How does Forskolin act?
Forskolin activates adenylate cyclase, an enzyme, resulting in increase of “cyclic adenosine monophosphate” (cAMP) in cells. Cyclic AMP (pertaining to a class of substances that are known as “second messengers,”) is one of the most important cell-regulating compounds and activates many other enzymes that are involved in diverse cellular functions. Though hormones and neurotransmitters also activate adenylate cyclase, forskolin appears to be able to activate adenylate cyclase by itself. Thus, forskolin can increase cyclic AMP without the assistance of hormones or neurotransmitters.
