Reliable
and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit. Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies
suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit. For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal
or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support and/or minimal health
benefit.
Historical or traditional use (may
or may not be supported by scientific studies)
Eclectic physicians, early North American doctors who used herbs as their primary medicine,
considered lobelia to be one of the most important medicinal plants.1 It was used
by Eclectics to treat coughs and spasms in the
lungs from varying causes, as well as spasms elsewhere in the body, including the intestines
and ureters (passages from the kidney to the bladder).2 Lobelia was also considered
a useful pain reliever and in higher amounts was used to induce vomiting in people who had
been poisoned.
Active constituents
The alkaloid lobeline is responsible for most of lobelia’s actions. Lobeline has been
used as a traditional herbal approach to help people stop smoking. Results of human trials
using lobeline for smoking cessation have been mixed and generally negative.3
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.4
How much is usually taken?
Eclectic physicians generally recommended using a tincture of lobelia made partially or
entirely with vinegar instead of alcohol.5 A vinegar extract is known as an
acetract. At most, 1 ml was given three times per day. The absolute maximum amount to take
should be that which causes no, or minimal, nausea. Lobelia ointment has also been used
topically on the chest to relieve asthma and
bronchitis. People should apply such ointments
liberally several times per day.
Are there any side effects or interactions?
Lobelia frequently causes nausea and vomiting when the amount used is too high. Generally,
more than 1 ml of tincture or acetract taken at one time will cause nausea and possibly
vomiting and should be avoided.6 Although lobelia has a reputation for being toxic,
a thorough review of the medical literature was unable to find any well-documented case of
serious problems or death due to lobelia.7 This may be because a toxic amount
cannot be ingested without first causing vomiting. Signs of lobelia poisoning may include
weakness, heartburn, weak pulse, difficulty breathing, and collapse.8 Nevertheless,
lobelia should not be used for more than one month consecutively and should be avoided during
pregnancy and breast-feeding.9 Due
to its emetic (vomit-inducing) actions, lobelia should be used cautiously with children under
the age of six years.
Are there any drug
interactions?
Certain medicines may interact with lobelia. Refer to drug interactions for a list of those medicines.
References (To view, roll mouse over the "References" heading; to hide, click on the heading)
1. Felter HW, Lloyd JU. King’s American Dispensatory, 18th
ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1898, 1983, 1199–205.
2. Ellingwood F. American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and
Pharmacognosy, 11th ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1919, 1998,
235–42.
3. Davison GC, Rosen RC. Lobeline and reduction of cigarette smoking.
Psychol Reports 1972;31:443–56.
4. Pocta J. Therapeutic use of lobeline Spofa. Cas Lek Cesk
1970;109:865 [in Czech].
5. Felter HW, Lloyd JU. King’s American Dispensatory, 18th
ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1898, 1983, 1199–205.
6. Felter HW, Lloyd JU. King’s American Dispensatory, 18th
ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1898, 1983, 1199–205.
7. Bergner P. Is lobelia toxic? Medical Herbalism
1998;10:1,15–32 [review].
8. Ellingwood F. American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and
Pharmacognosy, 11th ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1919, 1998,
235–42.
9. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A. American Herbal Products
Association’s Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 1997, 71.
The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational purposes
only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical
experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not
necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with
prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor,
practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or
before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires September 2008.
Reliable
and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies
suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.