Chapter 100 Lobelia inflata (Indian Tobacco)
Lobelia inflata (family: Campanulaceae)
Common names: Indian tobacco, pukeweed, asthma weed, gagroot, vomitwort
Chemical Composition
Lobelia contains about 0.48% pyridine (piperidine) alkaloids composed mainly of lobeline (Figure 100-1), with lesser amounts of lobelanine, lobelanidine, and other alkaloids.1 Other constituents include resin, gum, lipids, and chelidonic acid.2
History and Folk Use
Thomson stated: “There is no vegetable which the earth produces more harmless in its effect on the human system, and none more powerful in removing disease and promoting health than lobelia.”3

Stay updated, free articles. Join our Telegram channel

Full access? Get Clinical Tree

