Forskolin (C15-1256-514)

General description

Forskolin, present predominantly in the root of Coleus forskohlii plant, is a potential pharmacological compound. It is used for treating hypertension, respiratory disorders and obesity. Forskolin is a diterpenoid capable of modulating adenylate cyclase enzyme and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels. Engineering forskolin biosynthetic pathway caters its commercial production for pharmacological use. Forskolin has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory property and reduces hyperglycemia by stimulating insulin release. Forskolin promotes differentiation of hepatoma HepaRG cells and activates farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and pregnane X receptor(PXR).

Application

Forskolin has been used:

• for inducing mRNA expression in primary hepatocytes.
• as a defatting drug in primary human hepatocytes.
• as a medium supplement to induce differentiation of adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs).
• in the activation of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene.
• to promote the differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) into endothelial cells.
• to stimulate cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR)-mediated chloride ion secretion in differentiated airway epithelial cells derived from individuals with and without cystic fibrosis (CF).

Biochem/physiol Actions

Cell-permeable diterpenoid that possesses anti-hypertensive, positive inotropic, and adenylyl cyclase activating properties. Many of its biological effects are due to its activation of adenylyl cyclase and the resulting increase in intracellular cAMP concentration. Forskolin effects calcium currents and inhibits MAP kinase.

Features and Benefits

This compound is a featured product for Cyclic Nucleotide research. Click here to discover more featured Cyclic Nucleotide products. Learn more about bioactive small molecules for other areas of research at sigma.com/discover-bsm.

This compound is featured on the Adenylyl cyclases page of the Handbook of Receptor Classification and Signal Transduction. To browse other handbook pages, click here.

Preparation Note

Forskolin is soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol, chloroform, and DMSO.