devil's tobacco
Lobelia tupa
Lobelia tupa is a plant belonging to the Campanulaceae family. In certain traditional contexts, it has been utilized for the treatment of nicotine addiction. Scientific research indicates that the alkaloid pentylsedinine acts as a partial agonist at nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, and extracts have demonstrated insecticidal properties against Sitophilus granarius. Some studies suggest certain phytoconstituents may modulate signaling pathways in specific cancer cell lines, though further research is needed to clarify these effects. No major safety issues or notable drug interactions have been recorded in the available data.
- Traditionally for
- nicotine addiction treatment
- Traditions
- Western phytotherapy
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
Traditional use
- nicotine addiction treatment
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 is devil's tobacco traditionally used for?
Traditional sources record devil's tobacco for: nicotine addiction treatment. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.
Which traditions use devil's tobacco?
devil's tobacco appears in these traditions in our sources: Western phytotherapy.
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
- T3 Lobelia tupa CC BY-SA 4.0