Forskolin, a supplement showing promise for chronic loss of smell

A recent article from Egypt and Saudi Arabia has looked at the supplement Forskolin as a promising therapy for people who have long standing smell loss from Covid 19. 

Forskolin is a supplement derived from the coleus plant that can influence different functions in the body. It has been used for weight loss, and became popular after being mentioned on the US television program of Dr Oz. It has also been suggested for use in heart health.

The research group has found that an active ingredient in Forskolin, adenylyl cyclase activator, can raise levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate, a substance that is decreased in patients with post Covid smell loss. The study looked at a group of 285 participants, all of whom had been experiencing smell loss for more than six months. They were randomly assigned to either Forskolin or a placebo. The two groups were given Sniffin’ Sticks tests before and after their use of the supplement. 

Participants were given a six month course of 10mg of Forskolin, taken three times daily. The study also monitored participants for side effects.

The result? Those taking the Forskolin had a significant improvement in their overall smell score, or TDI. The TDI measures threshold, discrimination, and identification.  Interestingly, the threshold did not improve, how ever both discrimination (the ability to tell smells apart) and identification improved significantly.

The researchers suggest that this is probably happening because of the supplement’s impact on neuronal signaling and axon regeneration in the brain. 

The placebo group did not show improvement. 

The supplement came from Life Extension Foundation, which is available in the US. It is also available for online purchase in the UK. At this time, a bottle of 60 capsules costs $12.00.