Lobelia chinensis (Lobelia chinensis): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Questions fréquentes

How does Lobelia chinensis work medicinally?

Lobelia chinensis contains active compounds including lobelanidine, lobeline, flavonoids, and various alkaloids that contribute to its therapeutic effects. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it works by clearing heat and toxins from the body, which explains its traditional applications for infections and inflammatory conditions. The alkaloids may provide diuretic effects, supporting its use for edema. Evidence for specific mechanisms remains limited (Evidence Level: C), and more research is needed to fully understand its pharmacological activity.

Can Lobelia chinensis interact with medications?

Limited clinical data exists on specific drug interactions for Lobelia chinensis. However, due to its alkaloid content, including lobeline, it may theoretically interact with medications affecting the central nervous system or respiratory function. The herb's diuretic properties could potentially enhance the effects of diuretic medications. Patients taking prescription medications should consult a qualified healthcare provider before using this herb. Evidence Level: C based on pharmacological reasoning rather than clinical studies.

What is the correct dosage for Lobelia chinensis?

The typical adult dosage for Lobelia chinensis is 15-30g of fresh herb or 9-15g of dried herb, usually prepared as a decoction. Dosage may vary depending on the specific condition being treated and individual patient factors. This herb should only be used under the guidance of a qualified Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner who can determine the appropriate dose for your specific situation. Evidence Level: Traditional use.

Is Lobelia chinensis safe during pregnancy?

No, Lobelia chinensis is considered unsafe during pregnancy and should be avoided. The herb contains alkaloids that may stimulate uterine contractions or potentially affect fetal development. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not use this herb. Additionally, it is contraindicated for individuals with cold conditions or general debility according to Traditional Chinese Medicine principles. Evidence Level: C based on traditional contraindications and known alkaloid content.

What is Lobelia chinensis used to treat?

Lobelia chinensis is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine primarily to clear heat and toxins from the body. Traditional applications include treating snake bites, reducing edema and fluid retention, addressing jaundice, healing boils and skin infections, and managing respiratory infections. The herb may be used both internally and externally depending on the condition. Evidence Level: C, as these uses are primarily based on traditional practice with limited modern clinical validation.

What side effects does Lobelia chinensis cause?

The most commonly reported side effects of Lobelia chinensis are gastrointestinal in nature, including nausea, stomach upset, and discomfort, particularly when taken at higher doses. These effects are attributed to its alkaloid content. Individuals with sensitive digestive systems or pre-existing gastrointestinal conditions should exercise caution. Discontinue use if adverse reactions occur and consult a healthcare provider. Evidence Level: C based on traditional knowledge and reported effects.

Fiche d'information compilée à partir de PubMed

Cette fiche a été compilée à partir de résumés PubMed (NIH) avec l'assistance d'une IA. Chaque affirmation factuelle est citée par un article PubMed réel (voir la liste des sources). Elle n'a pas encore été révisée par un humain — confirmez auprès d'un professionnel de santé avant utilisation.

Compilé à partir de 30 articles PubMed · modèle : gemma4:31b

Résumé

Lobelia chinensis is a perennial herbaceous plant native to China used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and antitumor properties [PMID: 25787301, 30722156].

Contexte

Lobelia chinensis is a member of the Campanulaceae family that grows in moist to wet soils [PMID: 30722156]. It is widely distributed and used as a herbal medicine in Asia [PMID: 30544710].

Usages traditionnels

It has been used as a folk medicine in China for hundreds of years to treat fever, lung cancer, and inflammation [PMID: 25787301], and is used for clearing heat and detoxifying [PMID: 37429502].

Composés actifs

Chemical constituents include piperidine alkaloids (such as lobelanidine and lobelanine) [PMID: 24636059], flavonoids (including quercetin, apigenin, luteolin, and diosmetin) [PMID: 21434431, 19445152], coumarins [PMID: 19943485], polyacetylenes [PMID: 24444893], and polysaccharides such as an inulin-type fructan [PMID: 32475601] and an alpha-glucan (BP1) [PMID: 27314319]. Note that while lobeline is often associated with the Lobelia genus, one study reported its absence in L. chinensis [PMID: 30544710].

Mécanisme d'action

The herb may inhibit the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma by regulating the PTEN/AKT signaling pathway [PMID: 37429502]. Anti-inflammatory effects are correlated with the inhibition of the NF-kappaB pathway, specifically inhibiting iNOS, COX-2, TNF-alpha, and IL-6 [PMID: 25787301]. It may improve atopic dermatitis by regulating SPINK5/LEKTI to reinforce skin barrier function [PMID: 35955819]. Additionally, it suppresses osteoclast differentiation via dual inhibition of JNK/NF-kappaB and btk/PLCgamma2 pathways [PMID: 42274424].

Preuves cliniques

Preuve DHepatocellular Carcinoma

Inhibits progression via regulation of the PTEN/AKT signaling pathway in vivo and in vitro [PMID: 37429502]

Preuve DInflammation

Methanol extract and ethyl acetate fractions showed anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activities in vitro (RAW264.7 macrophages) and in vivo (acute rat lung injury model) [PMID: 25787301]

Preuve DAtopic Dermatitis

Extract and active compound diosmetin improved atopic dermatitis in a DNCB-induced murine model and human keratinocytes [PMID: 35955819]

Preuve DObesity

Inulin-type fructan (LCPS) reduced body weight gain, liver weight, total cholesterol, and triglycerides in high fat diet-induced mice [PMID: 32475601]

Preuve DColon precancerous lesions

Aqueous extract affected colonic epithelial proliferation and apoptosis in DMH-induced rats [PMID: 24311860]

Preuve DOsteoporosis

Sécurité et effets indésirables

One study noted that methanol extract and its fractions (62.5-250 ug/mL) did not induce cytotoxicity in RAW264.7 macrophages [PMID: 25787301].

Synthèse des preuves

The current evidence consists primarily of in vitro studies and animal models (Level D), demonstrating potential anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and anti-diabetic activities. There are no human clinical trials provided in the abstracts.

Sources PubMed

1.PMID: 24444893 (2014) — Chemical constituents of Lobelia chinensis. · Fitoterapia
2.PMID: 24636059 (2014) — Lobelia chinensis: chemical constituents and anticancer activity perspective. · Chinese journal of natural medicines
3.PMID: 37429502 (2024) — Lobelia chinensis Lour inhibits the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma via the regulation of the PTEN/AKT signaling pathway in vivo and in vitro. · Journal of ethnopharmacology
4.PMID: 32265717 (2020) — Network Pharmacology-Based Dissection of the Anti-diabetic Mechanism of Lobelia chinensis. · Frontiers in pharmacology
5.PMID: 35955819 (2022) — Lobelia chinensis Extract and Its Active Compound, Diosmetin, Improve Atopic Dermatitis by Reinforcing Skin Barrier Function through SPINK5/LEKTI Regulation.

Lobelia chinensis

Sources et citations

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