Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Lobelia (Lobelia inflata) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly in North America, as a remedy for respiratory conditions such as spastic coughs, asthma, and bronchitis. Native American tribes and 19th-century herbalists frequently employed lobelia as an expectorant and antispasmodic agent to relieve coughs characterized by spasms or constriction. The plant contains several active alkaloids, notably lobeline, which was thought to act as a respiratory stimulant and muscle relaxant. However, modern clinical evidence supporting its efficacy for treating spastic cough is limited. Most of the supportive literature consists of case reports, historical accounts, and traditional herbals, rather than rigorous clinical trials. Some pharmacological studies suggest that lobeline may have bronchodilator and expectorant properties, which could theoretically ease spastic coughing, but these effects have not been adequately demonstrated in well-designed human studies. In addition, lobelia can be toxic in high doses, producing symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and even respiratory depression. Consequently, while traditional use persists and there is some pharmacological rationale, the overall quality of evidence is low. Healthcare providers typically do not recommend lobelia for cough due to safety concerns and lack of robust clinical validation.

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