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This
"power" herb has an active ingredient in it called
forskolin. It has been used in ayruvedic medicine for many
years. Forskolin's basic mechanism of action is that it
increases the amount of cyclic AMP (adenosine monophosphate)
in cells by activating an enzyme called adenylate cyclase.
Cyclic AMP (cAMP) is one of the most important secondary
messengers in the cell. It is considered to be one of the
most important cell regulating compounds.
Under
normal circumstances, cAMP forms by adenylate cyclase activation
due to hormonal stimulation at the cell receptor site. However,
forskolin seems to bypass this reaction and allows for an
increase in intracellular cAMP to occur. Why is it important
to increase cAMP levels? Well, there are several benefits
of this to athletes including relaxation of the arteries
and smooth muscles, lowering blood pressure, enhanced insulin
secretion (which can help drive carbohydrates and protein
into muscle cells for energy and recovery), increased thyroid
hormone function (which can help enhance metabolic rate),
and significantly increase lipolysis (fat burning). Forskolin
also seems to benefit other cellular enzymes as well.
The breakdown
of fat for fuel (lipolysis) is actually regulated by cAMP.
Forskolin has been shown to not only enhance lipolysis but
it may also inhibit fat storage from occurring. This is
very good news for individuals trying to lose bodyfat and
get lean. Another way that forskolin may allow for fat loss
to occur is by stimulating thyroid hormone production and
release. Thyroid hormone controls metabolism and can enhance
metabolic rate, which may translate into more fat loss.
One of the overlooked benefits
of forskolin includes its stimulation of digestive enzymes,
which can allow individuals to digest and assimilate their
food better. It has been shown to increase nutrient absorption
in the small intestine.
Forskolin has been shown
to be safe and effective and has a great amount of potential
as a sports supplement. As with most dietary supplements,
more human research is needed but the future looks bright
for this compound.
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