Forskolin

The major cell-permeable diterpene isolated from the Indian plant Coleus forskohlii.

The major cell-permeable diterpene isolated from the Indian plant Coleus forskohlii. At low doses, it acts as a positive inotropic agent. At higher doses, it serves as a hypotensive and vasodilatory agent due to its actions as a smooth muscle relaxant. No major side effects are observed at effective doses. Forskolins pharmacological activities are due to its activation of adenylate cyclase (EC₅₀ = 4 µM), resulting in increased cAMP levels. The exact mechanism of forskolins positive inotropic effect is unknown but may be related to a cAMP-dependent increase in Na⁺ permeability that results in indirect augmentation of Ca²⁺ release. Inhibits MAP kinase in rat renal mesangial cells (IC₅₀ = 25 µM). Also acts as a Hh pathway antagonist. Shown to inhibit apoptosis in cerebellar granule cells and to induce apoptosis in resting human B lymphocytes. The solid form of this compound (Cat. No. 344270) is also available.

Packaged under inert gas

A 50 mM (5 mg/244 µl) solution of Forskolin, Coleus forskohlii (Cat. No. 344270) in DMSO.

Following initial thaw, aliquot and freeze (-20°C).

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CALBIOCHEM is a registered trademark of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany

Toxicity: Irritant (B)