Coleus Forskohlii
Traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine, coleus forskohlii has been around for centuries for numerous benefits ranging from anti-cancer to reducing inflammation. While the potential uses are wide, it is most commonly used for weight loss and testosterone enhancement.
What it does
Studies researching this herb have centered on the theorized active constituent forskolin which has been shown to simultaneously decrease fat mass while increasing testosterone levels[1]. In the primary study referenced below, participants gained an additional 2lbs of lean body mass in 12 weeks compared to placebo.
While an additional 2lbs is nothing to marvel at, it is a considerable increase on what is achievable naturally without the use of exogenous hormones like prohormones or steroids.
How it works
Forskolin is theorized to work via increases of cyclic adenosine monophosphate or cAMP. This can increase your basal metabolic rate via increase in the production of hormone-sensitive lipase and helps to mobilize fat stores. Increased cAMP levels should also increase testosterone output, but most intriguing is the possibility that forskolin can actually activate androgen receptors allowing it to mimic the effects of testosterone itself.
Dosing
Coleus forskohlii must be standardized for forskolin content to be effective, and most supplements contain 10% of the active compound. For best results, take 250mg of coleus forskohlii twice per day, resulting in 50mg of active forskolin. If you use a product that is standardized for more than 10%, dosing should be adjusted to still aim for the 50mg/day mark.