IngredientesScientific name: Lobelia inflata L. Family: Campanulaceae. Common names: Indian tobacco, asthma weed, bladderpod, eyebright, gagroot, pukeweed, and vomitwort.
The genus Lobelia, named after the botanist Matthias de Lobel, is a large genus of medicinally valuable flowering plants belonging to the Campanulaceae family comprising more than 450 species distributed predominantly in tropical and temperate regions of the world. The latinized name Lobelia was given by Linnaeus in honor of Matthias de Lobel, a botanist and private physician to King James I.
Lobelia inflata, also known as Indian tobacco or puke weed, is a species of Lobelia native to eastern North America, from southeastern Canada (Nova Scotia to southeast Ontario) south through the eastern United States to Alabama and west to Kansas. Lobelia inflata is an annual or biennial herbaceous plant growing to 15–100 cm (5.9–39.4 in) tall, with stems covered in tiny hairs. Its leaves are usually about 8 cm (3.1 in) long, and are ovate and toothed. They are alternately arranged. It has violet colored flowers that are tinted yellow on the inside, and usually appear in mid-summer and continue to bloom into fall. The seedcases are small, brown, dehiscent, and papery.
The leaves and seed pods are the most commonly used medicinal parts of Lobelia. Among the Lobelia family, Lobelia inflata contains the greatest concentration of more than 20 piperidine alkaloids. (−)-Lobeline is the major and the most biologically active alkaloid of the plant.
The species epithet inflata refers to the plant's inflated, balloon-like seed pods, which swell as they mature. Lobelia inflata is medically the most important variety of the Lobelia family, which consists of more than 50 species including in particular L. cardinalis, L. erinus, L. spicata, L. siphilitica, L. puberula, and L. appendiculata.
L. inflata, widely used in the form of powder, tincture, syrup, and infusion, received more attention from scholars owing to its emetic, hypnotic, anti-asthmatic, and astringent properties. Lobelia is available loose and dried for making into tea, as well as in capsules, tablets, and liquid extracts. The flowers, leaves, and seeds are used in various preparations.
Lobelia inflata has a long use as a medicinal plant as an entheogenic, emetic, and skin or respiratory aid. Native Americans used it for respiratory and muscle disorders, as a purgative, and as a ceremonial medicine. The leaves were chewed and smoked. The plant was used as a traditional medicinal plant by the Cherokee, Iroquois, Penobscot, and other indigenous peoples. Lobelia inflata (Indian tobacco), so-called because the Native Americans (the Penobscot tribes) smoked the dried leaves as a substitute for tobacco, was used to produce the effect of alkaloids on the central nervous system.
Lobelia has a long use as a medicinal plant for respiratory and skin diseases, as an entheogenic and an emetic. It had wide use among Native American tribes including the Cherokee, Iroquois, and Penobscot and was used for respiratory and muscle disorders as well as a ceremonial herb. The Cherokee burned the foliage as a natural insecticide. Lobelia inflata and a few other species which are endemic to North America have traditional use among many Native American tribes, including applications of leaves, flowers, seeds, and roots.
The herb's traditional names capture its traditional uses: wild tobacco, asthma weed, gagroot, and pokeweed. Dried lobelia tastes and smells somewhat like tobacco, so it was sold as a tobacco substitute. Lobelia was also used to treat asthma and stimulate vomiting.
Lobelia inflata was extensively used by the people of New England, long before the time of Samuel Thomson (superintendent of Indian affairs in North America from 1756 to 1774), its assumed discoverer. The credit for the introduction of Lobelia into medical practice is due to Dr. Manasseh Cutler and Dr. Samuel Thomson. As early as 1773, Thomson became aware of its power to procure vomiting, and during 1791 he first became practically acquainted with its ability to afford relief in diseases like colic, rheumatism, and fever. Thomson and Cutler claimed to have used Lobelia for the treatment of asthma in the period 1805–1809. During the 19th century, Lobelia was one of the most medically important plants, used as a valuable remedy for asthma.
The herb Lobelia inflata was originally used by Indigenous Americans in the New England region of the United States. It was subsequently popularized by Samuel Thomson, the founder of an idiosyncratic form of medicine that came to be called Thomsonianism. The enduring popularity of lobelia is one of the legacies of this nineteenth-century enthusiasm. Thomson's methods for restoring the body's heat included steam baths, the use of cayenne pepper, laxatives, and administration of the emetic Lobelia inflata (also known as "Indian tobacco" or "puke weed"). Lobelia can be a deadly poison in sufficient quantities. Indeed, Thomson fatally poisoned one of his patients (Ezra Lovett) by the use of Lobelia.
Nineteenth-century eclectic healers and herbalists were sometimes called "lobelia doctors," a derogatory term at the time, based on its enthusiastic use among them, and public debate about the safety of this herb. For a half a century or so eclectic physicians, country doctors and herbalists promoted use of lobelia in a variety of ways. In many eclectic texts lobelia is described as a circulatory stimulant or depressant, depending on the dose, and nervous system stimulant or depressant, dependent on dose, with a myriad of specific indications related to the actions.
In the 19th century, American physicians prescribed lobelia to induce vomiting in order to remove toxins from the body. Because of this, it earned the name "puke weed."
Eclectic physicians generally recommended using a tincture of lobelia made partially or entirely with vinegar instead of alcohol. A vinegar extract is known as an acetract. At most, 1 ml was given three times per day.
Lobelia was also used in treating colic, rheumatism, fever, and asthma. By the 19th century, lobelia was considered an important medicinal plant used in many conditions (e.g., abscess, insomnia, tetanus, shock); however, deaths were recorded due to dosing inconsistencies.
North American lobelias were brought to Europe in the 16th century for medicinal purpose. Other species of Lobelia also have ethnobotanical histories: L. siphilitica was used by indigenous people in Canada as an anti-syphilitic, L. urens from Europe was employed as a vermifuge, L. laxiflora was used as an emetic, expectorant, and breathing regulator, and L. tupa was used in ophthalmology.
The active constituents are the piperidine alkaloids, mainly lobeline, but also lobelanine, lobelanidine, norlobelanine, lelobanidine, norlelobanidine, norlobelanidine and lobinine. Alpha-lobeline is the most biologically active and frequently investigated alkaloid in Lobelia, out of the more than 20 piperidine alkaloids that have been identified.
Lobelia inflata contains multiple alkaloid compounds, including lobeline, norlobelanine, lobelanidine, and radicamine, among other compounds, such as flavonoids, terpenes, alkynes, and coumarins.
One of the alkaloids that garnered major attention was lobeline, which was primarily derived from the aerial parts of Lobelia inflata. Lobeline is a lipophilic, piperidine alkaloid of Lobelia inflata L. (Campanulaceae).
In addition to alkaloids, the plant contains a broader range of phytochemicals. Diosmetin and 18 other flavonoid aglycones constitute a particularly dense cluster in Lobelia species. Research has also documented the presence of the triterpenoid beta-amyrin palmitate, which has been investigated for potential antidepressant properties in animal models.
Alpha-lobeline has been shown to be a partial nicotine agonist with effects on the CNS, neuromuscular system, and peripheral circulation. It is known as a strong respiratory stimulant, activating the carotid and aortic body chemoreceptors. Alpha-lobeline relaxes lung tissue and aids in expectoration.
Although classified as both an agonist and an antagonist at nicotinic receptors, lobeline has no structural resemblance to nicotine, and structure–function relationships do not suggest a common pharmacophore. Lobeline inhibits nicotine-evoked dopamine release and [3H]nicotine binding, thus acting as a potent antagonist at both alpha3beta2* and alpha4beta2* neuronal nicotinic receptor subtypes.
Lobeline was reported to bind to the α4β2 nAChR with nanomolar affinity, but with less potent affinity against muscarinic and acetylcholinesterase receptors. Lobeline has nicotinic agonist properties at approximately 5% to 20% of the potency of nicotine.
Reevaluation of the mechanism by which lobeline alters dopamine function reveals that its primary mechanism is inhibition of dopamine uptake and promotion of dopamine release from the storage vesicles within the presynaptic terminal, via an interaction with the tetrabenazine-binding site on the vesicular monoamine transporter (VMAT2). Thus, lobeline appears to perturb the fundamental mechanisms of dopamine storage and release.
Lobeline is not selective for VMAT2, acting also as an inhibitor of the dopamine transporter (DAT) and the serotonin transporter (SERT), and as a potent inhibitor of [3H]nicotine and [3H]methyllycaconitine binding to rat brain membranes. Thus, lobeline interacts with nicotinic receptors and blocks nicotine-evoked dopamine release, but also interacts with dopamine transporter proteins (DAT and VMAT2) to modify the concentration of dopamine in the cytosolic and vesicular storage pools, thereby altering subsequent dopaminergic neurotransmission.
Like nicotine, lobelia stimulates the central nervous system (CNS), dilates lung passage ways, and increases respiration rate. However, at higher doses, lobelia has the opposite effect and causes CNS depression and reduced breathing rate.
The two primary alkaloids, lobeline and isolobeline, exert paradoxical dose-dependent effects on the respiratory system. Lobeline is a powerful respiratory stimulant by stimulating the respiratory centers and exerts this effect even in relatively small doses. Isolobeline is an emetic and respiratory relaxant (relaxes smooth muscle) that most powerfully exerts its action at higher doses. The combined action of both of these alkaloids makes lobelia a stimulating relaxant. The net effect in the lungs will be a promotion of mucous secretion, expectoration, and a reduction in bronchial spasm.
Evidence level: Negative — no demonstrated efficacy in human trials.
Lobeline's pharmacological resemblance to nicotine-like activity led to its long-standing use in smoking cessation products. Lobeline is a partial nicotine agonist, which has been used in a variety of commercially available preparations to help stop smoking. L. inflata and its major alkaloid, lobeline, have been used in smoking cessation programs and proposed for treatment of other drug dependencies. The sale of over-the-counter (OTC) lobeline products for smoking cessation was prohibited by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1993.
The most authoritative assessment comes from a Cochrane systematic review (Stead & Hughes, 2012). The review identified no trials meeting the full inclusion criteria including long-term follow-up. One large trial failed to detect any effect on short-term abstinence. The conclusion was that there is no evidence available from long-term trials that lobeline can aid smoking cessation, and the short-term evidence suggests there is no benefit.
There is no current evidence that the dietary supplement lobeline (from the herb Lobelia inflata) can help people quit smoking, according to the U.S. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). A meta-review found that none of the available studies were adequately controlled or of sufficient duration to prove its efficacy. As part of its OTC review process in 1993, the FDA required the removal of lobeline products for smoking cessation from the market because of a lack of demonstrated efficacy.
Current evidence shows that lobelia is not effective for smoking cessation, asthma, or any other medical condition, according to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center's Integrative Medicine service.
Evidence level: Traditional use with preliminary in vitro and animal support; no adequate human clinical trials.
Traditionally, Lobelia is used for the relief of coughs and as an expectorant. Today, lobelia is sometimes suggested to help clear mucus from the respiratory tract, including the throat, lungs, and bronchial tubes. Although few studies have evaluated the safety and effectiveness of lobelia, some herbalists today use lobelia as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for asthma.
Preliminary trials suggest lobeline may improve lung function, perhaps by its abilities to reduce bronchial constriction and to thin mucus so that it can be coughed out. However, no rigorous, controlled human clinical trials have established efficacy for any respiratory indication. Lobeline has traditionally been used to treat asthma and bronchitis; however, clinical trial data are lacking to recommend use for any indication.
Evidence level: Positive preclinical (animal) data; early-phase clinical investigation; no completed human efficacy trials published to date.
Based on its neurochemical mechanism, the ability of lobeline to functionally antagonize the neurochemical and behavioral effects of the psychostimulants amphetamine and methamphetamine was examined. Lobeline was found to inhibit the amphetamine-induced release of dopamine in vitro, and amphetamine-induced hyperactivity, drug discrimination, and self-administration. However, lobeline does not support self-administration in rats, suggesting a lack of addiction liability. Thus, lobeline may reduce the abuse liability of these psychostimulants.
Lobeline, an alkaloid of Lobelia inflata (Indian tobacco), is a nicotinic receptor antagonist, inhibitor of VMAT-2 function, and has low affinity for the dopamine and serotonin transporters. Methamphetamine disrupts VMAT-2 functioning, resulting in increased cytosolic dopamine and release of dopamine into the synapse. Lobeline inhibits methamphetamine-induced dopamine release in vitro and reduces methamphetamine self-administration in rats, presumably due to its effects at VMAT-2 and the dopamine transporter, but it has not been tested for amphetamine/methamphetamine dependence in human clinical trials.
The development of lobeline and lobeline analogs with targeted selectivity at VMAT2 represents a novel class of therapeutic agents having good potential as efficacious treatments for methamphetamine abuse. As of the period of these studies, lobeline was in early clinical evaluation for methamphetamine abuse treatment, but no completed large-scale human trials demonstrating efficacy have been published.
Evidence level: One small proof-of-concept human study; a follow-on phase 2 trial completed without reported results; overall evidence insufficient.
In preclinical studies, lobeline inhibited hyperactivity induced by nicotine and amphetamine, and improved performance and learning in studies utilizing radial-arm maze and spatial-discrimination water maze. A laboratory proof-of-concept study investigated lobeline as a treatment for ADHD symptoms in adults (31.11 ± 7.08 years). Using cognitive tasks and self-report measures, the effects of lobeline (0, 7.5, 15, or 30 mg, sublingual) and methylphenidate (0, 15, or 30 mg, oral) were assessed in nine volunteers with ADHD.
Results suggested that lobeline could modestly improve working memory in adults with ADHD, but no significant improvement in attention was observed. Lobeline administration was associated with mild adverse side effects (nausea). A follow-on phase 2 clinical trial of sublingual lobeline was conducted in 13 adult patients with ADHD (NCT00664703); although the study was completed, no results have been reported to date. It is assumed that the data were not positive and that no further development was warranted.
Evidence level: Preclinical (animal) studies only; no human clinical trials.
Several animal studies have examined lobeline's potential antidepressant properties. Preclinical and clinical studies suggest that neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) antagonists have antidepressant-like properties. One study examined the effects of lobeline, a nAChR antagonist, in the forced swim test (FST), tail suspension test (TST), and novelty suppressed feeding test (NSFT) of antidepressant efficacy. Lobeline (1 or 4 mg/kg, subcutaneous) was administered 20 min before the FST and TST in C57BL/6J mice. Pretreatment with lobeline significantly reduced immobility time in the FST but not in the TST.
A separate PubMed-indexed study (Roni & Rahman, 2017) found that the brain nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) ligand lobeline reduces depression-like behaviors, ethanol drinking, and nicotine withdrawal-induced depression-like behaviors. The purpose of the study was to determine the effects of lobeline on ethanol abstinence-induced depression-like behavior and associated neuroadaptive changes in mice. Acute lobeline treatment (1 mg/kg) significantly reduced immobility time compared to controls after 24 h and 14 days of abstinence. In addition, abstinence from chronic ethanol exposure reduced serotonin levels in the hippocampus, which was reversed by acute lobeline treatment.
Evidence suggests that lobeline, a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor ligand, has antidepressant-like properties in mice. A further study investigated the possible additive or synergistic effects of lobeline in combination with commonly used antidepressants. Therefore, lobeline or similar nicotinic receptor ligands may have therapeutic potential as an adjunct for the treatment of major depression. All such evidence is limited to preclinical (animal) models. No human clinical trials assessing lobeline or lobelia for depression have been reported.
Evidence level: Preclinical animal data only.
Isolated lobeline was found to induce potent anticonvulsant activity against PTZ-induced seizures by enhancing brain gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels at 20 mg/kg i.p. within a duration of 45 min after administration. This finding is from animal research only, and no clinical translation has been demonstrated.
Evidence level: In vitro and animal studies only.
Using the disc diffusion method, methanolic and ethanolic extracts of Lobelia inflorescence have demonstrated inhibition against respiratory tract pathogens (e.g., Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus). Orally administered lobeline inhibited herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1 replication in mice (i.e., decreased HSV titer). These findings are preliminary and have not been substantiated in human studies.
Clinical trials are lacking to support the use of lobelia or provide dosing recommendations. Traditional use of the leaf (i.e., as an expectorant) suggests 100 mg of dry herb up to 3 times a day.
In the clinical ADHD study described above, the effects of lobeline were assessed at doses of 0, 7.5, 15, or 30 mg administered sublingually. In preclinical antidepressant research, lobeline was administered at 1 or 4 mg/kg subcutaneously in mice.
Lobelia alkaloids are cardioactive; cardiotoxicities (i.e., hypotension, tachycardia, convulsion) have been reported. Toxic dosages of the plant have been described: 1 g of leaf is toxic, while 4 g of leaf is considered a fatal dose. Toxicity has been associated with ingestion of 50 mg of dried herb, 1 mL of a tincture, and 8 mg of pure lobeline.
The therapeutic dose of lobeline is very close to the toxic dose (8 mg), which may cause nausea, vomiting, convulsions, and can be fatal. This extremely narrow therapeutic index is a defining and clinically critical characteristic of lobelia preparations.
Although it may be used medicinally, consuming lobelia causes adverse effects, which may include sweating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, rapid heartbeat, mental confusion, convulsions, hypothermia, coma, or possibly death. The root is toxic and can be fatal if eaten.
Lobeline has been associated with nausea, vomiting, headache, tremors, and dizziness. Symptoms caused by overdosage include profuse sweating, paresis, tachycardia, hypertension, Cheyne–Stokes respiration, hypothermia, coma, and death. Large doses are convulsant.
In cases of lobelia overdose, symptoms include diaphoresis, tachycardia, convulsions, hypothermia, hypotension, coma, and even death. In studies in mice, the alkaloid lobeline was not genotoxic or mutagenic, and liver and kidney biochemistry appeared unaffected.
Adverse effects have been documented, including loss of uterine tone, making use during pregnancy a particular concern.
In 1993, the sale of lobelia over-the-counter (OTC) products for smoking cessation was prohibited by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The sale of lobelia OTC products for smoking cessation is prohibited by the FDA due to a lack of effectiveness and safety evidence.
In drug interaction studies, lithium interacts with lobelia, causing an increase in lithium in the body, resulting in serious side effects. Lobeline can have both additive and opposing effects when used at the same time as nicotine. Data in humans are limited. Given lobeline's activity at nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and multiple monoamine transporters, there is a theoretical basis for interactions with nicotine-replacement products, stimulant medications, antidepressants, and antihypertensive agents, though robust clinical interaction data are lacking.
A defining safety characteristic of lobelia is its extremely narrow therapeutic window. Toxicity has been associated with ingestion of 50 mg of dried herb, 1 mL of a tincture, and 8 mg of pure lobeline. Clinical signs of intoxication include hypothermia, hypertension, respiratory depression, paralysis, seizures, euphoria, nausea, emesis, abdominal pain, salivation, tachycardia, and coma. Traditional Eclectic practitioners recognized this narrow window, with some recommending that the absolute maximum amount to take should be that which causes no, or minimal, nausea.
Other species of lobelia are not interchangeable with L. inflata. For example, Lobelia tupa, also known as devil's tobacco, has been used by native people as an anesthetic and hallucinogenic. However, it contains poisonous latex that causes vomiting and delirium if ingested and topically causes irritation.
In the last 60 years, Lobelia has garnered significant attention from phytochemists worldwide, majorly due to the discovery of bioactive piperidine alkaloids in the early 1950s. Later, lobeline underwent clinical trials for several indications including the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and a multicenter phase three trial for smoking cessation. Subsequently, several other alkaloids derived from different species of Lobelia were also investigated for their pharmacological characteristics. However, in the last few years, the research focus has started shifting to the characterization of other novel chemical classes.
The development of lobeline and lobeline analogs with targeted selectivity at VMAT2 represents a novel class of therapeutic agents having good potential as efficacious treatments for methamphetamine abuse. Analogs of lobeline, such as lobelane, have been developed to improve selectivity and reduce adverse effects. VMAT2 inhibition by the natural product lobeline reduced methamphetamine-evoked dopamine release, methamphetamine-induced hyperlocomotion, and methamphetamine self-administration in rats. Compared to lobeline, lobelane exhibited improved affinity and selectivity for VMAT2 over nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Lobelane inhibited neurochemical and behavioral effects of methamphetamine, but tolerance developed to its behavioral efficacy in reducing methamphetamine self-administration, preventing further development.
Lobelia (Lobelia inflata) is a botanically well-characterized North American plant with a rich history in Native American and 19th-century Western herbalism. Its primary active alkaloid, lobeline, interacts with a distinctive multi-target pharmacological profile involving nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (particularly α3β2* and α4β2*), VMAT2, DAT, and SERT. Despite this mechanistic interest, the clinical evidence base is weak across all proposed therapeutic indications. It is sometimes used as an aid to smoking cessation, although the clinical evidence does not support this. The ADHD evidence is limited to a single small proof-of-concept study. Antidepressant, anticonvulsant, and antimicrobial uses rest entirely on animal or in vitro data. The compound's narrow therapeutic index — at which toxic and therapeutic doses are dangerously close — remains a fundamental obstacle to clinical application. Regulatory bodies have removed OTC lobelia products for smoking cessation from sale in the United States based on lack of efficacy and safety concerns.
Condiciones de salud que lobelia puede ayudar a apoyar.
Lobeline was clinically investigated as a smoking cessation aid due to its nicotinic receptor activity. A phase 3 multicenter RCT (n=750) showed no significant benefit over placebo for smoking cessation (p=0.62). A Cochrane review concluded no long-term evidence supports lobeline for smoking cessation. Lobeline has also entered Phase 1 trials for methamphetamine addiction, where it was deemed safe.
Lobeline underwent a proof-of-concept human study for ADHD (Martin et al., J Atten Disord 2013/2018; n=9 adults), finding modest improvements in working memory but no significant improvement in attention. A follow-on Phase 2 trial was registered but results were not published. Preclinical studies support a plausible mechanism via dopaminergic modulation.
Preclinical research has identified antidepressant-like mechanisms in lobelia. Beta-amyrin palmitate isolated from lobelia inflata showed antidepressant activity in forced swim test studies (Life Sciences 1993; J Pharm Sci 1992). Lobeline also modulates dopamine and norepinephrine, neurotransmitters central to depression. All evidence to date is from animal models; no human clinical trials have been conducted.
19th-century Eclectic physicians applied lobelia poultices topically to abscesses and skin inflammations. This use appears in King's American Dispensatory and Felter's Eclectic Materia Medica. No clinical trials have evaluated this application. The rationale was lobelia's reputed drawing and relaxant properties when applied externally.
Lobelia has been traditionally used to ease anxiety and panic attacks, primarily in Eclectic and Native American medicine, based on its CNS depressant and relaxant effects at low doses. ScienceDirect's Lobelia inflata overview notes the herb "has been used to ease anxiety and panic attacks." No human clinical trials have specifically evaluated this use.
Eclectic physicians used lobelia liniments and tinctures topically and internally for rheumatic (arthritic) joint pain. Drugs.com historical records note lobelia was used in "treating colic, rheumatism, fever, and asthma." Felter's text describes oil of lobelia in liniments for "severe neuralgic and rheumatic complaints."
Asthma is lobelia's most historically prominent indication. Native Americans smoked lobelia to treat asthma, and Eclectic physicians made it a primary botanical for asthma management. Alpha-lobeline relaxes bronchial smooth muscle and stimulates respiratory drive. Despite a plausible mechanism, Healthline and MSKCC confirm no human clinical trials have demonstrated efficacy.
Eclectic texts describe lobelia lotion or poultice as a remedy for insect bites and stings, used topically. Felter's Eclectic Materia Medica states: "A lotion or a poultice...often relieves insect bites and stings." This is a traditional external application with no modern clinical evidence.
Lobelia (Lobelia inflata) has traditional use in Native American medicine and 19th-century American botanical medicine as a respiratory stimulant and expectorant for asthma and bronchitis. Its active alkaloid lobeline stimulates breathing, supports the cough reflex, and promotes mucus clearance from bronchial tubes. Clinical trial evidence is limited; use requires careful dosing due to narrow therapeutic window.
Lobelia (Lobelia inflata) is a traditional North American herb used extensively by Eclectic physicians specifically for bronchitis, asthma, and spasmodic cough. Lobeline, its primary alkaloid, acts as a respiratory stimulant and bronchial antispasmodic. It is listed among proposed traditional treatments for cough related to bronchitis in authoritative evidence databases.
Lobelia has a long-documented traditional role as a relaxant and antispasmodic across Native American and Eclectic medicine. At small doses it is said to calm and slow the heartbeat, relax muscles, and relieve nervous tension. No human clinical trials have formally tested this effect.
Eclectic physicians considered lobelia a useful pain reliever, using it both internally and in topical liniments for neuralgic, rheumatic, and chronic pain syndromes. PeaceHealth (citing King's American Dispensatory) documents it as "a useful pain reliever." No clinical trials have evaluated this use.
Lobelia (Lobelia inflata) is a traditional respiratory stimulant and bronchodilator used in Western herbal medicine for COPD, emphysema, and asthma. Herbal Reality identifies it as a powerful bronchodilator that eases breathing and clears mucus. Its active alkaloid lobeline has bronchodilatory properties. It is a Schedule 20 herb in the UK, requiring practitioner prescription due to potency.
Eclectic physicians employed lobelia in febrile states as a relaxant to modify circulation and promote diaphoresis. King's American Dispensatory documents its use "in fevers...as a relaxant and to modify the circulation." This is an exclusively traditional indication with no modern clinical evidence.
By the 19th century, lobelia was recorded as used for insomnia as part of its broader role as a CNS relaxant and nervine in Eclectic practice. Drugs.com's historical overview lists insomnia among conditions for which lobelia was used. No clinical studies have tested this application.
Lobelia (Lobelia inflata) has been used in Native American and Western herbal medicine as a bronchodilator and expectorant for asthma, bronchitis, and respiratory congestion. The alkaloid lobeline acts as a respiratory stimulant, thins mucus, and relaxes smooth muscles. In the UK it is restricted to licensed herbal practitioners.
Lobelia (Lobelia inflata) is a potent traditional bronchodilator and stimulating expectorant used in Native American and Western herbalism for asthma, bronchitis, and mucus clearance. Lobeline, its primary alkaloid, acts as a bronchial stimulant and expectorant helping to clear mucus and ease breathing. Naturopathic pharmacopeias and IntechOpen respiratory reviews confirm its expectorant role.
Lobelia's antispasmodic action on smooth and skeletal muscle is one of its most consistently documented traditional attributes. Native Americans used it for muscular disorders; Eclectic physicians applied it externally and internally to relieve muscular cramping and tension. No human clinical trials specifically address muscle tension.
Lobelia's most historically prominent property is its powerful emetic action, deliberately used by both Native Americans and 19th-century Eclectic physicians. It was intentionally employed to induce vomiting for therapeutic "cleansing" or poisoning antidotes. At sub-emetic doses, its effects on nausea are bidirectional.
Lobelia (Lobelia inflata) was one of the four principal herbs favored by 19th-century Eclectic physicians specifically for treating pertussis, valued for its antispasmodic and bronchodilatory effects. It is explicitly listed in the ADAM Complementary and Alternative Medicine pertussis resource and the 2006 Abascal and Yarnell peer-reviewed review. It requires careful dosing due to a narrow therapeutic margin.
Eclectic physicians used lobelia as both an internal expectorant/antispasmodic and a topical chest plaster (Compound Emetic Powder) for pneumonia. Felter's Eclectic Materia Medica and ADAM both document this use. No modern clinical evidence supports lobelia for pneumonia.
Eclectic physicians specifically described lobelia preparations as among the most effective applications for Rhus (poison ivy/oak) poisoning. Felter's Eclectic Materia Medica states: "Infusion of lobelia...are among the most efficient applications in rhus poisoning." This is documented traditional practice with no modern clinical evidence.
Lobelia has longstanding traditional use for seasonal respiratory conditions including bronchitis, coughs, and bronchial congestion associated with seasonal respiratory illness. It acts as an expectorant and bronchodilator. Native Americans smoked it for respiratory complaints; Eclectic physicians prescribed it for bronchopulmonary affections. No human clinical trials exist.
Historical Eclectic texts describe lobelia use for diphtheria and throat infections, and it was included in historical medical formulas for sore throat and respiratory tract irritation. Today it is suggested to clear mucus from the throat. No clinical evidence exists for sore throat specifically.
Felter's Eclectic Materia Medica explicitly documents lobelia tincture used "locally in sprains, bruises, rheumatic pains" as a topical application. This represents documented traditional practice from 19th-century Eclectic medicine. No clinical studies have evaluated this use.
Lobelia has extensive documentation as an expectorant, bronchodilator, and respiratory stimulant across Native American, Eclectic, and contemporary herbal traditions. Alpha-lobeline stimulates respiratory chemoreceptors and relaxes bronchial smooth muscle. Despite a plausible pharmacological mechanism, no human clinical trials have validated efficacy for upper respiratory conditions.
Sistemas corporales que lobelia puede ayudar a apoyar.
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