolic rate, which may translate into
more fat loss.
One of the overlooked benefits of forskolin includes its stimulation of
digestive enzymes, which can allow individuals to digest and assimilate their
food better. It has been shown to increase nutrient absorption in the small
intestine.
Forskolin has been shown to be safe and effective and has a great amount of
potential as a sports supplement. As with most dietary supplements, more human
research is needed but the future looks bright for this compound.
Ayurveda concentrates on the
techniques of a healthy normal life.
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