Lobelia inflata

Lobelie inflata [Image]. [1990-2014]. Retrieved from: https://gobotany.newenglandwild.org/species/lobelia/inflata/

Common name:
Lobelia
(Hoffman, 1983, p.206)

Latin binomial:
Lobelia inflata
(Hoffman, 1983, p.206)

Family: 
Campanulaceae
 (Hoffman, 1983, p.206)

Parts used:
Ariel parts 
 (Hoffman, 1983, p.206)

Active constituents:

• Alkoloids inlcuding lobeline, 
• Lobeidine, 
• Lobelanine, 
• Isolobelanine, 
• Bitter glycosides; volatile oil; 
• Resin; gum 

(Hoffman, 1983, p. 206) 

Actions:

• Repiratory stimulant, 
• Anti- asthmatic, 
• Antispasmodic
• Expectorant 
• Emetic

 (Hoffman, 1983, p. 206) 

Indications:

• Systemic relaxant  (Hoffman, 1983, p. 206)
• Has a depressant action on the CNS & ANS and on neuro-muscular action (Hoffman, 1983, p. 206)
• Bronchitis, asthma, bronchitis (Hoffman, 1983, p. 206)

Contraindications:

• Lobelia is potentially toxic and considered poisonous, particularly at high doses. According to secondary sources, all parts of the lobelia plant are potentially toxic. 
• Lobeline, a constituent of lobelia, can bind to nicotine receptors and cause adverse effects, including tachycardia, sweating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions, and even death.
• Use cautiously in patients with asthma, as lobelia may have respiratory stimulant effects. 
• Use cautiously in patients with cardiovascular disease, as lobelia may cause increased heart rate and hypotension.
• Use cautiously in patients taking CNS depressants, as lobelia may have sedative effects.
• Avoid in patients using nicotine, as concurrent use may cause additive effects.
• Avoid during pregnancy, as lobelia may induce emesis.
• Avoid with known allergy/hypersensitivity to lobelia, its constituents, or other plants in the Campanulaceae family.
• Scheduled for use in Australia 

(Costa, Giese,  Isaac, Kyomitmaitee,  Reynolds, Rusie Ulbricht, Zhou, 2013)

Cautions:
Same as contraindications*

(Costa, Giese,  Isaac, Kyomitmaitee,  Reynolds, Rusie Ulbricht, Zhou, 2013)  

Dosage:

• Scheduled: S2 (Pharmacy only) or S4 (medical practitioners) in Australia
• Therapeutic use: 0.5 – 1ml three times a day (Hoffman, 1983, p. 206.

Combinations: 
Cayenne, Grindelia, Sundew & Ephedra for Asthma  (Hoffman, 1983, p. 206) 


References: 
 
Costa, Giese,  Isaac, Kyomitmaitee,  Reynolds, Rusie Ulbricht, Zhou. (2013) Natural standards professional monograph. 

Hoffman, D. (1983) The holistic herbal. Element books: Dorset.