Lobelia inflata: morphological characteristics and toxic properties of the plant

Lobelia inflata poses a danger to the purity of the harvested crop. When harvesting herbal raw materials, the capsule fruits and small seeds of this plant can contaminate the finished product. The plant belongs to the Lobeliaceae family (LOBELIACEAE R.Br.), although accompanying materials also mention the Rubiaceae family (RUBIACEAE Juss.). The crop is cultivated for medicinal purposes, which requires strict control of crop purity.

The fruits of the lobelia are capsules that open at the top with two valves. The seeds are oblong-oval, brown, and shiny, with a distinct longitudinally reticulated surface. Due to their small size, they are difficult to separate from the bulk of the harvest during standard cleaning.

• Seed length — 0.7 mm
• Seed width — 0.3 mm

Toxic properties of Lobelia inflata

The above-ground part and seeds of the plant contain dangerous alkaloids: lobeline, lobelanine, and lobelanidine. Their concentration in the roots is slightly lower, but they are also poisonous. These substances exert a reflex stimulating effect on the respiratory center by exciting the chemoreceptors of the carotid bodies. In addition, the alkaloids actively stimulate vegetative ganglia.

If parts of the plant enter the product, acute poisoning is possible. Symptoms develop rapidly and require immediate medical intervention. For timely assistance, it is important to quickly recognize the clinical picture of intoxication.

• Nausea and vomiting;
• Dizziness;
• Bradycardia;
• Increased blood pressure;
• Hyperglycemia;
• Respiratory distress and convulsions.