devil's tobacco
Lobelia tupa
Lobelia tupa is a plant traditionally used in South American folk medicine, particularly by indigenous communities. While its specific uses are not well-documented, it has been studied for its potential medicinal properties. Scientific evidence suggests that Lobelia tupa contains phytoconstituents with modulatory effects on key signaling pathways in cancer cells, specifically lung and colorectal cancers. Additionally, an alkaloid from the plant, pentylsedinine, acts as a partial agonist at nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. In another study, extracts of Lobelia tupa demonstrated significant mortality rates ranging from 45% to 80% in stored grain pests over six days, with lobelanidine showing moderate activity. To date, no major safety concerns or drug interactions have been recorded for this plant, though further research is needed to fully understand its potential benefits and risks.
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
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 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