Expectorant lobelia

Lobelia is stated to possess respiratory stimulant, antiasthmatic, antispasmodic, expectorant, and emetic properties. Traditionally, it has been used for bronchitic asthma, chronic bronchitis, and specifically for spasmodic asthma with secondary bronchitis. It is also used topically for myositis and rheumatic nodules. 

EXPECTORANTS Assist, by their influence on the respiratory passages, the increased secretion and ejection of mucus.—Coltsfoot, Elecampane, Horehound, Black Horehound, Lobelia, Mouse-ear. Mullein, Pleurisy Root, Squill, Sundew, Yerba Santa. 

Isolates from Indian tobacco (Lobelia inf lata L.), as a crude mixture of bases, have been recognized as expectorants. The same (or similar) fractions were also used both in the treatment of asthma and as emetics. The principal alkaloid in L inflata is lobeline (49), an optically active tertiary amine which, unusual among alkaloids, is reported to readily undergo mutarotation, a process normally associated with sugars. Interestingly, it appears that the aryl-bearing side chains in (49) are derived from phenylalanine (25, R = H) (40). 

Although the value of these Confederate dmg substitutions cannot be broadly characterized as either efficacious or safe from a modern scientific perspective, it should be pointed out that of the sixty different plants listed on the supply table, over one-third stiU hold some current therapeutic use. Lobelia inflata is an interesting example. The supply table recommends its use as an expectorant and it had a well-established reputation as a useful remedy for respiratory disorders. 

Today, Lobelia inflata (Indian tobacco) or its derivatives (lobeline hydrochloride and lobeline sulfate) are used for much the same purpose and are marketed throughout Europe in a number of multi-ingredient preparations 73 Similarly, Poly gala senega (Seneca snakeroot), listed in the supply table as an expectorant, is widely marketed throughout Europe and South Africa for respiratory-tract complaints 7 A popularly prescribed diuretic on the supply table was Juniperus communis (juniper) it is still widely manufactured and dispensed for the same purpose today75... 

Lobelia inflata, Lobelia, Expectorant, 1 to2fl. drachms. Tinct. 0[lb.] 8[oz.]... 

Lobelia The leaves and tops of Lobelia inflata, commonly known as Indian tobacco or emetic weed. Used as an antispasmodle and expectorant. 

In Chinese medicine related Lobelia species (e.g., L. chinensis Lour, and L. sessilifolia Lamb.) are also used, the former primarily for jaundice and sores, wounds, ringworm, snakebite and insect bites, and malaria while the latter is used as an expectorant and antitussive and in treating bronchitis, ulcerous sores, snakebites, and insect and dog bites. Both herbs also contain lobeline and related alkaloids. 

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