Coleus forskohlii is an Indian plant that is used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine to treat diseases relating to cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, and central nervous systems disorders. Coleus forskohlii contains a siterpene called forskolin that interacts directly with the enzyme adenylate cyclase to activate cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cyclic AMP) in the cells. This may be related to weight loss because cyclic AMP causes the mobilisation of stored body fat and this may increase fat oxidation rates. Causing reductions in body fat may improve insulin sensitivity and this may reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome. In one study, researchers administered 250 mg of Coleus forskohlii extract to overweight and obese individuals for 12 weeks. After 12 weeks the insulin levels in the experimental group were significantly lower than the control group, suggesting that insulin metabolism had improved. Coleus forskohlii may therefore be beneficial at treating the metabolic syndrome in overweight and obese humans.
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