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Coleus Forskohlii (Forskolin): Benefits, Evidence and Side Effects
Coleus forskohlii benefits are mostly unproven in people. Sugar Defender lists coleus forskohlii root ninth in its blend, so one mL holds at most 22 mg. Forskolin at 500 mg a day showed no effect on body weight in three small trials, and the root may add to blood pressure medicines.
Written by the Sugar Defender label deskUpdated · 4 min read
The ingredient01
What is coleus forskohlii in Sugar Defender?
Coleus forskohlii is a plant in the mint family, and forskolin is the compound pulled from its root. Sugar Defender lists "coleus forskohlii root" ninth among 22 blend ingredients.
The label prints no amount and no extract strength. The photo above shows garden leaves, not the root used in supplements.
| Measure | Amount |
|---|---|
| Even split of the blend | About 9 mg per mL |
| Most the ninth line can hold | 200 divided by 9: 22 mg |
| Weight trials | 500 mg a day |
The research02
Do forskolin weight loss claims hold up?
No. In three small 12-week trials, forskolin at 500 mg a day had no effect on body weight (NIH ODS, Dietary Supplements for Weight Loss).
That dose is more than 22 times the most a milliliter of Sugar Defender can hold. Memorial Sloan Kettering adds that studies showing forskolin is safe and works are lacking (MSKCC, Forskolin (Coleus forskohlii)).
The sources we cite describe no human trial showing a blood sugar benefit from forskolin, so the question of forskolin and blood sugar stays open.
Sales page03
What does the sales page claim for coleus?
It labels coleus a "Fat Burning Aid". The research above does not back that line.
- Sales headline“The #1 Rated Blood Sugar Formula”No ranking source, rating body or trial is named. No trial has tested Sugar Defender. (Sugar Defender sales page) (FTC, Health Products Compliance Guidance)
- Ingredient count“24 proven ingredients”The page then names 8. The label has 23 lines: chromium plus a 22-ingredient blend, with only one amount printed. (Sugar Defender sales page) (21 CFR 101.36 (eCFR))
- Science headline“New Breakthrough in Blood Sugar Science”No published study of the drops is cited. NCCIH finds little evidence that supplements help diabetes. (NCCIH, Diabetes and Dietary Supplements) (FTC, Health Products Compliance Guidance)
- PromiseSupports healthy glucose levels and “natural weight loss”No product trial. The weight-loss ingredients (African mango, forskolin, raspberry ketone, capsaicin) have weak or no evidence alone. (NIH ODS, Dietary Supplements for Weight Loss) (ADA, Vitamins & Supplements)
- Chromium copyChromium “Reduces Obesity & Lowers Blood Pressure”Glucose studies used 200-1,000 mcg a day with mixed results. One dropper has 0.7 mcg. (NIH ODS, Chromium)
- Bonus titleAn e-book called “Learn How to Manage Type II Diabetes”A book title, not a property of the drops. No supplement treats diabetes; care stays with your doctor. (NCCIH, Diabetes and Dietary Supplements) (FDA, Illegally Sold Diabetes Treatments)
- Popularity line“96% Of Customers Order 6 Bottles”No source or sample size is given, so it cannot be checked. (FTC, How To Evaluate Online Reviews)
- Bottle band“Blood Sugar Support Formula” with the FDA statementStructure/function wording, allowed with the FDA statement. It is not a disease claim. (FDA, Using Dietary Supplements)
Claims as printed on the sales page (Sugar Defender sales page) and the label. Health claims need competent and reliable scientific evidence, generally human trials of the same product (FTC, Health Products Compliance Guidance).
Sugar Defender: from $49 a bottle60 mL · 2, 3 or 6 bottles · free US shipping on 3 or 6 · 60-day money-back guarantee
See packsCautions04
What are the side effects of forskolin?
Reported side effects are low blood pressure, a slow heart rate and diarrhea (MSKCC, Forskolin (Coleus forskohlii)).
- Blood pressure medicines: forskolin may add to their effect.
- Warfarin and other blood thinners: it may raise bleeding risk.
- Pregnant, nursing, under 18 or on any medicine: the label says to see a physician first.
Keep taking prescribed medicine, and tell your pharmacist about every supplement.
If you try it05
How is Sugar Defender sold?
Sugar Defender ships in 2, 3 or 6 bottle packs with a 60-day money-back guarantee on official orders.
Sugar Defender: from $49 a bottle60 mL · 2, 3 or 6 bottles · free US shipping on 3 or 6 · 60-day money-back guarantee
See packsMore on the other herbs is on the other blend herbs page, and interactions are covered under side effects.
FAQ06
Sugar Defender questions people ask
What dose of forskolin did weight studies use?
The three small trials gave 500 mg a day for 12 weeks. A milliliter of Sugar Defender cannot hold more than 22 mg of coleus root (NIH ODS, Dietary Supplements for Weight Loss).
Is forskolin safe with warfarin?
Ask your prescriber first. Forskolin may increase bleeding risk with warfarin and other blood thinners, so a pharmacist should check any product that lists coleus (MSKCC, Forskolin (Coleus forskohlii)).
Is the coleus in the photo what goes in the drops?
No. The label lists coleus forskohlii root. The magenta leaves in the brand photo are ornamental and are not the part used.
Who wrote this07
Written and reviewed by
Pages built from the label, the sales page and linked NIH, FDA, CDC, FTC and peer-reviewed sources.
Last updated . Read our editorial standards and how we check reviews. This website is run by Isugardefender, a Sugar Defender U.S. shop, not by the manufacturer or the distributor. We earn money when you buy through our order links.
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