Forskolin is a widespread supplement made from the roots of Coleus Forskohlii. This is a medium sized plant found in India and Eastern Africa. The plant has purple flowers and has been in use for centuries as traditional medicine. In the 21st century, the plant is used as a supplement. It has been cherished due to its many health benefits. They include weight loss, solving hormonal issues, ensuring heart health and suppressing allergies. In this article we shall discuss the effects it has on depression.
How It Works
Forskolin basically effects the body by activating adenylate cyclase enzyme. This results of increased cyclic adenosine monophosphate (Cyclic AMP) in cells. Cyclic AMP is grouped among a class of substances called second messengers within the body. It’s among the most crucial cell regulating compounds. Cyclic AMP activates other enzymes that control different cellular functions. As hormones and neurotransmitters work together to activate adenylate cyclase, forskolin activates it by itself. This means it can work independently thus making it efficient.
Effects on Depression
Depression is believed to be as a result of imbalance of neurotransmitters in the brain. These neurotransmitters are either serotonin (inhibitory) or dopamine (stimulatory). The overall response to antidepressants depends on which system of neurotransmitters has deviated furthest from the normal. If serotonin transmitters are deficient, precursors of serotonin are to be used. They include 5-HTP and L-tryptophan. Sometimes Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRI) e.g. Zoloft, Paxil and Prozac could be of use. On the contrary, if there’s deficiency of dopamine neurotransmitters catecholamine precursors can prove helpful. They include amino acids L-Phenylalanine and L-Tyrosine. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors e.g. GeroVital (GH3) and Deprenyl could be useful.
Recent study has it that increase in cyclic AMP increases catecholamine (epinephrine and nor-epinephrine). As stated earlier, forskolin elevates Cyclic AMP which in return boosts the functioning of neurotransmitters. This relieves depression eventually. Male depression is attributed highly to drop in levels of testosterone. It’s important to note that patients that have depression are linked to decreased Cyclic AMP levels. This means that by solving the deficiency, the patients can recover from their condition. Forskolin helps to step up the levels of Cyclic AMP by activating adenylate cyclase that bypasses membrane receptors. Doctors prescribe taking a 250mg capsule of forskolin every day.
The use of forskolin is a natural way to fight depression. Its pros exceed the cons and the only way to realize its profound benefits is to scrutinize its reputation. As always, make sure to consult your doctor before taking any supplement.
Last Updated on July 27, 2021
