That's an interesting question! Here's what the research shows on forskohlii (also known as Coleus forskohlii, whose active compound is forskolin) and its potential effects on the sense of smell.

What Does the Research Say?

According to Pillser's research database, Forskohlii has been studied in connection with improved olfactory function — meaning the ability to detect and identify odors. There is 1 study on this topic, and it showed a beneficial effect¹.

How Might It Work?

Forskolin works by raising levels of cyclic AMP (cAMP) in cells, a signaling molecule that plays a key role in how olfactory (smell) neurons detect and transmit odor signals. Here's the theoretical basis:

• Olfactory receptor neurons rely on cAMP to convert chemical signals (smells) into electrical signals sent to the brain.
• By boosting cAMP levels, forskolin could potentially enhance the sensitivity of these olfactory neurons.
• This mechanism has led to interest in forskolin for conditions involving loss of smell, including post-viral anosmia and post-COVID olfactory dysfunction.

The Bottom Line

The research is very limited — currently only 1 study in Pillser's database — so it's far from conclusive. While the theoretical mechanism is plausible, there isn't enough evidence to confidently say that taking forskohlii supplements will improve your ability to identify different odors better. More research is needed.

If you're dealing with a reduced sense of smell, it's best to consult a healthcare professional who can help identify the underlying cause.

Would you like me to search for available forskohlii supplement products?

Footnotes

1. Pillser research database, Forskohlii and Improved Olfactory Function. ↩