Study supports ForsLean efficacy, safety

ForsLean is derived from the root of Coleaus forskohlii, which is native to warm temperate habitats including India and is the only known plant source of the natural compound forskolin. Amongst other effects, this is understood to increase lean body mass and help optimize body composition though cAMP (cyclic adenosine monophosphate) activation.

Sabinsa, which part sponsored the study, holds both European and US patents for forskolin's use as a weight management and body composition ingredient.

The 12-week study was conducted at Baylor University's Center for Exercise, Nutrition & Preventative Health Research. It involved 23 overweight women who were randomized to receive either 250mg of ForsLean (10 percent diterpene forskolin standardization) or a placebo twice a day.

The researchers measured their body composition, body weight, and psychometric instruments were obtained at baseline, four, eight and 12 weeks. Fasting blood samples and dietary records were also obtained at the start and end of the trial. Side effects were recorded each week.

The results, published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition (2(2): 54-62, 2005), showed that women who received the ForsLean experienced a decrease in body mass and scanned mass and reported less fatigue and hunger. There were no significant differences in fat mass.

No significant interactions were observed; most notably, despite previous research indicating that Coleaus forskohlii may cause an increase in heart rate and decrease in blood pressure, this was not seen in the current study.

"The results suggest that CF does not appear to promote weight loss but may help mitigate weight gain in overweight females with apparently no clinically significant side effects," concluded the researchers.

However they said that decreases were seen in carbohydrate, fat and energy intake in both groups over the study period, which may have been due to participants attempting to assist the weight loss process. Differences between the groups may have been observed if a study diet had been prescribed.

They also said that a set exercise regime may have shown up more differences between the groups.

The researchers said that Coleaus forskohlii has the potential to influence the loss and management of overall body weight as a means of maintaining weight after weight loss, but that further research into its capabilities is required.