devil's tobacco
Lobelia tupa
Lobelia tupa is a plant traditionally not associated with any specific medicinal practices. Scientific evidence suggests that it contains phytoconstituents which may modulate signaling pathways in lung and colorectal cancer cells, though this finding is based on preliminary research and further studies are needed to confirm these effects. Additionally, extracts from Lobelia tupa have shown potential against the grain beetle Sitophilus granarius, causing mortality ranging from 45% to 80% over six days. The alkaloid pentylsedinine found in Lobelia tupa acts as a partial agonist at nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. No major safety issues or known drug interactions have been recorded for this plant, but given the limited research, caution is advised when considering its use.
- 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
- The study identifies several phytoconstituents from eleven traditional medicinal plants, including Lobelia tupa, that modulate key signaling pathways in lung and colorectal cancer cells.
- The study found that CYC-like gene duplication and expression patterns vary among different subfamilies of Campanulaceae, influencing floral symmetry.
- Lobelia tupa extracts caused mortality ranging from 45% to 80% in Sitophilus granarius over 6 days.
- Pentylsedinine, an alkaloid from Lobelia tupa, acts as a partial agonist at nicotinic acetylcholine receptors.
Frequently asked questions
What is devil's tobacco?
devil's tobacco (Lobelia tupa) 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 devil's tobacco?
4 sourced findings are recorded for devil's tobacco; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: The study identifies several phytoconstituents from eleven traditional medicinal plants, including Lobelia tupa, that modulate key signaling pathways in lung and colorectal cancer cells.
How strong is the evidence for devil's tobacco?
The strongest finding for devil's tobacco carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is devil's tobacco safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for devil's tobacco in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does devil's tobacco interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for devil's tobacco in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
Is devil's 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 Assessment of insecticidal responses of extracts and compounds of Drimys winteri, Lobelia tupa, Viola portalesia and Vestia foetida against the granary weevil Sitophilus granarius literature abstract metadata
- T2 (-)-Pentylsedinine, a New Alkaloid from the Leaves of Lobelia tupa with Agonist Activity at Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Duplication and expression patterns of CYCLOIDEA-like genes in Campanulaceae. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Interplay Between Traditional and Scientific Knowledge: Phytoconstituents and Their Roles in Lung and Colorectal Cancer Signaling Pathways. literature abstract metadata