Evidence supporting the use of: Lobelia
For the health condition: Addictions (tobacco smoking or chewing)

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Lobelia (Lobelia inflata), commonly referred to as "Indian tobacco," has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly among Native American communities who used it for respiratory conditions and as an aid for breaking tobacco addiction. The traditional rationale stems from its physical resemblance to tobacco and its content of lobeline, an alkaloid with some pharmacological similarity to nicotine. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, lobelia was included in various smoking cessation remedies and was sometimes used by herbalists to induce mild aversion to tobacco or as a substitute during withdrawal.

Modern scientific evidence supporting lobelia's efficacy for treating or supporting tobacco addiction is limited and mixed. Early research suggested that lobeline might act on the same neural pathways as nicotine, potentially reducing withdrawal symptoms or cravings. However, subsequent clinical trials have found little to no significant benefit of lobeline or lobelia extracts in smoking cessation compared to placebo. Regulatory agencies such as the U.S. FDA have determined that lobeline is not effective as a smoking deterrent and have restricted its use in over-the-counter products for this purpose. Moreover, lobelia can be toxic in high doses, causing symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and even more severe reactions.

In summary, while lobelia's use in supporting tobacco addiction has strong traditional roots and some early pharmacological rationale, scientific validation is lacking and the evidence base is weak.

More about lobelia
More about Addictions (tobacco smoking or chewing)