Forskolin Induces Endocrine Disturbance in Human JEG-3 Placental Cells

Abstract

Forskolin, used in folk medicine since ancient times, is now available as a dietary supplement, with an indication as a fat burner and appetite suppressant. However, the safety of forskolin is poorly documented especially for pregnant women. The question that we raised is what about the safety of forskolin in pregnant women? As the placenta, an endocrine organ, is the key organ of pregnancy, we evaluated the in vitro placental toxicity of forskolin. We focused first on the activation of a P2X7 degenerative receptor as a key biomarker for placental toxicity, and second on steroid and peptide hormonal secretion. We observed that forskolin activated P2X7 receptors and disturbed estradiol, progesterone, hPL and hyperglycosylated hCG secretion in human placental JEG-Tox cells. To the best of our knowledge, we highlighted, for the first time, that forskolin induced endocrine disturbance in placental cells. Forskolin does not appear to be a safe product for pregnant women and restrictions should be taken.

Advancing Endocrine Disruptors via In Vitro Evaluation: Recognizing the Significance of the Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development and United States Environmental Protection Agency Guidelines, Embracing New Assessment Methods, and the Urgent Need for a Comprehensive Battery of Tests

“…The h-Placentox test is based on the activation of the P2X7 receptor as an in vitro marker of adverse health effects and the dosage of hormones. It has been used to evaluate forskolin, a diterpene from a plant used in food supplements for weight loss [ 60 ], essential oils [ 61 ], and chlorpyrifos, a persistent and bioaccumulative worldwide banned pesticide [ 62 ].…”