Quick answer
Coleus forskohlii is a plant in the mint family whose root contains forskolin. In a 12-week trial in overweight and obese men, 250 mg of a 10% forskolin extract taken twice a day (500 mg total) was linked to lower body fat percentage and higher free testosterone compared with placebo.* A similar trial in women found no significant change in fat mass. Man Greens contains 250 mg of organic Coleus forskohlii per scoop, once a day.
What is forskolin?
Forskolin is the active compound in the root of Coleus forskohlii, used in Ayurvedic tradition. In the lab it raises cAMP, a messenger molecule involved in fat metabolism and hormone signaling.
What the research shows
| Study | Who | Dose | Length | Finding vs placebo |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Godard et al., 2005 | 30 overweight and obese men | 250 mg of 10% extract, twice daily | 12 weeks | Lower body fat percentage; higher free testosterone |
| Henderson et al., 2005 | Mildly overweight women | 250 mg of 10% extract, twice daily | 12 weeks | No significant change in fat mass; may have helped limit weight gain |
The evidence is thin: two small trials with mixed results. Treat forskolin as promising, not proven.
Man Greens dose vs studied dose
Man Greens provides 250 mg of Coleus forskohlii once a day. The men's trial used 250 mg twice a day, so Man Greens contains half the studied daily amount. We'd rather tell you that than have you work it out yourself.
Safety
Forskolin can lower blood pressure and may increase bleeding risk. Talk to your doctor before using it if you take blood pressure medication or blood thinners, have low blood pressure, kidney disease or a bleeding disorder, or have surgery scheduled. Loose stools were reported in some studies.
FAQ
Does forskolin raise testosterone?
One 12-week trial in overweight men found higher free testosterone than placebo at 500 mg a day of a 10% extract.* That's a single small study.
How much forskolin was studied?
250 mg of a 10% Coleus forskohlii extract twice a day, which provides 50 mg of forskolin per day.
References
- Godard MP, Johnson BA, Richmond SR. Body composition and hormonal adaptations associated with forskolin consumption in overweight and obese men. Obes Res. 2005;13(8):1335-1343.
- Henderson S, Magu B, Rasmussen C, et al. Effects of Coleus forskohlii supplementation on body composition and hematological profiles in mildly overweight women. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2005;2(2):54-62.
Coleus forskohlii is one of 8 ingredients in Man Greens. See every dose on the ingredients and testing page.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.