Does CILTEP (forskolin + artichoke extract) work?

Read Off Label rates the evidence for CILTEP (forskolin + artichoke extract) as Weak and the benefit magnitude as variable, producing an overall grade of C (4.9/10). Invented by Abelard Lindsay (Natural Stacks).

Is CILTEP (forskolin + artichoke extract) safe?

CILTEP (forskolin + artichoke extract) has a low-med risk profile in published human data. Legal status: OTC (individual components). This is not medical advice — see the disclaimer.

Rankings / Cognitive

CILTEP (forskolin + artichoke extract)

Cognitive · Stack — cAMP/PDE4

Tier C

Reviewed by Read Off Label · Last reviewed Jun 8, 2026 · How we grade

otc

4.9 / 10

Tier C

Ev 3 Bn 5 Sf 7

Bottom line

Read Off Label grades CILTEP (forskolin + artichoke extract) as C (4.9/10) based on weak evidence, variable benefit magnitude, and a low-med-risk safety profile.

Invented by Abelard Lindsay (Natural Stacks).

Typical use: Forskolin 20% 20 mg + artichoke extract 5% luteolin 900 mg, morning, empty stomach — OTC.

What this is

Invented by Abelard Lindsay (Natural Stacks). Never tested as a combined product in controlled trials. Individual mechanism grounding in Tim Tully's memory consolidation work is real; translation to human cognition untested. Popular in 'classic nootropic' community.

Mechanism

Forskolin activates adenylyl cyclase (cAMP elevation); artichoke extract luteolin inhibits PDE4 (cAMP breakdown); combined effect targets CREB-mediated long-term potentiation

Dose & route

Forskolin 20% 20 mg + artichoke extract 5% luteolin 900 mg, morning, empty stomach

Citations

Links go to the source. If a link is dead or you want something re-checked, let me know.

Common questions

Does CILTEP (forskolin + artichoke extract) work?: Read Off Label rates the evidence for CILTEP (forskolin + artichoke extract) as Weak and the benefit magnitude as variable, producing an overall grade of C (4.9/10). Invented by Abelard Lindsay (Natural Stacks).
Is CILTEP (forskolin + artichoke extract) safe?: CILTEP (forskolin + artichoke extract) has a low-med risk profile in published human data. Legal status: OTC (individual components). This is not medical advice — see the disclaimer.
What is the typical dose for CILTEP (forskolin + artichoke extract)?: Forskolin 20% 20 mg + artichoke extract 5% luteolin 900 mg, morning, empty stomach
How does CILTEP (forskolin + artichoke extract) work?: Forskolin activates adenylyl cyclase (cAMP elevation); artichoke extract luteolin inhibits PDE4 (cAMP breakdown); combined effect targets CREB-mediated long-term potentiation

This is an independent synthesis of published research by a non-clinician. Scores are opinions supported by citations, not prescriptions. See the full disclaimer and methodology for how this score was produced and what it does and doesn't mean.