Lobelia

Lobelia

Lobelia is a plant traditionally associated with various indigenous and folk medicine practices, though specific traditional uses are not well-documented. Scientific evidence suggests that extracts from Lobelia chinensis may have potential as an anti-resorptive agent for osteoporosis by suppressing osteoclast differentiation through dual inhibition of JNK/nF-κB and btk/PLCγ2 pathways. Additionally, lobetyolin from Lobelia rhynchopetalum shows antitrypanosomal activity both in vitro and in vivo against Trypanosoma congolense; however, further validation is required to confirm these findings. The diets of certain alpine grasshoppers include plants such as Gaultheria and Lobelia, indicating the plant's presence in their habitat but not necessarily its medicinal use. No major safety issues or known drug interactions have been recorded for Lobelia, though this information should be interpreted with caution due to limited research.

At a glance
Best evidence
D
Cautions

Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.

What the science says

  • Lobelia chinensis extract suppresses osteoclast differentiation through dual inhibition of JNK/nF-κB and btk/PLCγ2 pathways, potentially making it an anti-resorptive agent for osteoporosis. D PMID
  • The study found that lobetyolin from Lobelia rhynchopetalum exhibits antitrypanosomal activity both in vitro and in vivo against Trypanosoma congolense, though further validation is needed. D PMID
  • The diets of sympatric alpine grasshopper species included a wide range of plants, with shrubs and herbs like Gaultheria and Lobelia being favored. D PMID
  • The study identified 137 major low-molecular-weight metabolites in 11 macrophyte species, with fatty acids being a common component. D PMID
  • Even low concentrations of sucralose affected gas exchange, chlorophyll content, and flowering hue in three North American prairie species. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is Lobelia?

Lobelia (Lobelia) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.

What does the scientific evidence say about Lobelia?

5 sourced findings are recorded for Lobelia; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Lobelia chinensis extract suppresses osteoclast differentiation through dual inhibition of JNK/nF-κB and btk/PLCγ2 pathways, potentially making it an anti-resorptive agent for osteoporosis.

How strong is the evidence for Lobelia?

The strongest finding for Lobelia carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).

Is Lobelia safe? What are the side effects?

No major safety issues are recorded for Lobelia in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.

Does Lobelia interact with medications?

No drug interactions are recorded for Lobelia in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.

What are the common names of Lobelia?

Lobelia is also known as: лобелия.

Is Lobelia a proven treatment?

No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.

Sources

  1. T2 Antitrypanosomal Activity and Molecular Docking Studies of Lobetyolin From Lobelia rhynchopetalum Hemsl. Root Extract Against Trypanosoma congolense Field Isolates. literature abstract metadata
  2. T2 Major Low-Molecular-Weight Metabolites from Freshwater Aquatic Macrophytes: Ecological Aspects. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 Dietary Overlap of Sympatric Polyphagous Alpine Grasshoppers Includes Invasive Plant Species. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 Environmentally-relevant concentrations of dissolved sucralose affect gas exchange, chlorophyll content, and flowering hue of three North American prairie species. literature abstract metadata
  5. T2 Lobelia chinensis extract suppresses osteoclast differentiation through dual inhibition of JNK/nF-κB and btk/PLCγ2 pathways. literature abstract metadata