Forskolin (Coleus forskohlii) for Weight Loss
Verdict: Published with Warning
Across 3 PubMed studies, the evidence for Forskolin (Coleus forskohlii) in Weight Loss grades Tier C — weak evidence. Effective, but with safety or population caveats.
C 🟠 C Weak Evidence Published with Warning
Why this grade7-layer evidence engine
⚖️
Scoring transparency
All scores computed by a 7-layer evidence engine — fully auditableRaw score 0.40
D
C
B
A
S
← counter-evidence / ineffectiveeffective / strong evidence →
Final grade
C · Published with Warning
Confidence
69%
Broadly consistent
Evidence level
E6
Multiple smaller RCTs (n<500)
▸View the full decision path (audit trail)
- compute_raw_score — 加權公式: L2×0.30 + L3×0.25 + L5×0.25 + L11×0.10 + L1×0.10 = 0.398
- tier_from_score — 依分數區間映射至 tier letter
- apply_hec_rules — 無高階證據可裁決
- tier_strict_requirement_check — D 級條件未達 (需 E1-E3 negative；實際 E6)
- detect_disputes — 偵測到 0 個 hard + 1 個 soft dispute
- decide_status — 依 tier + dispute 結果決定 status
PubMed studies (3)L2 · primary research & systematic reviews
Body composition and hormonal adaptations associated with forskolin consumption in overweight and obese men
Finding: Forskolin group showed significant decrease in body fat percentage and fat mass vs placebo (p<=0.05); bone mass and serum free testosterone increased significantly; lean body mass showed non-significant trend toward increase (p=0.097).
View on PubMed Effects of Coleus forskohlii supplementation on body composition and hematological profiles in mildly overweight women
Finding: No significant difference in body mass change (CF -0.7 +/- 1.8 kg vs placebo +1.0 +/- 2.5 kg, p=0.10) or fat mass (p=0.16); CF group reported less hunger (p=0.02) and trend toward less fatigue (p=0.07); authors concluded CF does not promote weight loss but may help mitigate weight gain.
View on PubMed Coleus forskohlii Extract Supplementation in Conjunction with a Hypocaloric Diet Reduces the Risk Factors of Metabolic Syndrome in Overweight and Obese Subjects: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Finding: Waist and hip circumference reduced significantly in BOTH experimental and placebo groups (p=0.02; p=0.01) with no between-group difference for weight outcomes; HDL increased in both groups (p=0.01); experimental group showed favorable improvement in insulin concentration (p=0.001) and insulin resistance (p=0.01) vs placebo.
View on PubMed Regulatory & authoritative positionsL4/L5 · FDA / EMA / NIH ODS / Cochrane / Mayo …
L4a US FDA
Cautious
Coleus forskohlii [an ingredient in Blood Pressure Support] contains a chemical called forskolin, which is known for having the ability to reduce blood pressure source↗
L4b EU EFSA
Against
L4d TW TFDA / 衛福部
Neutral
毛喉鞘蕊花（Coleus forskohlii）列於食藥署「可供食品使用原料彙整一覽表」之草、木本植物類，可供直接食品使用，使用部位為根。 source↗
L5a NIH Office of Dietary Supplements
Cautious
L5c Cleveland Clinic
Cautious
Fat burners can contain many other ingredients, too, such as: Capsicum. Chromium. Conjugated linoleic acid. Forskolin. Fucoxanthin. Garcinia cambogia. Kelp. Raspberry ketones. ... Unfortunately, there is no miracle supplement to safely melt away the pounds. ... Everyone would like a quick fix. But if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. When it comes to weight loss and burning fat, th… source↗
L5e Specialty Society (condition-mapped)
Against
Despite a number of citations evaluating dietary supplements and alternative therapies for weight-loss, this review does not support strong, high-quality evidence of efficacy for any of products. source↗