Indian Tobacco
Lobelia inflata
Lobelia inflata, commonly known as Indian tobacco, is a traditional medicinal plant native to North America. It has been used in Native American practices for various purposes, though specific uses are not well-documented. Scientific evidence suggests that while the plant exhibits certain fitness advantages under constrained seasons, its overall fitness remains lower compared to conditions with longer seasons. Research indicates that Lobelia inflata contains phytoconstituents with potential modulatory effects on key signaling pathways in lung and colorectal cancer cells, though more comprehensive studies are needed for definitive conclusions. The outcrossing capacity of the plant varies geographically, with increased capacity noted at low latitudes and near the center of its range. Lobeline injections from this plant have shown a significant respiratory excitatory effect, which is influenced by the ratio of trans-lobeline to cis-lobeline. No major safety issues or recorded drug interactions are associated with Lobelia inflata based on current data.
- 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 inflata contains lobeline, which shows potential in modulating signaling pathways related to lung and colorectal cancers.
- The apparent fitness advantage under constrained seasons in Lobelia inflata is offset by lower per-seed fitness and decreasing viability, resulting in overall fitness being 77.4% of that under longer seasons.
- The respiratory excitatory effect of lobeline injections significantly reduced by 50.2% when containing 36.9% trans-lobeline compared to cis-lobeline.
- Outcrossing capacity in Lobelia inflata increased at low latitudes and near the species range center, with stylar exsertion frequencies lower than in congeneric species.
Frequently asked questions
What is Indian Tobacco?
Indian Tobacco (Lobelia inflata) 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 Indian Tobacco?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Indian Tobacco; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Lobelia inflata contains lobeline, which shows potential in modulating signaling pathways related to lung and colorectal cancers.
How strong is the evidence for Indian Tobacco?
The strongest finding for Indian Tobacco carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Indian Tobacco safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Indian Tobacco in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Indian Tobacco interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Indian Tobacco in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Indian Tobacco?
Indian Tobacco is also known as: Лобелия вздутая, Tabac indien.
Is Indian Tobacco 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
- T2 Delusions of grandeur: Seed count is not a good fitness proxy under individual variation in phenology. literature abstract metadata
- T2 From cis-Lobeline to trans-Lobeline: Study on the Pharmacodynamics and Isomerization Factors. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Latitudinal trends in mating system traits in the highly self-fertilizing Lobelia inflata revealed by community science. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Interplay Between Traditional and Scientific Knowledge: Phytoconstituents and Their Roles in Lung and Colorectal Cancer Signaling Pathways. literature abstract metadata